Old Fashioned Fruit Cake(Stack Cake)

Prep: 20 min Cook: 20 min Serves: 6 Cuisine: American

A rich, layered fruit cake with warm spices and sweet apple butter between layers, perfect for special occasions or cozy gatherings that appreciate nostalgic flavors.

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Ingredients

  • 1 cup sugar
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 cup Crisco
  • 5 cups plain flour
  • 1 cup molasses
  • 2 teaspoons soda
  • 1/4 cup buttermilk
  • 1 tablespoon vinegar
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 2 tablespoons ginger

Instructions

  1. Mix all ingredients together thoroughly.
  2. Divide the mixture into six balls.
  3. Bake each ball in an 8-inch skillet for about 15 to 25 minutes or until browned.
  4. Allow the cakes to cool slightly.
  5. Spread apple butter or stewed apples with allspice between each layer.
  6. Stack the layers to form a six-layer cake.
  7. Let the assembled cake set for a couple of days before serving for best flavor.

Tips & Substitutions

For a lighter texture, consider sifting the flour before mixing it with the other ingredients. You can substitute Crisco with unsalted butter or coconut oil for a richer flavor. If you prefer a spicier cake, add additional spices such as nutmeg or cloves. Ensure that the layers are even to promote uniform baking, and remember to check for doneness by inserting a toothpick.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this Old Fashioned Fruit Cake with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for added indulgence. It pairs beautifully with Hot Fudge Syrup for a decadent dessert experience. Consider serving alongside a warm beverage such as spiced cider or coffee to complement the cake's flavors.

Storage & Reheating

Store the assembled fruit cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, refrigerate it wrapped in plastic wrap and aluminum foil for up to a month. To enjoy, allow it to come to room temperature before serving. The flavors will develop beautifully over time.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Old Fashioned Fruit Cake(Stack Cake) contains roughly 133 calories, with 3g protein, 27g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. It is a good source of vitamin C (16% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (10% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1594mg per serving (69% of the Daily Value).

133 kcal 7% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 2.7g 5% DV
Total Fat 1.8g 2% DV
Carbs 27.3g 10% DV
Fiber 2.9g 10% DV
Sugar 12g 24% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 1594.2mg 69% DV
Potassium 349.5mg 7% DV
Cholesterol 9.2mg 3% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 21.1mcg 2% DV
Vitamin C 14.6mg 16% DV
Vitamin D 0.5mcg 3% DV
Calcium 117.6mg 9% DV
Iron 1.1mg 6% DV
Diet fit Under 400 cal Low-fat
Contains Egg Wheat/Gluten

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use whole wheat flour instead of plain flour?

Yes, you can use whole wheat flour as a substitute for plain flour, but the texture may be denser. It's recommended to use a blend of half whole wheat and half all-purpose flour for a balance between health and texture.

How can I make this cake vegan?

To make this fruit cake vegan, replace the eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water per egg). Use a plant-based shortening instead of Crisco and substitute buttermilk with a vegan version made from almond milk mixed with vinegar.

What can I use instead of apple butter or stewed apples?

If you don't have apple butter or stewed apples on hand, you can use any fruit preserves or even a simple homemade fruit compote. For a unique twist, consider using peach preserves, which can offer a delightful contrast to the flavors of the cake.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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