Old Fashioned Stack Cake
A nostalgic layered cake with rich molasses flavor, tender thin layers, and apple sauce frosting, perfect for family gatherings and special occasions seeking a sweet, homemade touch.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat the oven and grease well.
- Sift dry ingredients (flour, ginger, cinnamon, soda) three times.
- Cream margarine and light brown sugar until smooth.
- Add molasses and eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Alternately add dry ingredients and buttermilk to the creamed mixture, beginning and ending with dry ingredients.
- Pour batter into 9-inch cake pans, spreading as thin as possible to cover the bottom of each pan.
- Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 12 to 15 minutes until lightly browned.
- Allow cakes to cool completely.
- Stack the layers, spreading fresh applesauce between each layer and on top and sides of the cake for frosting.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter cake, consider substituting half of the margarine with unsweetened applesauce. If you don't have buttermilk on hand, mix 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice and let it sit for 5 minutes. Ensure the layers are evenly baked and cool completely before stacking to prevent collapsing. This cake pairs beautifully with the Berry Cream Coffee Cake for a delightful dessert spread.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Old Fashioned Stack Cake with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for added indulgence. It can also be paired with a cup of coffee or tea for a cozy afternoon treat. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside the Easy Oven Vegetables for a balanced and satisfying experience.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover stack cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you need to keep it longer, refrigerate it for up to a week. To reheat, slice a piece and warm it in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds, or until just warm, to maintain its texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Old Fashioned Stack Cake contains roughly 441 calories, with 6g protein, 60g carbohydrates, and 20g fat. It is a good source of iron (13% of the Daily Value), protein (12% of the Daily Value), and calcium (12% of the Daily Value).
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 a different type of sugar instead of light brown sugar?
Yes, you can substitute light brown sugar with granulated sugar or dark brown sugar, which will add a richer flavor. If using granulated sugar, consider adding a tablespoon of molasses to mimic the flavor profile of brown sugar.
Is it necessary to stack the cake layers?
Stacking the layers is traditional for this recipe, allowing for the applesauce to add moisture and flavor in between. However, if you prefer a single-layer cake, you can bake all the batter in one pan and frost the top with applesauce instead.
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! The cake layers can be baked a day or two in advance. Just store them tightly wrapped at room temperature. Assemble the cake with applesauce right before serving to ensure freshness and to maintain the texture of the layers.
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).