The Appalachian Apple Stack Cake is a dessert that families in the south continue to enjoy, even years after it was first created. The exact origin of this wonderful cake is a bit unclear. Most believe the original cake came from Kentucky, but others say it was first brought to Kentucky in 1774 from Pennsylvania.
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Regardless of the true origin of the cake, it is definitely a southern favorite and one you will love making for your family. This recipe from Our State is one of the best out there and is incredibly simple to put together. Here's what you will need to make the cake.
Ingredients:
Filling:
- 1 pound dried apples
- 1 cup brown sugar, firmly packed
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- ½ tsp nutmeg
- 4-5 cups water
Layers:
- 5 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2/3 cup shortening (or unsalted butter)
- 1 cup of sugar
- 1 cup molasses
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
- 1 cup buttermilk, well-shaken
To make the cake, you will combine the dried apple filling ingredients, including the apples, and place in a saucepan. Cover with water and bring to a boil. Allow the mixture to simmer until the apples are tender and the filling is very thick. This typically takes an hour. At this point, use a potato masher to create a chunky sauce.
For the layers, you will start by combining the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt at medium speed. In a separate large bowl, combine the shortening, sugar, and molasses. After this mixture is smooth and creamy, add the eggs, one at a time. Add low speed add in the flour mixture, in parts, alternating between the flour and the buttermilk. You will then separate the dough into six parts and bake in 9-inch cake pans for 15 minutes. You'll also need parchment paper for when you bake each layer and wire racks for cooling.
At this point, it is time to begin putting your cake together. To watch the process of building the cake layers in action, be sure to check out this video.
https://youtu.be/0Qo7Wk5LBRs
The Appalachian Apple Stack Cake is a delicious addition to any family dinner or gathering. As wonderful as it is, you will not likely have any morsel left over. If you are preparing for your next big family dinner, make sure you add this to the dessert menu.
This post was originally published on June 6, 2016.
