Apple Stack Cake

Introduction

Apple Stack Cake is a beloved Southern dessert that’s perfect for fall, though it’s a treat worth enjoying all year long. It’s made with layers of soft, spiced cake and a generous filling of apple butter or spiced applesauce. If you’ve never had it before, you’re in for a real treat! What I love about this cake is that it’s not just about the sweet flavor—it’s the texture and layers that make it so special. It’s like a big, cozy hug in cake form, and each bite offers a little piece of history.

Whether you’re celebrating the harvest season, looking for a comforting Apple Stack Cake for a family gathering, or just want something unique to bake, this cake will be sure to impress. Ready to bake a classic dessert that will have everyone asking for the recipe? Let’s dive in!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Layered Goodness: The best part of this cake is the layers. Each slice reveals a stack of soft, flavorful cakes, piled high with a sweet and slightly tart filling.
• Apple Perfection: The apple butter or applesauce adds just the right amount of sweetness and spice, making every bite taste like autumn.
• Versatile: You can easily adjust the level of spice or sweetness in the filling to match your personal preference.
• Easy to Make Ahead: The cake actually improves with time, so it’s a great make-ahead dessert. You can assemble it a day or two before serving, allowing the flavors to meld together.
• Impressive: This cake is beautiful and will definitely turn heads at any gathering or party.

Preparation Time and Baking Time

• Total Time: 2 hours (including cooling)
• Preparation Time: 30 minutes
• Baking Time: 25-30 minutes per layer
• Servings: 8-10 servings
• Calories per serving: Approximately 350-400 calories
• Key Nutrients: Fat: 15g, Carbohydrates: 55g, Protein: 3g, Fiber: 2g

Ingredients

For the Cake:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 cup buttermilk
• 1/4 cup molasses
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Apple Filling:

• 2 cups apple butter or unsweetened applesauce
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
• 1 tablespoon honey or brown sugar (optional, for extra sweetness)
• 1 apple, peeled, cored, and finely chopped (optional, for added texture)

Ingredient Highlights

• Molasses: Adds a rich, deep flavor to the cake that pairs beautifully with the spices.
• Buttermilk: Helps create a tender crumb and adds a slight tang that balances the sweetness.
• Apple Butter/Applesauce: Provides the perfect apple filling for this layered cake. Apple butter gives a deeper, more intense apple flavor, while applesauce is a little lighter and sweeter.
• Spices: Cinnamon, ginger, and cloves bring warmth and comfort to the cake, making it perfect for cozy gatherings.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Cake Layers

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease and flour three 8-inch round cake pans.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and salt. Set aside.
3. Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Add the Wet Ingredients: Beat in the egg, then add the buttermilk, molasses, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix to keep the cake tender.
6. Divide the Batter: Divide the batter evenly between the three prepared cake pans. Smooth the tops with a spatula.
7. Bake the Layers: Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of each layer comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in their pans for about 10 minutes, then transfer them to wire racks to cool completely.

Prepare the Apple Filling

1. Make the Filling: While the cake layers cool, mix the apple butter (or applesauce) with cinnamon, honey (or brown sugar), and the finely chopped apple (if using). Stir until well combined and smooth.
2. Taste and Adjust: Taste the filling and adjust the sweetness or spice level to your liking. Add more honey or cinnamon if needed.

Assemble the Cake

1. Layer the Cake: Once the cake layers have cooled completely, place one layer on a serving platter or cake stand. Spread a generous amount of the apple filling on top, covering it evenly.
2. Stack the Layers: Repeat with the second and third layers, spreading apple filling between each layer of cake.
3. Final Layer: For the top, spread the remaining apple filling evenly on the top layer. You can optionally garnish with extra chopped apples or a sprinkle of cinnamon for a pretty finishing touch.
4. Let it Set: Let the cake sit for at least an hour before serving so the flavors have time to meld together and the cake softens from the filling.

How to Serve

This Apple Stack Cake is just as beautiful as it is delicious. Here are a few ideas for serving it:

1. Classic: Serve slices of the cake as-is with a cup of coffee or tea.
2. With Whipped Cream: Add a dollop of freshly whipped cream on top or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgence.
3. Caramel Drizzle: For an added treat, drizzle some warm caramel sauce over the top of each slice.
4. As a Dessert Centerpiece: Serve the cake at a family dinner or a special occasion as the showstopper dessert.
5. Breakfast-Style: Enjoy it as a comforting breakfast with a cup of coffee—this cake has just the right balance of sweet and spice.

Additional Tips

• Make Ahead: The cake can be made a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator. The flavors will continue to deepen, and the cake will become even more moist.
• Extra Texture: Add a handful of chopped nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, to the apple filling for some crunch.
• Alternative Fillings: If apple butter is hard to find, you can make your own with cooked apples and a little sugar, or you can use a spiced apple jam.
• Layer Variations: Instead of three layers, you can bake the cake in a 9×13-inch pan and slice it into layers once it’s cool.

Recipe Variations

Get creative with these variations to make your Apple Stack Cake your own:

• Spiced Pecans: Add some candied or toasted pecans to the apple filling for a nutty crunch.
• Caramel Apple Filling: Make a caramel sauce and mix it with the apples for a richer, sweeter filling.
• Vegan Version: Swap out the butter for vegan butter, use non-dairy milk, and make sure the apple butter is vegan-friendly.
• Gluten-Free: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make this cake gluten-free.

Freezing and Storage

• Storage: This cake stores well in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Make sure to cover it with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container to keep it fresh.
• Freezing: You can freeze individual slices or the whole cake for up to 3 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing.

Special Equipment

• Cake Pans: Three 8-inch round cake pans work perfectly for this recipe.
• Electric Mixer: An electric mixer is helpful for creaming the butter and sugar, but a hand whisk will also do the job.
• Cake Stand or Serving Platter: This cake is as pretty as it is delicious, so it deserves to be displayed on a nice cake stand or platter.

FAQ Section

Here are answers to some common questions about making Apple Stack Cake:

• Can I use store-bought apple butter?
  Yes! Store-bought apple butter works perfectly for the filling, but homemade apple butter can make it even more special.
• Can I make this cake in advance?
  Absolutely! This cake actually tastes better the next day as the flavors meld, so feel free to make it ahead of time.
• Can I use something other than apple butter for the filling?
  Yes, applesauce is a great alternative. You can also make your own apple butter if you prefer.

Print

Conclusion

Apple Stack Cake is a comforting and flavorful dessert that combines soft layers of cake with a spiced apple filling, making it a crowd-pleaser for any occasion. The warm, aromatic spices and tender cake layers pair perfectly with the sweet, cinnamon-infused apple filling, creating a dessert that’s both satisfying and indulgent. Whether you’re baking for a holiday, a special celebration, or just because, this cake is bound to be a hit.

Not only does this Apple Stack Cake taste amazing, but it also looks impressive when stacked high, making it a showstopper at any gathering. Each slice is like a little piece of autumn on a plate, and it’s sure to become a cherished recipe in your collection.

So, gather your ingredients, take your time to layer up this beauty, and enjoy every delicious bite. Don’t forget to snap a photo and tag me on social media—I love seeing your delicious creations! Enjoy!