How to Make a Traditional Appalachian Apple Stack Cake

butter

🥗Healthier: coconut oil

💰Cheaper: margarine

Coconut oil can reduce saturated fat while still providing moisture.

buttermilk

🥗Healthier: Greek yogurt

💰Cheaper: milk + vinegar

Greek yogurt adds creaminess with fewer calories.

sugar

🥗Healthier: honey

💰Cheaper: brown sugar

Honey offers a natural sweetness with a unique flavor.

all-purpose flour

🥗Healthier: whole wheat flour

💰Cheaper: cake flour

Whole wheat flour adds fiber and nutrients.

Start by cooking 1 pound of dried apples in a pot.

Add approximately 8 cups of water to the pot until the apples are not completely covered.

Cook the apples, stirring occasionally, for about 2 hours, adding water as needed to prevent scorching.

After 2 hours, the apples should be soft; add 1 cup of brown sugar, 1/2 cup of white sugar, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon of cloves, and 1/2 teaspoon of allspice to the pot and stir well.

In a separate bowl, combine 1/2 cup of shortening, 1/2 cup of sugar, and 1 egg; mix until well combined.

Add 1/3 cup of molasses (sorghum syrup) and 1/2 cup of buttermilk to the mixture and stir.

In another bowl, combine 3 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1 teaspoon of ginger; mix.

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.

Prepare the cake layers by spreading the batter in thin layers on a baking sheet or cake pans.

Bake the layers in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until golden brown, checking for doneness with a toothpick.

Once baked, allow the layers to cool completely before assembling the cake.

Layer the cooled cake layers with the cooked apple filling in between each layer, stacking them high.

Let the assembled cake sit overnight for the best flavor before serving.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Allergens