Are you craving a comforting, home-style dessert that's both easy to make and incredibly delicious? Look no further than this Old Fashioned Apple Stack Cake! This recipe is a delightful twist on classic apple cake, offering layers of moist, spiced apple goodness sandwiched between fluffy, buttery cake layers. It’s the perfect homemade treat for family gatherings, potlucks, or a cozy night in. Forget complicated baking – this recipe is surprisingly simple, even for beginner bakers, making it a fantastic addition to your quick dinner ideas repertoire.
Ingredients:
For the Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup buttermilk
For the Apple Filling:
- 6 medium apples (Granny Smith or a mix of tart and sweet), peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
For the Glaze (optional):
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-4 tablespoons milk or apple cider
Instructions:
Get Started:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
Make the Cake:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined. Do not overmix.
Prepare the Apple Filling:
- In a large bowl, combine the sliced apples, granulated sugar, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and lemon juice. Toss gently to coat.
Assemble and Bake the Cake:
- Pour half of the cake batter into one of the prepared cake pans. Spread half of the apple filling evenly over the batter.
- Pour the remaining cake batter over the apple filling and top with the remaining apple mixture.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool in the pans for 10 minutes before inverting it onto a wire rack to cool completely.
Make the Glaze (optional):
- In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and milk (or apple cider) until smooth. Add more milk if needed to reach desired consistency.
- Once the cake is completely cool, drizzle the glaze over the top.
Tips for the Best Apple Stack Cake:
- For extra flavor, use a mix of apple varieties.
- Don't overmix the cake batter; overmixing can lead to a tough cake.
- If your apples release a lot of liquid while baking, you can drain off some of the excess before adding the remaining batter.
- Let the cake cool completely before glazing to prevent the glaze from melting.
Variations:
- Add chopped nuts (pecans or walnuts) to the cake batter or apple filling for added crunch.
- Substitute other spices, such as allspice or cardamom, for some of the cinnamon and nutmeg.
- Use a different type of glaze, such as a cream cheese frosting or a simple caramel sauce.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary depending on the specific ingredients and serving size, but a general estimate would be around 350-400 calories, with varying amounts of fat, carbohydrates, and protein. For a more precise nutritional breakdown, use a nutrition calculator with your specific ingredients.
This Old Fashioned Apple Stack Cake is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Its simple preparation and delicious taste make it a perfect recipe for any occasion. Enjoy this easy and healthy meal addition – a comforting classic with a homemade touch!