Are you craving a comforting, nostalgic dessert that's both easy to make and incredibly delicious? Look no further than this old-fashioned apple stack cake recipe! This classic dessert, layered with spiced apples and a simple, yet flavorful cake batter, is perfect for cozy autumn evenings or any occasion when you want to impress your loved ones with a homemade treat. It's a delightful blend of sweet and tart, soft and tender, making it a truly satisfying experience. This recipe is perfect for those seeking easy recipes and quick dinner ideas, especially if you’re looking for a delicious dish that’s also a healthy meal option.
Ingredients:
For the Cake:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup buttermilk
For the Apple Filling:
- 6 medium apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or a mix), peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon ground allspice
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
Instructions:
Getting Started: Preparing the Apples
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13 inch baking pan. This preparation ensures your cake releases easily and prevents sticking.
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In a large bowl, combine the sliced apples with granulated sugar, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and lemon juice. Toss gently to coat the apples evenly. This step helps to distribute the spices and sugars for even flavor throughout the filling.
Making the Cake Batter:
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In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Whisk thoroughly to ensure even distribution of leavening agents.
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In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This process incorporates air for a lighter cake texture.
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Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
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Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined. Avoid overmixing, as this can result in a tough cake.
Assembling and Baking the Stack Cake:
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Spread about one-third of the cake batter in the prepared pan.
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Top with half of the apple filling, spreading it evenly over the batter.
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Repeat with another layer of cake batter and the remaining apple filling.
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Top with the remaining cake batter.
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Bake for 45-55 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. Baking times may vary slightly depending on your oven, so keep an eye on it.
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Let the cake cool completely in the pan before serving. This allows the cake to set and prevents it from crumbling.
Tips for the Best Apple Stack Cake:
- For extra moist cake, you can add a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar to the batter along with the buttermilk.
- Feel free to experiment with different apple varieties for varied flavor profiles.
- If you prefer a sweeter cake, increase the sugar in both the cake and apple filling.
- Dust the finished cake with powdered sugar for a beautiful finishing touch.
Variations:
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of cardamom or ginger to the apple filling for a warmer flavor.
- Nutty delight: Incorporate chopped walnuts or pecans into the cake batter for added texture and flavor.
- Cream cheese frosting: Top the cooled cake with a delicious cream cheese frosting for an extra decadent treat.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary depending on the specific ingredients used and serving size. Use a nutrition calculator for a precise analysis based on your exact measurements. Generally, this cake offers a good source of carbohydrates and fiber from the apples, along with some healthy fats from the butter. It is best enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
This old-fashioned apple stack cake is a perfect example of delicious dishes that are surprisingly easy to make. It's a recipe that's perfect for beginners and experienced cooks alike, guaranteeing a delightful and heartwarming treat for everyone. Enjoy!