Are you ready to bake a cake that’s as heartwarming as it is delicious? Then get ready to dive into the wonderful world of old-fashioned stack cake! This isn't your average layer cake; it's a rustic, charming dessert with a history as rich as its flavor. Each thin layer of spice cake, slathered with creamy frosting, tells a story of simpler times and homemade goodness. Perfect for holidays, potlucks, or a cozy night in, this stack cake recipe is surprisingly easy to make, even for beginner bakers. Let's get started!
Ingredients You'll Need:
For the Cake:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground cloves
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon ground allspice
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Frosting:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- ½ cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Step-by-Step Baking Instructions:
Making the Cake:
- Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9x13 inch baking pans. You can also use parchment paper for easier removal.
- Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, allspice, and salt.
- Cream Butter & Sugar: In a separate bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This is where a stand mixer really shines, but a hand mixer works perfectly fine too!
- Add Eggs & Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
- Combine Wet & Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined – don't overmix!
- Bake: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool: Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before inverting them onto wire racks to cool completely.
Making the Frosting:
- Cream Butter: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter until light and fluffy.
- Add Sugar: Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating until smooth.
- Add Milk & Vanilla: Add the milk and vanilla extract, and beat until the frosting is light and fluffy.
Assembling the Stack Cake:
- Level Cakes (Optional): If your cakes have domed tops, use a serrated knife to carefully level them.
- Layer & Frost: Once the cakes are completely cool, place one layer on a serving platter. Frost the top evenly. Repeat with the remaining cake layer.
- Final Frosting: Frost the top and sides of the stack cake with the remaining frosting. You can achieve a rustic look by leaving some of the cake layers slightly visible.
Tips for Stack Cake Success:
- Don't Overmix the Batter: Overmixing can lead to a tough cake. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
- Cool Completely: Ensure the cakes are completely cool before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.
- Get Creative with Frosting: Feel free to experiment with different frostings, like cream cheese frosting or a lemon glaze.
Delicious Variations:
- Chocolate Stack Cake: Add ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder to the cake batter for a decadent twist.
- Fruit Stack Cake: Add ½ cup chopped nuts and ½ cup dried cranberries or raisins to the cake batter for added texture and flavor.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Fat: 18-20g
- Saturated Fat: 10-12g
- Carbohydrates: 45-50g
- Sugar: 25-30g
- Protein: 4-5g
Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
This old-fashioned stack cake recipe is a true testament to the simple joys of homemade cooking. Its rustic charm and comforting flavors are sure to impress your friends and family. Enjoy every delicious layer!