Stack Cake Recipe

Ingredients

• For the cake: For the cake:
• 4 cups (480g) all-purpose flour 4 cups (480g) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups (400g) granulated sugar 2 cups (400g) granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs 4 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup (240ml) buttermilk 1 cup (240ml) buttermilk
• For the spiced apple filling: For the spiced apple filling:
• 6 cups (720g) peeled and thinly sliced apples 6 cups (720g) peeled and thinly sliced apples
• 1/2 cup (100g) brown sugar 1/2 cup (100g) brown sugar
• 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• For the assembly: For the assembly:
• Powdered sugar, for dusting Powdered sugar, for dusting

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 450 kcal / 1884 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 18g, 10g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 68g, 45g
• Protein: 5g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 0.4g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour nine 9-inch round cake pans.
2. 2.
   In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Set aside.
3. 3.
   In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
4. 4.
   Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
5. 5.
   Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the buttermilk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients, mixing just until combined.
6. 6.
   Divide the batter evenly among the prepared cake pans. Smooth the tops with a spatula.
7. 7.
   Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean.
8. 8.
   Remove the cakes from the oven and let them cool in the pans for 5 minutes. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
9. 9.
   Meanwhile, prepare the spiced apple filling. In a large saucepan, combine the sliced apples, brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and lemon juice. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the apples are tender and the mixture has thickened slightly. Remove from heat and let it cool completely.
10. 10.
    Once the cakes and spiced apple filling are completely cooled, begin assembling the stack cake. Place one cake layer on a serving plate and spread a generous amount of spiced apple filling on top. Repeat this process with the remaining cake layers, ending with a layer of spiced apple filling on top.
11. 11.
    Dust the top of the cake with powdered sugar for a decorative touch.
12. 12.
    Allow the cake to sit for at least 2 hours before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Apples — Choose firm and slightly tart apples such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the spiced apple filling. Slice them thinly and evenly for even cooking and layering.

Tips & Tricks

• To save time, you can prepare the spiced apple filling a day in advance and refrigerate it until ready to use.
• For added flavor, you can sprinkle each cake layer with a small amount of cinnamon sugar before spreading the spiced apple filling.

Serving advice

Serve the Spiced Apple Stack Cake at room temperature for the best texture and flavor. It pairs wonderfully with a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, you can garnish the top of the cake with thin apple slices arranged in a circular pattern. Sprinkle some powdered sugar around the edges of the serving plate for an elegant touch.