Go Back
A slice of apple stack cake with apple filling and powdered sugar on top

Old-Fashioned Apple Stack Cake

This old-fashioned apple stack cake carries the full weight of Appalachian history.
Mountain women passed it down one layer at a time, with each layer representing stories of resilience, community, and love.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 1 hour
Cook Time 1 hour
Resting Time 2 days
Course Dessert
Cuisine Appalachian, Southern
Servings 12 slices
Calories 280 kcal

Equipment

  • Large saucepan (for apple filling)
  • Mixing bowls
  • Electric mixer or whisk
  • Rolling pin
  • Baking sheets
  • Parchment paper or silicone mats
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Serrated knife (for slicing)

Ingredients
  

  • 4 cups dried apples
  • 3 cups water
  • ½ cup brown sugar
  • 2 tsp cinnamon
  • ½ tsp ground ginger
  • 4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 1 cup sorghum or molasses
  • ½ cup shortening
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 1 egg
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions
 

  • Prepare Apple Filling
    In a saucepan, combine dried apples and water. Simmer over low heat until soft (30–40 minutes).
    Mash the apples with a spoon, then stir in brown sugar, cinnamon, and ginger. Cook until thick and jam-like. Set aside to cool.
    A pot filled with dried apple slices sits on a stovetop, ready to be cooked
  • Make Cake Dough
    Cream shortening and brown sugar until fluffy. Beat in egg, vanilla, and sorghum.
    In a separate bowl, mix flour, baking soda, and salt. Alternate adding flour mix and buttermilk to the wet ingredients until a soft dough forms.
  • Roll and Bake Layers
    Divide the dough into 6 or 7 equal portions. Roll each into a thin 8-inch round.
    Place on parchment-lined baking sheets. Bake at 350°F for 10 minutes until golden. Cool completely.
    A person rolls out dough on parchment paper using a wooden rolling pin
  • Stack the Cake
    Place one layer on a serving plate. Spread apple filling evenly over the top.
    Repeat until all layers are stacked. Do not spread filling on the top layer.
    A person spreads apple filling onto a cake layer using a ladle
  • Rest the Cake
    Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap or a clean cloth. Let rest at room temperature for 48 hours.
    This allows the apple filling to seep into the layers and soften the cake.
    An assembled apple stack cake rests on a glass stand, topped with powdered sugar and a star-shaped cutout

Video

Notes

Cooking Tips

  • Always use dried apples; fresh ones make the filling watery.
  • Roll layers thin like cookies for even softening.
  • Use a food processor to speed up apple filling preparation.
  • Allow a full 48-hour rest before serving for best texture.
  • Freeze unfilled layers if prepping in advance.
Keyword Appalachian, Apple Cake, Southern Desserts, Stack Cake, Traditional Recipes