Great Grandma Effie’s Old Fashioned Stack Cake

My memories of Great Grandma Effie are filled with the aroma of warm spices and the comforting presence of her in the kitchen. But the most vivid memory is the sight of her stack cake. Not some perfectly frosted, towering confection, but a humble, slightly lopsided stack of thin cake layers held together with sweet, spiced applesauce. It wasn’t just a dessert; it was a taste of history, a tangible connection to generations past. Every slice was like a warm hug from a woman who poured her love into every creation, and whose legacy lives on in this very recipe.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 1 hour
• Cook Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
• Total Time: 2 hours 45 minutes
• Servings: 10
• Yield: One 9-layer cake
• Dietary Type: Not specified (contains dairy, egg, and gluten)

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup shortening
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/3 cup sorghum molasses
• 1 egg, beaten
• 3 1/2 cups flour
• 1/2 cup buttermilk
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ginger
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 3-4 cups applesauce, homemade is best (sweet, thick, chunky, spiced)
• 1 cup raisins (optional)

Equipment Needed

• Large Mixing Bowl
• Measuring Cups and Spoons
• Electric Mixer (optional, but helpful)
• Rolling Pin
• Floured Surface
• Scalloped Pie Pan (for cutting circles)
• Cookie Sheets
• Wax Paper or Parchment Paper

Instructions

1. In a very large bowl, cream together the shortening and sorghum molasses. Ensure they are well combined for a smooth base. An electric mixer can expedite this process, but hand mixing works just as well.
2. Add in the beaten egg and mix until fully incorporated. The mixture should be light and airy.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together all the dry ingredients: the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ginger, and cinnamon.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients to prevent the dough from becoming too wet. Mix until a stiff dough forms. Do not overmix.
5. Add the vanilla to the dough and mix it in thoroughly.
6. Flour your countertop generously. Also, lightly flour your rolling pin. This is crucial to prevent the dough from sticking.
7. Roll out the dough to the thickness of pie dough – very, very thin. Aim for a consistent thickness to ensure even baking. This dough will make 9-10 layers.
8. Using a scalloped pie pan, cut out circles from the rolled dough. If you don’t have a scalloped pie pan, any round cutter of similar size will work.
9. Place the rounds of dough on a cookie sheet lined with wax paper or parchment paper. Bake two rounds at a time to prevent sticking.
10. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 12 minutes. The edges should be lightly golden brown.
11. Repeat steps 7-10 until all the rounds are baked. Keep a close eye on the last few batches as the oven temperature may increase slightly.
12. After all rounds are baked, let them cool slightly.
13. Assemble the cake by spreading a generous layer of homemade or sweet flavored applesauce between each layer. You can also sprinkle raisins between layers if desired.
14. Let the cake set for several hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to meld and the applesauce to soften the cake layers.

Expert Tips & Tricks

• Homemade applesauce is key. The flavor and texture of the applesauce greatly impact the overall taste of the cake. A chunky, spiced applesauce will add depth and complexity. Experiment with different apple varieties and spices like nutmeg or cloves for a unique flavor profile.
• Don’t skip the sorghum molasses. It provides a distinct, slightly tangy sweetness that sets this cake apart. If you can’t find it, dark molasses is an acceptable, although not ideal, substitute.
• Thin is in! The thinner you roll the dough, the better the cake will be. Thin layers absorb the applesauce more effectively, resulting in a moist and flavorful final product.
• Baking time can vary. Keep a close eye on the layers while they are baking. Ovens can vary in temperature, so adjust the baking time as needed to prevent burning. The edges should be lightly golden brown.
• Let it rest! Resist the temptation to cut into the cake immediately after assembling it. Allowing it to sit overnight is crucial for the layers to soften and the flavors to meld.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Great Grandma Effie’s Stack Cake is best served at room temperature, allowing the flavors to fully bloom. A dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream is a delightful addition, but the cake is equally delicious on its own. For a cozy winter treat, try serving it slightly warmed.

Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week. The cake can also be frozen for longer storage; wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil before freezing. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving. Reheating is not usually necessary, but a few seconds in the microwave can revive the texture if desired.

Nutritional Information

(Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.)

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	350 kcal	18%
Total Fat	15g	23%
Saturated Fat	5g	25%
Cholesterol	50mg	17%
Sodium	250mg	10%
Total Carbohydrate	50g	17%
Dietary Fiber	2g	8%
Sugars	20g	N/A
Protein	5g	10%

Variations & Substitutions

• Gluten-Free: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend for a gluten-free version of the cake. You may need to add a binding agent, such as xanthan gum, to improve the texture.
• Dairy-Free: Replace the buttermilk with a plant-based milk alternative, such as almond or soy milk. You can also add a tablespoon of lemon juice to the plant-based milk to mimic the tanginess of buttermilk. Use a dairy-free shortening or coconut oil instead of regular shortening.
• Spice It Up: Experiment with different spices in the cake layers or applesauce. Nutmeg, cloves, cardamom, or even a pinch of cayenne pepper can add a unique twist.
• Fruit Variations: Substitute the applesauce with other fruit purees, such as pear or peach, for a different flavor profile.
• Sweetener Alternatives: Replace the sugar with honey or maple syrup for a more natural sweetness. Adjust the amount as needed to achieve the desired sweetness level.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Why is my stack cake dry?

A: The most common reason for a dry stack cake is overbaking the individual layers. Ensure you are rolling the dough thin enough and monitoring the baking time closely. Also, make sure you are using enough applesauce between the layers to moisten the cake.

Q: Can I make the applesauce ahead of time?

A: Absolutely! Making the applesauce a day or two in advance is a great way to save time. Store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to assemble the cake.

Q: How do I prevent the cake layers from sticking to the cookie sheet?

A: Lining the cookie sheet with wax paper or parchment paper is essential to prevent sticking. You can also lightly grease the paper with shortening or cooking spray for extra insurance.

Q: Can I freeze the assembled stack cake?

A: Yes, you can freeze the assembled cake for longer storage. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil before freezing. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

Q: What’s the best way to cut a stack cake neatly?

A: Use a serrated knife and gently saw through the layers. Wiping the knife clean between each slice will help prevent the applesauce from smearing.

Final Thoughts

Great Grandma Effie’s Old Fashioned Stack Cake is more than just a recipe; it’s a piece of history, a symbol of family, and a reminder of simpler times. I encourage you to try this recipe and experience the warmth and comfort that it brings. Feel free to experiment with different variations and spices to create your own unique version. And most importantly, share it with loved ones and create your own memories that will last for generations to come. Don’t be afraid to let it be a little imperfect – just like Great Grandma Effie’s! Pair it with a cup of hot coffee or sweet tea for the ultimate comforting experience.