If you’re looking for a dessert that’s as rich in history as it is delicious, Kentucky Apple Stack Cake is the perfect choice! This traditional Southern dessert features layers of spiced apple filling and soft, cake-like layers, stacked high to create a beautiful, rustic dessert that’s perfect for special occasions or a cozy family gathering. Its comforting flavors and hearty texture make it a beloved classic in Kentucky and beyond.
What makes this cake so special is its simplicity and depth of flavor. The layers of cake are soft and mildly sweet, while the spiced apple filling adds a natural sweetness and a touch of warmth from cinnamon and other spices. The cake is traditionally served after being allowed to rest for a day or two, which helps the flavors meld together and the cake layers absorb the apple filling, making each bite moist and flavorful.
I first made this Kentucky Apple Stack Cake when I was looking for a traditional dessert with a Southern twist. The apple filling is so comforting, and the stacked layers make it a show-stopping dessert. Since then, it’s become a favorite in my family, and I’m sure it will become a staple in yours as well!
Why This Kentucky Apple Stack Cake Will Be Your New Favorite Dessert
- Rustic and beautiful: The layered design of this cake makes it not only delicious but visually stunning, perfect for a holiday or special occasion.
- Comforting flavors: The combination of spiced apples and soft cake layers is both hearty and comforting, perfect for fall and winter celebrations.
- Moist and flavorful: The cake becomes even more flavorful after resting, allowing the layers to absorb the apple filling and spices.
- Easy to make ahead: This cake actually tastes better after a day or two, making it perfect for prepping in advance for parties or gatherings.
- Versatile: While the traditional apple filling is classic, you can experiment with other fruits like pears or peaches for a fun variation.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup buttermilk (or regular milk with a splash of vinegar)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Apple Filling:
- 4 cups apples, peeled, cored, and finely chopped (about 4-5 medium apples)
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp butter
How to Make Kentucky Apple Stack Cake
- Prepare the apple filling:
In a medium saucepan, combine the chopped apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, and butter. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the apples have softened and the mixture has thickened, about 20 minutes. Remove from heat and allow the filling to cool. - Preheat the oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 9-inch round cake pans or line them with parchment paper. - Make the cake batter:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Set aside. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract. - Combine the wet and dry ingredients:
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the buttermilk. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix. - Divide the batter and bake:
Divide the batter evenly between the three prepared cake pans. Smooth the tops with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. - Assemble the cake:
Once the cakes have cooled, place the first layer on a serving platter. Spread a generous amount of the apple filling over the top. Repeat with the second and third layers, spreading more apple filling between each layer. If there’s any apple filling left, spread it over the top and sides of the cake. - Let the cake rest:
Allow the cake to rest for at least 4 hours, or overnight if possible, so the flavors can meld and the cake layers can absorb the apple filling. - Serve and enjoy:
Slice the cake into wedges and serve! The cake is delicious on its own or with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Tips
- Use tart apples: Tart apples like Granny Smith or Jonagold work best for the filling, as they hold their shape well during cooking and balance the sweetness of the cake.
- Resting is key: This cake tastes better the longer it sits, as the apple filling seeps into the cake layers. Make it a day or two ahead of time for the best flavor.
- Make it with other fruits: If you’re not a fan of apples, try using pears or peaches for a different flavor profile.
- Decorate the top: If you want to add a decorative touch, sprinkle the top with a little powdered sugar or top with chopped nuts like pecans for some crunch.
Substitutions and Variations
- Gluten-free version: You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make this cake gluten-free.
- Dairy-free version: Use dairy-free butter and non-dairy milk (such as almond milk) to make the cake dairy-free.
- Add nuts: Add a handful of chopped walnuts or pecans to the apple filling or sprinkle them between the layers for added texture.
Make a Healthier Version
- Use less sugar: You can reduce the amount of brown sugar in the cake and apple filling to make it a little lighter, or use a natural sugar substitute like maple syrup or coconut sugar.
- Whole wheat flour: Use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour for a healthier, fiber-rich version of the cake.
- Lower-fat version: Replace some or all of the butter with applesauce for a lower-fat version of the cake while maintaining moisture.
Closing
And there you have it! Kentucky Apple Stack Cake is a delightful and nostalgic dessert that’s perfect for any special occasion. With its warm spiced apple filling and soft cake layers, this old-fashioned treat is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re celebrating a holiday or just enjoying a cozy family gathering, this cake will bring comfort and joy to everyone who tries it. Don’t forget to let us know how your cake turns out, and check out more of our classic dessert recipes for even more sweet inspiration!
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes! This cake actually tastes better after it rests, so make it a day or two ahead of time and store it in the fridge, tightly covered. - Can I use a store-bought apple filling?
While homemade apple filling is recommended for the best flavor, you can use store-bought apple pie filling if you’re short on time. - Can I freeze this cake?
Yes, you can freeze the individual layers of the cake before assembling them. Wrap each layer tightly in plastic wrap and store in the freezer for up to 3 months. Allow them to thaw in the refrigerator before assembling. - Can I make this cake gluten-free?
Yes, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and make sure the other ingredients are gluten-free. - Can I make the apple filling with other fruits?
Yes, you can use pears or peaches instead of apples for a different flavor, or even a combination of fruits for added variety. - How do I store leftovers?
Store leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It actually gets better the longer it sits! - Can I decorate this cake?
Yes, you can decorate the top of the cake with whipped cream, powdered sugar, or even a sprinkle of cinnamon and chopped nuts for extra flair. - Do I have to let the cake rest before serving?
For the best flavor and texture, it’s highly recommended to let the cake rest for several hours or overnight before serving. - Can I use a different type of sugar?
Yes, you can substitute the brown sugar with coconut sugar or maple syrup for a more natural sweetener. - How do I make this cake more festive?
Decorate the top with colorful sprinkles, edible glitter, or fresh fruit to make it more visually festive for a holiday celebration.
Kentucky Apple Stack Cake An Old-Fashioned Classic
4
servings30
minutes40
minutes300
kcal0
minutesKeep the screen of your device on
Ingredients
- For the Cake:
2 cups 2 all-purpose flour
1 tsp 1 baking powder
1/2 tsp 1/2 baking soda
1 tsp 1 ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp 1/2 ground nutmeg
1/4 tsp 1/4 salt
1 cup 1 unsalted butter, softened
1 cup 1 brown sugar, packed
2 large 2 eggs
1/4 cup 1/4 buttermilk (or regular milk with a splash of vinegar)
1 tsp 1 vanilla extract
- For the Apple Filling:
4 cups 4 apples, peeled, cored, and finely chopped (about 4-5 medium apples)
1 cup 1 brown sugar, packed
1 tsp 1 ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp 1/2 ground nutmeg
1 tbsp 1 lemon juice
1 tbsp 1 butter
Directions
- Prepare the apple filling:
- In a medium saucepan, combine the chopped apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, and butter. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the apples have softened and the mixture has thickened, about 20 minutes. Remove from heat and allow the filling to cool.
- Preheat the oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 9-inch round cake pans or line them with parchment paper.
- Make the cake batter:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Set aside. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Combine the wet and dry ingredients:
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the buttermilk. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
- Divide the batter and bake:
- Divide the batter evenly between the three prepared cake pans. Smooth the tops with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Assemble the cake:
- Once the cakes have cooled, place the first layer on a serving platter. Spread a generous amount of the apple filling over the top. Repeat with the second and third layers, spreading more apple filling between each layer. If there’s any apple filling left, spread it over the top and sides of the cake.
- Let the cake rest:
- Allow the cake to rest for at least 4 hours, or overnight if possible, so the flavors can meld and the cake layers can absorb the apple filling.
- Serve and enjoy:
- Slice the cake into wedges and serve! The cake is delicious on its own or with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
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