Stack cake: Difference between revisions

Latest revision as of 10:56, 15 February 2025

Stack Cake[edit]

The stack cake is a traditional dessert originating from the Appalachian Mountains in the United States. It is a layered cake, typically made with dried apples or other fruits, and is known for its unique preparation and cultural significance in Appalachian communities.

History[edit]

The stack cake is believed to have originated in the Appalachian region during the 19th century. It was a popular dessert at weddings and community gatherings. The cake is traditionally made by different families contributing a layer to the cake, which is then "stacked" together to form the final dessert. This communal aspect of the cake reflects the close-knit nature of Appalachian communities.

Preparation[edit]

The cake is typically made with a simple biscuit-like dough, which is rolled out and baked into thin layers. These layers are then stacked with a filling made from dried apples that have been cooked down into a thick, spiced apple butter. The cake is often allowed to sit for a day or two before serving, allowing the flavors to meld and the layers to soften.

Ingredients[edit]

Method[edit]

1. Prepare the dough by mixing flour, baking soda, salt, butter, sugar, and buttermilk. 2. Roll out the dough and cut into thin layers. 3. Bake the layers until golden brown. 4. Prepare the filling by cooking dried apples with spices until thickened. 5. Stack the baked layers with the apple filling in between each layer. 6. Allow the cake to rest for at least 24 hours before serving.

Cultural Significance[edit]

The stack cake is more than just a dessert; it is a symbol of community and tradition in the Appalachian region. The practice of each family contributing a layer to the cake at weddings is a testament to the communal spirit and the importance of sharing and cooperation in these communities.

Variations[edit]

While the traditional stack cake is made with dried apples, variations exist using other fruits such as peaches, cherries, or pumpkins. Some recipes also incorporate molasses or sorghum for added flavor.

Related pages[edit]

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-'''Stack cake''' is a traditional [[Appalachian]] dessert that originated in the United States. It is a unique type of cake that is made by stacking thin layers of cake with a sweet filling in between each layer. The cake is then left to sit for a day or two to allow the flavors to meld together.
+== Stack Cake ==
+[[File:Apple_Stack_Cake.jpg|thumb|right|A traditional apple stack cake]]
+The '''stack cake''' is a traditional dessert originating from the [[Appalachian Mountains]] in the [[United States]]. It is a layered cake, typically made with dried [[apple]]s or other fruits, and is known for its unique preparation and cultural significance in Appalachian communities.
 == History ==
-The origins of the stack cake can be traced back to the 19th century in the Appalachian region. It was traditionally made for special occasions such as weddings and community gatherings. The cake was often a communal effort, with each guest bringing a layer to add to the stack. This tradition was born out of necessity, as ingredients for cakes were expensive and hard to come by in the rural Appalachian region.
+The stack cake is believed to have originated in the Appalachian region during the 19th century. It was a popular dessert at weddings and community gatherings. The cake is traditionally made by different families contributing a layer to the cake, which is then "stacked" together to form the final dessert. This communal aspect of the cake reflects the close-knit nature of Appalachian communities.
 == Preparation ==
-The preparation of a stack cake involves baking multiple thin layers of cake, which are then stacked with a filling in between each layer. The type of cake used can vary, but it is typically a sweet, dense cake. The filling is traditionally made from dried apples, which are cooked down into a thick, sweet spread. However, other types of fruit preserves or jams can also be used.
+The cake is typically made with a simple [[biscuit]]-like dough, which is rolled out and baked into thin layers. These layers are then stacked with a filling made from dried apples that have been cooked down into a thick, spiced [[apple butter]]. The cake is often allowed to sit for a day or two before serving, allowing the flavors to meld and the layers to soften.
-After the cake is assembled, it is left to sit for a day or two. This allows the moisture from the filling to soften the cake layers and the flavors to meld together. The result is a moist, flavorful cake that is both sweet and slightly tangy.
+=== Ingredients ===
-== Variations ==
+* [[Flour]]
+* [[Baking soda]]
+* [[Salt]]
+* [[Butter]] or [[lard]]
+* [[Sugar]]
+* [[Buttermilk]]
+* Dried [[apples]]
+* [[Cinnamon]]
+* [[Nutmeg]]
+* [[Cloves]]
-There are many variations of the stack cake, with different regions and families having their own unique recipes. Some versions use different types of cake, such as gingerbread or molasses cake. The filling can also vary, with some recipes using apple butter, peach preserves, or even sorghum syrup.
+=== Method ===
-Despite these variations, the basic concept of the stack cake remains the same: multiple layers of cake stacked with a sweet filling, left to sit so the flavors can meld together.
+. Prepare the dough by mixing flour, baking soda, salt, butter, sugar, and buttermilk.
+. Roll out the dough and cut into thin layers.
+. Bake the layers until golden brown.
+. Prepare the filling by cooking dried apples with spices until thickened.
+. Stack the baked layers with the apple filling in between each layer.
+. Allow the cake to rest for at least 24 hours before serving.
 == Cultural Significance ==
-The stack cake holds a significant place in Appalachian culture. It is a symbol of community and cooperation, as it was traditionally a communal effort. Today, it continues to be a popular dessert in the region, often served at holidays and special occasions.
+The stack cake is more than just a dessert; it is a symbol of community and tradition in the Appalachian region. The practice of each family contributing a layer to the cake at weddings is a testament to the communal spirit and the importance of sharing and cooperation in these communities.
+== Variations ==
+While the traditional stack cake is made with dried apples, variations exist using other fruits such as [[peaches]], [[cherries]], or [[pumpkins]]. Some recipes also incorporate [[molasses]] or [[sorghum]] for added flavor.
+== Related pages ==
+* [[Appalachian cuisine]]
+* [[Apple butter]]
+* [[Biscuit (bread)]]
 [[Category:American desserts]]
-[[Category:Cakes]]
 [[Category:Appalachian culture]]
-{{food-stub}}