Stack cake

Stack Cake

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 apples or other fruits, and is known for its unique preparation and cultural significance in Appalachian communities.

History

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 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

• Flour
• Baking soda
• Salt
• Butter or lard
• Sugar
• Buttermilk
• Dried apples
• Cinnamon
• Nutmeg
• Cloves

Method

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

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)