- Butter: Melted butter adds moisture; use unsalted for better control.
- Applesauce: Primary fat source, also provides natural sweetness and moistness.
- Milk: Adds moisture but can be substituted with more applesauce for a dairy-free option.
- Cinnamon: Key spice that ties the flavors together.
- Nutmeg: Optional but enhances the autumnal flavor.
- Lemon Zest: Adds brightness to the cake; optional.
Remember, using high-quality ingredients can significantly impact the taste and texture of your Applesauce Stack Cake.
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Steps
### Apple Sauce Stack Cake: A Step-by-Step Guide
Looking to impress your guests or simply satisfy a sweet tooth? Try making this delicious apple sauce stack cake! This recipe combines the comforting flavors of apples with a soft, moist cake layer that’s perfect for any occasion. Follow these detailed steps and enjoy the process while ensuring your final product is a hit.
#### Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
- 3 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup milk
- 3/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
- Zest of one lemon (optional)
#### Equipment Needed
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Electric mixer or whisk
- Large mixing bowl
- Two 9-inch cake pans
- Parchment paper
#### Instructions
1. **Preheat the Oven:** Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 9-inch cake pans and line them with parchment paper, ensuring a perfect fit.
2. **Combine Dry Ingredients:** In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg if using. Whisk these ingredients until well mixed to avoid any lumps in your batter.
3. **Cream Butter and Sugar:** Using an electric mixer or whisk, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. This will help create a lighter texture for your cake layers.
4. **Add Eggs:** Gradually add eggs one at a time to the butter mixture. Beat well after each addition to ensure proper incorporation.
5. **Mix in Liquids:** Stir in apple cider vinegar and milk alternately with applesauce, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined; over-mixing can make your cake tough.
6. **Divide Batter:** Evenly divide the batter into two portions. You will bake each portion separately to create individual layers for stacking later.
7. **Bake Layers:** Pour each portion of batter evenly into prepared pans and smooth out the top with a spatula. Bake in preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. **Cool Layers:** Allow layers to cool completely on wire racks before stacking them. This ensures that they are not too warm and won’t melt when you stack them together.
9. **Prepare Filling (Optional):** While your cake layers are baking, prepare a simple apple sauce filling by sautéing thinly sliced apples with lemon zest (if using) in butter until soft. Cool it down before use.
10. **Stack and Frost:** Place one layer on a serving plate; spread the prepared apple sauce filling evenly over it. Top with the second layer. Frost the top and sides of your stack cake with a cream cheese frosting or your choice of icing.
11. **Decorate (Optional):** Sprinkle some cinnamon sugar or add fresh apples on top for an extra touch of elegance.
Enjoy your homemade apple sauce stack cake, which is perfect for celebrating any special occasion or simply indulging in a sweet treat!
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By following these detailed steps, you can create a delightful apple sauce stack cake that is sure to be a hit!