20 Apple Stack Cake Recipe Southern Living Discover Culinary Perfection!
Published on: Mar 7, 2024
When it comes to traditional Southern desserts, apple stack cake is a staple. This spiced apple cake, layered with sweet apple filling and topped with a rich glaze, has been a beloved treat in the South for generations. Originally brought over by European settlers, this recipe has evolved over time to become a treasured part of Southern cuisine. If you're looking to add a delicious and nostalgic touch to your next gathering, this southern living apple stack cake recipe is sure to delight.
Main Ingredients: Apples, Apple Cider, White Sugar, Lemon Juice, Ground
Apple butter is a delicious and versatile ingredient that can add a unique flavor to your beer can chicken. Made from cooked and pureed apples, this spread is perfect for marinating your chicken or as a glaze during cooking. The sweetness of the apples will balance out the savory flavors of the chicken, creating a well-rounded and delicious dish.
In the South, fried apples are a staple side dish. These sweet and tangy apples are perfect for pairing with beer can chicken. They can be added to the cavity of the chicken before cooking or used as a topping after it's done. The combination of the crispy skin of the chicken and the soft, caramelized apples is a match made in heaven.
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How To Make Apple Stack Cake
Main Ingredients: Apples, Dark Brown Sugar, Ground Cinnamon, Ground
For a unique and impressive presentation, try making an apple stack cake to serve with your beer can chicken. This traditional Southern dessert features layers of spiced apple filling and cake, stacked high and soaked in a sweet syrup. The flavors of the apples and spices will complement the chicken and make for a memorable meal.
If you're looking for a quick and easy way to incorporate apples into your beer can chicken, try frying them. Simply slice the apples and cook them in a pan with butter, brown sugar, and a touch of cinnamon. Once they're soft and caramelized, add them to your chicken before cooking or serve as a side dish.
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Ambrosia Salad {A Southern Staple}
Main Ingredients: Pineapple Chunks, Mandarin Orange Segments, Clementine
Ambrosia salad is a classic Southern dish that is perfect for serving alongside beer can chicken. Made with a combination of fruit, coconut, and marshmallows, this sweet and creamy salad will add a refreshing element to your meal. It's also a great way to use up any leftover fruit you have on hand.
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Southern Pound Cake (Classic Pound Cake 101)
Main Ingredients: All Purpose Flour, Baking Powder, Salt, Unsalted
A Southern pound cake is a rich and buttery cake that is perfect for serving with beer can chicken. The dense texture and subtle sweetness of the pound cake will complement the savory flavors of the chicken. Plus, you can use any leftovers to make a delicious dessert later on.
If you want to add some tropical flavors to your beer can chicken, try making a Southern pineapple cake. This moist and flavorful cake is made with crushed pineapple and topped with a cream cheese frosting. The sweetness of the pineapple will enhance the flavors of the chicken and make for a mouthwatering meal.
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Southern Cornbread – Southern Skillet Cornbread
Main Ingredients: Butter, Yellow Cornmeal, Flour, Baking Soda, Salt
Cornbread is a classic Southern side dish that pairs perfectly with beer can chicken. The slightly sweet and buttery flavors of the cornbread will complement the savory chicken and add some texture to your meal. For an extra Southern touch, try making your cornbread in a cast iron skillet.
If you want to take your pound cake to the next level, try making a Southern butter pound cake. This rich and decadent cake is made with plenty of butter and has a dense and moist texture. The buttery flavors will enhance the flavors of the chicken and make for a truly indulgent meal.
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Creamy Cajun Shrimp and Grits
Main Ingredients: Jumbo Shrimp, Apple, Red Bell Pepper, Shallots, Garlic
If you're in the mood for a little Cajun flair, try pairing your beer can chicken with creamy Cajun shrimp and grits. This classic Southern dish features creamy, cheesy grits topped with spicy shrimp and a rich sauce. The bold flavors of the Cajun seasoning will complement the chicken and add some variety to your meal.
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Southern Fried Apple Hand Pies
Main Ingredients: Granny Smith, Unsalted Butter, Brown Sugar, Granulated
For a fun and portable twist on traditional fried apples, try making Southern fried apple hand pies. These individual pies are made with a flaky pastry and filled with a sweet and tangy apple filling. They make a great side dish or dessert to serve with your beer can chicken.
For a classic Southern main dish, try making smothered chicken to serve with your beer can chicken. This dish features chicken smothered in a rich and flavorful gravy made with onions and peppers. The hearty and savory flavors of the chicken will pair well with the more subtle flavors of the beer can chicken.
Collard greens are a staple side dish in the South and they make a great addition to your beer can chicken meal. These hearty greens are cooked with bacon or ham and seasoned with spices to create a flavorful and nutritious dish. The earthy flavors of the collard greens will balance out the sweetness of the chicken.
If you're looking for a unique way to serve your beer can chicken, try making Southern cornbread dressing. This savory dish is made with crumbled cornbread, herbs, and vegetables, and is often served as a side dish during the holidays. The flavors of the dressing will complement the chicken and add some variety to your meal.
Oxtails are a classic Southern comfort food that is perfect for pairing with beer can chicken. These tender and flavorful cuts of meat are slow-cooked in a rich and savory gravy until they are falling off the bone. The bold flavors of the oxtails will balance out the more subtle flavors of the chicken.
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Classic Flaky Southern Biscuits
Main Ingredients: Flour, Whole Milk, Butter, Sugar, Baking Powder, Salt
No Southern meal is complete without a batch of homemade biscuits. These flaky and buttery biscuits are perfect for serving with beer can chicken and can be used to make mini sandwiches with the chicken and other toppings. They also make a great side dish for sopping up any leftover juices from the chicken.
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Kentucky Apple Skillet Cake
Main Ingredients: Apples, Pecans, Bourbon Whiskey, Unsalted Butter
If you want to add a touch of Southern charm to your beer can chicken meal, try making a Kentucky apple skillet cake. This rustic and delicious cake is made with fresh apples, brown sugar, and spices and is baked in a cast iron skillet. The warm and comforting flavors of this cake will make the perfect dessert to end your meal.
No Southern meal is complete without a side of mac and cheese, and it's the perfect accompaniment to beer can chicken. This creamy and cheesy dish is made with a blend of different cheeses and can be baked to perfection in the oven. The rich and indulgent flavors of the mac and cheese will balance out the more subtle flavors of the chicken.
If you want to put a twist on classic mac and cheese, try making Southern baked mac and cheese. This dish features a crispy breadcrumb topping and can be made with different types of cheese for a unique and flavorful dish. Serve it alongside your beer can chicken for a hearty and satisfying meal.
For a decadent and indulgent dessert to serve with your beer can chicken, try making a Southern caramel cake. This rich and moist cake is topped with a homemade caramel sauce and is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. The caramel flavors will complement the chicken and add a touch of sweetness to your meal.
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Apple Butter
Main Ingredients: Apples, Apple Cider, White Sugar, Lemon Juice, Ground
Apple butter is a delicious and versatile ingredient that can add a touch of sweetness and spice to any dish. Made with slow-cooked apples, spices, and a touch of sugar, this spreadable fruit is perfect for topping biscuits, toast, or even using as a glaze for meats. Here are some beer can chicken recipes that incorporate this Southern staple.
Southern fried apples are a classic side dish that pairs perfectly with savory meats like beer can chicken. With a balance of sweetness and tanginess, these apples are cooked in butter and flavored with cinnamon and brown sugar for a truly irresistible flavor. Serve them alongside your beer can chicken for a Southern-inspired meal.
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How To Make Apple Stack Cake
Main Ingredients: Apples, Dark Brown Sugar, Ground Cinnamon, Ground
This traditional Southern dessert is a must-try for any apple lover. Layers of spiced apple filling and thin, crispy cake layers come together to create a unique and delicious treat. This recipe for apple stack cake is perfect for using up any leftover apples from your beer can chicken recipes.
If you're looking for a simple and delicious way to use up those extra apples, try frying them up Southern-style. With a crispy coating of flour and spices, these fried apples make a tasty side dish or topping for your beer can chicken. Serve them with a dollop of whipped cream for a decadent dessert.
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Ambrosia Salad {A Southern Staple}
Main Ingredients: Pineapple Chunks, Mandarin Orange Segments, Clementine
Ambrosia salad is a classic Southern dish that combines tropical flavors with creamy marshmallows and whipped cream. This refreshing dessert is perfect for serving alongside your beer can chicken, and it's a great way to use up any leftover fruit from the recipe.
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Southern Pound Cake (Classic Pound Cake 101)
Main Ingredients: All Purpose Flour, Baking Powder, Salt, Unsalted
If you're a fan of rich and buttery pound cake, this Southern-style recipe is a must-try. Made with simple ingredients like butter, sugar, and flour, this classic dessert is perfect for pairing with your beer can chicken. Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the ultimate indulgence.
This moist and flavorful cake is a Southern favorite, and for good reason. Bursting with juicy pineapple and topped with a rich cream cheese frosting, this dessert is the perfect complement to your beer can chicken. Plus, it's easy to make and can be prepared ahead of time.
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Southern Cornbread – Southern Skillet Cornbread
Main Ingredients: Butter, Yellow Cornmeal, Flour, Baking Soda, Salt
No Southern meal is complete without a side of cornbread, and this beer can chicken recipe is no exception. This recipe for Southern skillet cornbread is simple and delicious, with a crispy crust and light, fluffy interior. Serve it warm with a pat of butter for a true Southern experience.
This Southern-style pound cake is rich, buttery, and oh-so-indulgent. Made with a generous amount of butter and vanilla, this dessert is perfect for serving with your beer can chicken. Top it with fresh berries and a drizzle of honey for a touch of sweetness.
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Creamy Cajun Shrimp and Grits
Main Ingredients: Jumbo Shrimp, Apple, Red Bell Pepper, Shallots, Garlic
This Southern-inspired dish combines creamy grits with spicy Cajun shrimp for a flavor explosion. The creamy and cheesy grits are the perfect base for the flavorful shrimp, and this recipe is a delicious way to switch up your beer can chicken game.
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Southern Fried Apple Hand Pies
Main Ingredients: Granny Smith, Unsalted Butter, Brown Sugar, Granulated
If you're looking for a fun and unique way to use up those extra apples, try these Southern fried apple hand pies. These mini pies are filled with spiced apples and fried to golden perfection, making them the perfect handheld dessert to enjoy alongside your beer can chicken.
This Southern-style smothered chicken is slow-cooked in a rich and flavorful gravy until it falls off the bone. With a mix of spices and aromatics, this dish is the perfect pairing for your beer can chicken. Serve it over rice or with a side of creamy mashed potatoes.
No Thanksgiving or holiday meal is complete without a side of Southern-style cornbread dressing. This hearty dish is packed with flavor from herbs, spices, and of course, cornbread. Serve it alongside your beer can chicken for a delicious and comforting meal.
Cooked low and slow with bacon and spices, Southern collard greens are a staple side dish in the South. These flavorful greens are the perfect accompaniment to your beer can chicken, and they add a touch of Southern comfort to any meal.
Oxtails are a traditional Southern dish that is rich and flavorful. Slow-cooked in a savory and slightly spicy gravy, these oxtails are the perfect complement to your beer can chicken. Serve them over rice or with a side of creamy mashed potatoes for a truly indulgent meal.
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Classic Flaky Southern Biscuits
Main Ingredients: Flour, Whole Milk, Butter, Sugar, Baking Powder, Salt
No Southern meal is complete without a batch of flaky and buttery biscuits. These classic biscuits are easy to make and are the perfect accompaniment to your beer can chicken. Serve them warm with a drizzle of honey for a delicious and comforting treat.
This Southern-style mac and cheese is creamy, cheesy, and oh-so-indulgent. Made with a blend of cheeses and a touch of spice, this dish is the perfect side for your beer can chicken. Plus, it's easy to make and can be prepared ahead of time.
If you love mac and cheese but want to switch things up, try this Southern-style baked mac and cheese. With a crispy breadcrumb topping and a blend of cheeses, this dish is the ultimate comfort food and pairs perfectly with your beer can chicken.
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Kentucky Apple Skillet Cake
Main Ingredients: Apples, Pecans, Bourbon Whiskey, Unsalted Butter
This Kentucky-inspired skillet cake is packed with juicy apples and topped with a rich and buttery streusel topping. Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a tasty and comforting dessert to enjoy after your beer can chicken.
This Southern-style caramel cake is rich, moist, and absolutely delicious. Made with layers of fluffy cake and a generous amount of homemade caramel sauce, this dessert is the perfect way to end your meal of beer can chicken. Just be sure to save room for a slice!
History of Apple Stack Cake
The Origins
The origins of apple stack cake can be traced back to the Appalachian region of the United States. Settlers from England and Germany brought over their own versions of this dessert, which typically consisted of thinly sliced apples layered between cake and topped with a glaze. Over time, this dessert became a staple in Southern kitchens, especially in the Appalachian mountains where apples were plentiful. It was often served at community gatherings and celebrations, and became a symbol of pride in Southern culture.
The Evolution
As the recipe was passed down through generations, different families put their own spin on the traditional apple stack cake. Some added spices like cinnamon and nutmeg to the cake batter, while others used different types of apples for the filling. The glaze also varied, with some using a simple powdered sugar glaze and others adding molasses for a richer flavor. Despite these variations, the essence of the recipe remained the same - a delicious and comforting dessert that brought people together.
How to Make the Perfect Apple Stack Cake
The Cake Layers
To make the perfect apple stack cake, you'll need to start by making the cake layers. This recipe calls for a classic vanilla cake batter, but feel free to experiment with different flavors to suit your taste. Once the batter is ready, pour it onto a baking sheet and bake until golden brown. Cool the cake completely before cutting it into round layers.
The Apple Filling
The apple filling is what gives this cake its unique flavor. Start by thinly slicing apples and simmering them in a saucepan with water, sugar, and spices until they become soft and syrupy. Allow the filling to cool before spreading it generously between the cake layers.
The Glaze
The final touch to this delicious dessert is the glaze. In a small saucepan, mix powdered sugar, butter, and a touch of milk until it reaches a smooth and pourable consistency. Once the cake layers are stacked and filled with apple filling, pour the glaze over the top and allow it to drip down the sides.
In Conclusion
Whether you're looking to channel your Southern roots or simply craving a sweet and comforting treat, this apple stack cake recipe is a must-try. Its rich history and delicious flavors make it a true southern living classic that will surely become a favorite in your own kitchen. So gather your friends and family, and indulge in a slice of this timeless and beloved dessert.
