Appalachian Apple Stack Cake Recipe

A celebratory cake if there ever was one, this cozy, comforting cake is ubiquitous at Virginia weddings and holidays. When making it herself, pastry chef Lisa Donovan uses homemade apple butter and stacks the cake 12 layers high. This version, made with store-bought apple butter and half the layers, is easier and just as rewarding. If you can’t find sorghum syrup, cane syrup is a good substitute, just stay away from honey or maple syrup as their viscosity varies too much.