Pioneer Wedding Stack Cake

Directions

1. 1
   Allow butter and eggs to stand at room temperature for 30 minutes.
2. 2
   Meanwhile, lightly grease bottoms of three 8x1-1/2-inch round baking pans.
3. 3
   Line bottoms of pans with waxed paper.
4. 4
   Grease and lightly flour bottoms and sides of pans; set aside.
5. 5
   In a large bowl, combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt and ginger; set aside.
6. 6
   In a large mixing bowl, beat butter with an electric mixer on medium to high speed for 30 seconds.
7. 7
   Gradually add sugar; beat until well combined.
8. 8
   Add eggs, 1 at a time, beating well after each addition.
9. 9
   Add molasses and vanilla; beat until well combined (mixture will appear curdled).
10. 10
    Alternately add the flour mixture and buttermilk to butter mixture, beating on low speed after each addition just until combined.
11. 11
    Pour 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons of the batter into each prepared pan.
12. 12
    Refrigerate the remaining batter.
13. 13
    Bake in a 375 degree F oven about 15 minutes or until a wooden toothpick inserted near center comes out clean.
14. 14
    Cool for 10 minutes in pans on wire racks.
15. 15
    Remove from pans and completely cool on wire racks.
16. 16
    Wash pans; line bottoms with waxed paper, grease and lightly flour.
17. 17
    Repeat with the remaining batter.
18. 18
    In a medium bowl, combine applesauce, apple butter, and if you like, apple pie spice.
19. 19
    To assemble, select the cake layer that's most attractive; set aside for the top layer.
20. 20
    On a serving plate, place 1 of the remaining cake layers; spread about 3/4 cup of the applesauce mixture to within 1/2 inch of the edge.
21. 21
    Repeat with remaining cake layers and applesauce mixture.
22. 22
    Place reserved cake layer on top.
23. 23
    Cover and chill in the refrigerator for at least 6 or up to 24 hours before serving.
24. 24
    (Chilling the assembled cake makes it easier to slice and allows applesauce mixture to moisten the cake.
25. 25
    ).
26. 26
    To serve, remove from refrigerator.
27. 27
    Let stand for 1 hour.
28. 28
    Just before serving, spread the whipped cream on top; sprinkle with nuts.
29. 29
    If you like, garnish cake platter with rose petals or edible flowers.
30. 30
    Makes 24 servings.