Appalachian Apple Stack Cake Recipe

Ingredients (22)

• 1/2 teaspoon fine salt
• 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
• 4 cups packed (260 grams) dried apples (from three 4-ounce packages)
• 3/4 cup packed (150 grams) light brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon unsulphured molasses
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 6 cups water, divided
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• Cooking spray
• 5 cups (574 grams) all-purpose flour, plus more for surface
• 1/2 cup (115 grams) granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon fine salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 cup whole buttermilk, room temperature
• 1/2 cup unsulphured molasses
• 1 large egg, room temperature
• 1/3 cup plus 2 tablespoons vegetable shortening 
• Powdered sugar, for topping