Hailing from the Appalachian Mountains in Knoxville, TN, The Lethargics inspired a take on a classic Appalachian recipe for Apple Stack Cake. Check out the recipe below!

The Lethargics formed the band about five years ago and have been a part of various bands their entire life. The band came together inspired by personal stories and shared experiences, deciding to finally record the 12 songs they had been carrying around over the years. With a lifelong dedication to music, each member has a clear vision of how they want their songs to be crafted. The shift away from traditional record label dependencies has fueled a vibrant indie music scene, allowing more unique music to reach audiences that might otherwise remain undiscovered. This independence is what led them to put out their music.

Known for the band’s refusal to be locked into any specific genre, The Letharics boasts a diverse fan base that they consider close friends. Anyone who supports The Lethargics becomes a part of their extended community. Their music spans a wide array of genres, including rock, alternative, blues, alternative soul, Americana, and rock and roll, embracing a little bit of everything. This eclectic mix perfectly encapsulates their musical identity.

 

Currently, the band is excited to release a series of singles that break new ground, venturing into dance rock among other styles. The Lethargics latest single release, “Drop Dead Dance” is now available across all streaming platforms. They’re also planning to compile some of their songs into an EP eventually. Fans are eagerly anticipating more from The Lethargics, including their recent cover of Gordon Lightfoot’s song “Sundown”. Be sure to follow The Lethargics on all streaming platforms and visit their website for more updates and music.

 

 

When it comes to food, the founding member of The Lethargics, Darrel Mendenhall, has celiac disease so the band avoids gluten entirely. And a commitment to animal welfare has led the band to adopt a meat-free diet. Favorite foods include peanut butter, cheese, and vegetables, and they’re particularly fond of pizza. And the ultimate sweet treat is the original apple stack cake. Inspired by the band’s creativity and willingness to think outside the box in their music, I’ve put a unique twist on the traditional apple stack cake recipe as a tribute to the innovative spirit of the Lethargics with thick layers, apple walnut butter, and lovely apple rose on top. Check out the recipe below!

 

 

Apple Stack Cake

Ingredients for Cake

  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup buttermilk, room temperature
  • 3 tablespoons butter, room temperature
  • 1/2 cup organic molasses
  • 2 eggs, beaten
  • 5 cups flour
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
  • 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 8 cups apple butter
  • 1 1/2 cups diced apples
  • 1/2 cup black walnuts
  • 3/4 cup brown sugar
  • 3 tablespoons butter, cut into chunks
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar
  • 5 apples, cored, halved, and cut into thin slices

 

 

Directions

  1.  Stir flour together with baking powder, soda, salt, and nutmeg. Separately, stir vanilla and molasses into buttermilk.
  2. Add your flour mixture slowly and not all at once to your milk mixture using a stand mixer.
  3. Carefully fold the walnuts and diced apples into your batter.
  4. Put your mixed dough on a floured surface and knead like a biscuit dough. Divide dough into 5 portions.
  5. Chill the dough overnight in the refrigerator.
  6. Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Grease the inside of your 9” cake pans with the butter. Line the bottom of each pan with parchment paper.
  7. Roll out each dough portion into your cake pans and make in batches for 15 minutes or until the cake is done and slightly browned.
  8. For the Apple rose on top, save one pan of batter to top with the apple slices. Lay a circular row of apples along the outside edge of the cake pan. Work your way in overlapping the circle each time until you get to the center. For the middle of the rose, microwave a couple of apple slices for 10 seconds to soften it. Roll the apple slices into a pinwheel and put the pinwheel in the middle of your apple slices.
  9. Bake the final layer for 20 minutes.
  10. Layers do not need to cool before assembling. Stir together apple butter and brown sugar in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Bring just to boiling. Remove from heat and stir in the butter until it melts completely.
  11. Between each cake layer spread a medium layer of apple butter and then top the cake with the final layer with the apple rose.
  12. Cover and allow to set overnight before serving. Sprinkle with powdered sugar just before serving.