1 gal. or more all-purpose flour
1/2 c. buttermilk
1/2 c. molasses
3 eggs
1 tsp. vanilla
3/4 c. brown sugar
1/2 c. white sugar
1 1/4 tsp. salt
1 tsp. baking soda
1 1/2 tsp. baking powder
1/8 tsp. nutmeg
1 1/4 tsp. cinnamon
1 1/4 tsp. allspice
1 1/4 tsp. ginger
1/2 c. solid shortening

Put flour in a large pan. Make a well in the center of the flour and pour liquid (buttermilk, molasses and eggs) into it. Mix in remaining ingredients well with hands; knead until mixture is similar to biscuit dough. Divide into 10 sections. Pat out each into iron skillet, one layer at a time. Bake at 375 degrees until brown (15-20 minutes). Yield 10 layers.

APPLE FILLING:

1 lb. dried apples
1 c. brown sugar
1/2 c. white sugar
2 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 tsp. cloves
1/2 tsp. allspice

Cook 30-45 minutes. Let mixture cool before putting between cake layers.