SPICED APPLE STACK CAKE

PREP + COOK TIME 3 HOURS (+ COOLING & REFRIGERATION) SERVES 16

600g dried apple slices

1.5 litres (6 cups) water

1 cup (220g) firmly packed

brown sugar

2 teaspoons ground cinnamon 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

1/2 teaspoon ground allspice

1/4 teaspoon ground cloves

250g butter, softened

2 cups (440g) caster sugar 2 teaspoons vanilla extract 2 eggs

2 cups (300g) plain flour

4 cups (600g) self-raising flour 1 teaspoon bicarbonate of soda 1/4 teaspoon salt

2/3 cup (160ml) buttermilk

11/2 tablespoons icing sugar 3 cinnamon sticks