Dried-Apple Stack Cakes Recipe

Ingredients

• 9 ounces unsulfured dried apples (4 cups)
• 4 cups unfiltered apple cider
• 3 cups water
• 1/2 teaspoon ground mace
• 6 tablespoons packed light brown sugar
• 1/2 cup whole milk
• 1/2 tablespoon cider vinegar
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• Pinch of ground cloves
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup molasses (not robust or blackstrap)
• 1 large egg
• Equipment: 2 muffin pans with 12 (1/3- to 1/2-cup) muffin cups each
• Accompaniment: lightly sweetened whipped cream