Stephenson’s Restaurant’s Famous Apple Cake Recipe: A Taste of Nostalgia

If you ever visited Stephenson’s Apple Farm Restaurant in Kansas City, you probably remember the legendary apple cake. It was the kind of dessert that felt like home—warm, comforting, and just the right amount of sweetness. Growing up, I was lucky enough to experience the magic of this apple cake firsthand, and it has stayed with me ever since. Though the restaurant has long since closed, the memory of its apple cake still brings me back to those special family meals and gatherings.

A Brief History of Stephenson’s Apple Farm Restaurant

Stephenson's Restaurant, also known as Stephenson's Apple Farm, was a beloved dining spot in Independence, Missouri. Known for its rustic charm and hearty Midwestern cuisine, the restaurant was established in 1946 by Lloyd and Les Stephenson. It quickly became famous for its apple-themed recipes, such as apple cake, apple fritters, brandy apple pie, and their signature apple butter. The restaurant's farm-like atmosphere and comfort food drew both locals and tourists for decades.

Stephenson's was also a notable gathering place for prominent figures, including President Harry S. Truman and First Lady Bess Truman, who attended a dinner there in 1963 with guests like pianist Jose Iturbi. The restaurant's reputation as a family-friendly establishment with a warm, nostalgic vibe made it a regional landmark.

The Orchard & Restaurant Legacy

The restaurant was just down the road a few miles from the Stephenson’s Orchard which was founded in the 1880s. I grew up a mile a from the orchard. As kids, my friends and I would dare each other to jump the fence to pick a fresh apple each fall season. As you crunched into the first bite of that apple, you could almost taste the crispness of autumn.

Though the orchard was located closer to our house, the Stephenson’s Apple Farm Restaurant was a few miles away, just down Lee’s Summit Road. The orchard produced the apples that made the cake so special, but it was also famous for its applesauce and cider. The fresh apples from the orchard were handpicked and made their way into the restaurant’s menu, giving everything—from the apple cake to the apple pie—a distinct, homemade taste.

The Discovery of Apple Cake

My brother worked at the restaurant for a time, and I remember how he’d help serve the meals, often with a big smile on his face. The staff was like family, and the atmosphere in the restaurant was always warm and welcoming, with wood-paneled walls, country-style decor, and the hum of quiet conversations filling the air. People would come from all over to enjoy the food, but the apple cake was always the star of the show.

Keeping kosher, we were limited to what we could eat. Thanksfully, they had a tremendous dessert menu. In addition to the apple cake, other popular menu items included apple fritters, rich apple pie, cinnamon apples, and other comforting desserts. The food was hearty, and the portions were generous, making it a popular spot for family dinners and celebrations.

Stephenson’s Famous Apple Cake Recipe: A Taste of History

Unfortunately, Stephenson's closed its doors in 2007, but its legacy lives on through its recipes, which remain popular among home cooks and food enthusiasts. They are still often shared and cherished online by those who remember its culinary impact.

If you want to recreate the famous apple cake from Stephenson’s Restaurant, you’re in for a treat. This recipe is something I’ve held onto for years, and it brings back so many memories of family dinners and gatherings at the restaurant.

Here’s the recipe for the apple cake that made Stephenson’s a Kansas City icon.

Ingredients for Stephenson’s Apple Cake

Here’s everything you need to make the apple cake that’s forever linked to Stephenson’s Restaurant:

For the Apple Cake:

• 2 cups sugar
• 1 cup real butter
• 2 eggs
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon nutmeg
• 2 teaspoons cinnamon
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 5 cups diced apples (peeled and cored)
• 1 cup walnuts (optional, diced)

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 8 oz. cream cheese (softened)
• 1 stick real butter (softened)
• 2 ¾ cups powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice

How to Make Stephenson’s Apple Cake

Now, let me walk you through the steps to recreate the magic of that apple cake.

1. Prepare the Cake Batter:

Preheat your oven to 325°F. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the sugar and butter until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.

2. Add Dry Ingredients:

In a separate bowl, mix together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, alternating with the lemon juice, until everything is well combined.

3. Incorporate Apples and Walnuts:

Fold in the diced apples and walnuts (if you like them). The apples will give the cake its moisture and flavor, and the walnuts add a nice crunch, although I often leave them out for a simpler version.

4. Bake the Apple Cake:

Pour the batter into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Bake for 45-50 minutes at 325°F or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool completely before frosting.

5. Make the Cream Cheese Frosting:

In a bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar and lemon juice, mixing until fluffy and light.

6. Frost and Serve:

Once the cake has cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting over the top of the cake. Slice it into squares or bars and enjoy a taste of history with every bite.

Why Stephenson’s Apple Cake Became a Kansas City Classic

What made Stephenson’s apple cake so unforgettable was the balance of sweet and spiced flavors. The apples made it moist, while the cream cheese frosting added the perfect richness. It wasn’t just a dessert—it was part of a tradition, something that was shared at family gatherings, birthdays, and holidays.

Though the restaurant may no longer be around, the memory of Stephenson’s apple cake lives on in the hearts and kitchens of those who were fortunate enough to taste it. It’s a piece of Kansas City history, a reminder of a simpler time when a slice of cake could make an entire day feel special.

Enjoy a Slice of History with Stephenson’s Apple Cake

So, whether you’re reminiscing about the good old days at Stephenson’s Restaurant or trying this recipe for the first time, this apple cake is a delicious way to bring a piece of Kansas City nostalgia into your home. As you bake it, think about the legacy of the restaurant, the orchard, and the tradition that this cake represents. Every bite takes you back to a time when family, fresh apples, and a good slice of cake were all you needed to make the moment perfect.