Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth with Apple Mortgage Cake

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Apple mortgage cake is a Depression-era upside down cake that delivers old-fashioned comfort with its caramelized apples, tender crumb, and sweet spiced flavor. Despite its economical roots using basic pantry staples, this cake tastes anything but humble. Learn how to recreate this vintage recipe at home and experience a delicious piece of American baking history.

History of Apple Mortgage Cake

Apple mortgage cake originated during the Great Depression in the 1930s. With money tight, homemakers improvised with budget-friendly ingredients on hand like apples, sugar, flour and eggs. Placing the apples on the bottom gave the illusion of a richer dessert.

The name "mortgage cake" refers to the low cost of ingredients - cheaper than making mortgage payments. It was also sometimes nicknamed "Depression cake." While apple mortgage cake emerged from humble beginnings, its comforting flavors stood the test of time.

Apple Mortgage Cake Tradition

Apple mortgage cake remains a cherished recipe passed down through generations. Many families have enjoyed this cake for decades as a meaningful tradition. The familiar, uncomplicated ingredients coupled with sweet apple flavor make it a nostalgic treat.

Apple Mortgage Cake Ingredients

Part of apple mortgage cake’s appeal is its simple, economical ingredient list:

• Apples - Sliced thin
• Sugar - Granulated white
• Butter - Melted
• Flour - All-purpose
• Baking powder and salt
• Milk - Whole or 2%
• Vanilla extract
• Cinnamon - Ground
• Eggs

Tart, juicy apples are the star. Feel free to use your favorite baking apple variety.

Spices and Extracts

Warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla add comforting flavor to the simple cake.

How to Make Apple Mortgage Cake

Preparing this nostalgic cake is easy. Follow these simple steps:

Prepare Apples

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9x9 inch cake pan. Thinly slice 3 large apples and spread evenly over pan bottom.

Sprinkle Sugar

2. Sprinkle 1⁄2 cup sugar over the apples. Set aside.

Mix Dry Ingredients

3. In a bowl, mix together 1 1⁄2 cups flour, 1 tsp cinnamon, 1 tsp baking powder and 1⁄4 tsp salt.

Combine Wet Ingredients

4. In another bowl, beat 1⁄2 cup sugar with 1⁄4 cup melted butter, 1 tsp vanilla, 1 egg and 1⁄2 cup milk until blended.

Add Dry to Wet

5. Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients. Mix just until combined (do not overmix).

Pour Batter Over Apples

6. Pour cake batter evenly over the apple layer. Bake for 40-45 minutes until toothpick comes out clean.

Cool and Invert

7. Allow cake to fully cool before running a knife around edge and inverting onto plate or cake stand. Enjoy!

Serving Suggestions

Apple mortgage cake tastes great:

• Plain or dusted with powdered sugar
• With a scoop of vanilla ice cream
• Drizzled with caramel sauce
• Alongside a cup of coffee or tea

For added decadence, accompany each slice with whipped cream flavored with cinnamon or vanilla.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

For convenience, prepare apple mortgage cake:

• Up to 2 days ahead - Store airtight at room temp
• One month in advance - Freeze cake wrapped in plastic then foil
• Refrigerate up to 5 days - Allow to come to room temp before serving

Enjoy leftover cake chilled straight from the fridge!

Simple Substitution Ideas

Customize apple mortgage cake with a few easy substitutions:

• Pears, peaches, or plums instead of apples
• Pecans or walnuts for extra crunch
• White whole wheat or almond flour for extra nutrition
• Pumpkin pie spice instead of cinnamon
• Buttermilk or yogurt for added moisture

Get creative with seasonal fruits and spice combinations!

The Best Apples for Mortgage Cake

The ideal apple varieties for mortgage cake include:

• Honeycrisp - Sweet and juicy
• Fuji - Soft, fine texture
• Jonagold - Tart, holds structure when baked
• Braeburn - Spicy-sweet with firm flesh
• Gala - Meltingly tender bites

Mix and match different types for layers of flavor!

Conclusion

Apple mortgage cake brings together simple pantry ingredients like apples, flour, sugar and spices for a nostalgic, wallet-friendly dessert. Its beginnings may have been humble, but this vintage upside down cake delivers comfort and happiness with each sweet, tender bite. Put a slice of homemade goodness on your table and share this old-fashioned cake tradition with your own family.

FAQs

What is an apple mortgage cake?

Apple mortgage cake is a vintage upside-down cake with apples on the bottom and a tender cake batter on top. It was an economical Depression-era recipe.

Why is it called mortgage cake?

The inexpensive ingredients were cheaper than making mortgage payments, giving rise to the name "mortgage cake."

What type of apples work best?

Crisp apples like Honeycrisp, Fuji, Jonagold and Braeburn hold their shape well when baked. Softer apples will get mushy.

Can you customize the recipe?

Yes, try substitutions like pears instead of apples, different spices like pumpkin pie spice, nuts for crunch, or buttermilk for extra moisture.

How long does mortgage cake last?

Properly stored, mortgage cake will last 2 days at room temp, 1 week refrigerated, and 1-2 months frozen. Allow refrigerated cake to come to room temp before serving.