We love Mortgage Cake because it blends sweet flavors with a heartwarming history. People once baked these cakes to raise funds for families in need. That sense of generosity still shines through.
We’re excited to share our spin on this cherished tradition. Our Mortgage Cake recipe highlights simple ingredients that come together quickly. It’s a sweet reminder that a little kindness goes a long way.
We’ll show you how to whip up this nostalgic treat in no time. Gather your ingredients and let’s bake something truly special.
Overview Of The Mortgage Cake Recipe
We honor the Mortgage Cake tradition by mixing simple ingredients with a spirit of kindness. We rely on a handful of pantry staples: flour sugar eggs baking powder and milk to form a moist batter that holds the flavors together. This dessert often reminds us of neighbors uniting for a bake sale or a friend bringing a freshly made treat to share.
We start by blending our dry ingredients in a large bowl. We sift flour and baking powder to remove lumps. We mix sugar with these dry components. We then whisk eggs with milk in a separate container. We pour the wet mixture into the dry bowl. We stir gently to maintain a soft airy texture. We finish by folding in melted butter to add richness.
Once our batter is ready we transfer it into a greased pan. We preheat our oven to 350°F and position the pan in the center rack. We maintain an even temperature during baking for best results. We aim for a golden brown crust and a light springy center that signals it is ready. We recommend a quick check with a toothpick after 30 minutes.
Below is a quick reference for timing and temperature:
| Step | Time (minutes) | Temperature (°F) |
|---|---|---|
| Oven Preheat | 10 to 15 | 350 |
| Cake Baking | 30 to 35 | 350 |
We let the cake rest in the pan for at least ten minutes before we remove it. We then allow it to cool on a rack. We find that this method prevents cracks and keeps the cake tender. We sometimes garnish with powdered sugar or a minimal frosting to keep the sweetness balanced. For special occasions we drizzle a light glaze on top. This approach lets us savor the comforting taste and remember the charitable beginnings of the Mortgage Cake.
Tools And Equipment
We gather our essential Mortgage Cake gear to keep our baking process smooth. We use a large bowl to mix our dry ingredients and a smaller bowl for our wet ingredients. A whisk helps us eliminate lumps and incorporate air. Measuring cups and measuring spoons ensure precise measurements for each component. A sturdy spatula lets us fold our batter without deflating it. We coat a metal cake pan to support even baking and a wire rack for proper cooling.
| Tool | Purpose |
|---|---|
| large mixing bowl | Holds the combined dry ingredients |
| small mixing bowl | Keeps liquid components separate until final mixing |
| whisk | Breaks up clumps and incorporates air for a fluffy batter |
| measuring cups | Provides accurate volume measurements for flour, sugar, and milk |
| measuring spoons | Ensures exact amounts of baking powder and salt |
| spatula | Folds batter gently and scrapes the sides of the bowl |
| metal cake pan | Offers stable heat conduction for an even bake |
| wire rack | Allows the cake to cool evenly once baked |
We rely on each item to streamline our process and maintain the nostalgic spirit of our Mortgage Cake tradition.
Ingredients
We gather these simple items to create our Mortgage Cake with a light crumb and sweet flavor. We rely on fresh staples to preserve the spirit of generosity that inspired this recipe.
Batter Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (sifted)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 eggs (lightly beaten)
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted and cooled)
Filling Ingredients (Optional)
- 1/2 cup fruit preserves (any favorite flavor)
- 1/4 cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans)
Frosting Ingredients
- 2 cups powdered sugar (sifted)
- 3 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon softened butter (optional)
Directions
We begin our Mortgage Cake adventure by organizing our workspace. We will then craft a light batter and add our generous filling.
Prep
- Preheat the oven to 350°F
- Lightly grease a 9-inch metal cake pan and set it aside
- Gather all measured ingredients in separate bowls
- Refer to the table below for an approximate timeline
| Step | Approximate Time |
|---|---|
| Prep | 10 minutes |
| Make The Batter | 5 minutes |
| Prepare The Filling | 3 minutes |
| Assemble And Bake | 25 to 30 minutes |
| Frost And Decorate | 5 minutes |
Make The Batter
- Whisk 2 cups of sifted all-purpose flour with 1 cup of granulated sugar
- Add 2 teaspoons of baking powder and 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- In a separate bowl combine 2 lightly beaten eggs with 1 cup of milk and 1/2 cup of melted butter
- Slowly pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and fold until smooth
Prepare The Filling
- Stir 1/2 cup of fruit preserves in a small bowl until softened
- If desired fold in 1/4 cup of chopped nuts
- Keep the filling close by
Assemble And Bake
- Pour half of the batter into the greased pan
- Evenly spoon the fruit preserves and nuts mixture over the batter (optional)
- Gently add the remaining batter on top
- Bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean
- Place the pan on a wire rack to cool
Frost And Decorate
- Whisk 2 cups of sifted powdered sugar with 3 tablespoons of milk and 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- For extra richness add 1 tablespoon of softened butter
- Spread the frosting over the cooled Mortgage Cake
- Garnish with a light dusting of powdered sugar or a few chopped nuts if you wish
Make-Ahead Instructions
We often prepare parts of our Mortgage Cake recipe ahead of time to streamline the baking process. This helps us manage busy schedules while preserving the cake’s light texture and sweet flavor.
- Dry ingredient blend: We combine the flour baking powder sugar and salt up to one day in advance. We store the mixture in an airtight container.
- Wet ingredient preparation: We whisk the eggs milk and cooled melted butter in a separate bowl. We cover and refrigerate this bowl for up to 12 hours.
- Optional filling: We blend the fruit preserves and chopped nuts together. We seal the mixture in a small container and keep it in the fridge until we assemble the cake.
When we are ready to bake we remove the wet ingredients from the fridge. We let them rest at room temperature for about 15 minutes. We then stir the wet ingredients into the dry mixture until just combined.
Below is a quick reference for storage times:
| Storage Method | Maximum Time |
|---|---|
| Dry ingredients in container | 1 day |
| Wet ingredients in fridge | 12 hours |
| Prepared filling in fridge | 1 day |
If we want to bake the cake completely in advance we bake and cool it. We wrap it tightly. We freeze it for up to one month. We thaw the cake at room temperature before frosting and serving. We find that storing the cake this way helps maintain its moist crumb and preserves the generous spirit behind our cherished Mortgage Cake tradition.
Conclusion
We hope you’re feeling the warmth and generosity behind every slice. It’s a timeless reminder that small acts of kindness can leave lasting effects in our communities. Let’s carry on this tradition together passing on both the recipe and the spirit of giving.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Mortgage Cake?
Mortgage Cake is a classic dessert rooted in a charitable tradition. Originally baked to help families raise funds for expenses like mortgages, it highlights the power of generosity. By using simple pantry staples, this cake remains a comforting treat that symbolizes kindness and support in every slice.
Which ingredients do I need for the basic recipe?
The base recipe includes 2 cups of sifted all-purpose flour, 1 cup of sugar, 2 teaspoons of baking powder, ½ teaspoon of salt, 2 lightly beaten eggs, 1 cup of milk, and ½ cup of melted butter. These ingredients create a moist, sweet cake with a soft crumb.
How do I prepare the cake batter?
First, whisk the dry ingredients in a large bowl. In a separate bowl, combine eggs, milk, and melted butter. Gently stir the wet mixture into the dry ingredients until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cake light and fluffy, ensuring a tender slice every time.
Can I add fillings or frosting to Mortgage Cake?
Yes! You can stir in fruit preserves and chopped nuts before baking, creating extra flavor. For a simple frosting, blend sifted powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla. Spread it over the cooled cake, and garnish with a sprinkle of nuts or a drizzle of glaze for added charm.
How should I store or freeze Mortgage Cake?
Once the cake cools completely, cover it tightly and store at room temperature for up to three days. If you need to freeze it, wrap it in plastic wrap, then foil, and freeze for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving or decorating.