Tomato Soup Cake: A Surprisingly Delicious Classic Recipe
Tomato soup cake? It sounds unusual, even a little off-putting at first. But trust me, this vintage recipe is a delightful surprise. This moist, subtly spiced cake has a rich flavor that’s far more complex than you might expect. The tomato soup acts as a tenderizer and adds a unique depth of flavor, resulting in a cake that’s both comforting and intriguing. It’s a great conversation starter and a fantastic way to bake something different. Plus, it’s surprisingly easy to make!
This article will guide you through everything you need to know to bake the perfect tomato soup cake, from ingredient selection to baking tips and frosting ideas. Prepare to be amazed by this unexpectedly delicious treat!
## What is Tomato Soup Cake?
Tomato soup cake is a spice cake that utilizes canned tomato soup as a key ingredient. The soup doesn’t impart an overwhelming tomato flavor; instead, it contributes to the cake’s moistness, enhances its color, and adds a subtle savory note that complements the spices beautifully. The recipe is a classic that gained popularity during times of rationing when resourceful cooks sought ways to use readily available ingredients creatively. It’s a testament to the ingenuity of home bakers and a delicious piece of culinary history.
## Why Tomato Soup in Cake?
You might be wondering why anyone would think to put tomato soup in a cake. The answer lies in the chemistry and resourcefulness of baking. Here’s why tomato soup works so well:
* **Moisture:** Tomato soup is high in moisture, which keeps the cake incredibly moist and prevents it from drying out.
* **Acidity:** The acidity in tomatoes helps to tenderize the gluten in the flour, resulting in a softer, more delicate crumb.
* **Flavor Enhancer:** The subtle savory notes in tomato soup complement the spices (like cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg) and create a more complex and balanced flavor profile.
* **Color:** Tomato soup naturally enhances the cake’s color, giving it a warm, reddish-brown hue.
* **Historical Context:** During the Great Depression and World War II, ingredients like butter and eggs were scarce. Tomato soup offered a readily available and affordable alternative that could still produce a delicious and satisfying cake.
## The Perfect Tomato Soup Cake Recipe
Here’s a detailed recipe to help you bake a truly exceptional tomato soup cake. We’ve included step-by-step instructions and helpful tips to ensure your success.
**Yields:** 12 servings
**Prep time:** 20 minutes
**Cook time:** 30-35 minutes
### Ingredients:
* 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
* 1 teaspoon baking soda
* ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
* ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
* ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
* ½ teaspoon salt
* ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
* 1 cup granulated sugar
* 1 large egg
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* 1 can (10.75 ounces) condensed tomato soup, undiluted
* ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
**For the Cream Cheese Frosting:**
* 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
* ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
* 3 cups powdered sugar
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* 2-4 tablespoons milk or cream (to adjust consistency)
### Equipment:
* 9×13 inch baking pan
* Mixing bowls
* Electric mixer (handheld or stand mixer)
* Measuring cups and spoons
* Rubber spatula
* Parchment paper (optional)
### Instructions
**Get Started:**
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan. For easier cleanup, you can line the pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for lifting the cake out.
**Combine Dry Ingredients:**
2. In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and salt. This ensures that the baking soda and spices are evenly distributed throughout the flour.
**Cream Butter and Sugar:**
3. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This usually takes 3-5 minutes using an electric mixer. Properly creaming the butter and sugar incorporates air into the mixture, which contributes to the cake’s light and airy texture.
**Add Egg and Vanilla:**
4. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined. Make sure the egg is fully incorporated before moving on to the next step.
**Alternate Adding Dry and Wet Ingredients:**
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the tomato soup. Begin and end with the dry ingredients. This prevents the gluten in the flour from developing too much, which can result in a tough cake. Add about one-third of the dry ingredients, then half of the tomato soup, then another third of the dry ingredients, the remaining tomato soup, and finally the remaining dry ingredients. Mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can also lead to a tough cake.
**Stir in Nuts (Optional):**
6. If using, gently fold in the chopped walnuts or pecans.
**Bake the Cake:**
7. Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly.
8. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs attached. Start checking for doneness around 30 minutes, as baking times can vary depending on your oven.
**Cool the Cake:**
9. Let the cake cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before inverting it onto a wire rack to cool completely. Cooling the cake completely prevents the frosting from melting.
**Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting:**
10. While the cake is cooling, prepare the cream cheese frosting. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy.
11. Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating well after each addition. If the frosting is too thick, add milk or cream, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency. Stir in the vanilla extract.
**Frost the Cake:**
12. Once the cake is completely cool, frost the top with the cream cheese frosting. You can create swirls or simply spread it evenly.
**Serve and Enjoy!**
13. Slice and serve the tomato soup cake. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
## Tips for the Best Tomato Soup Cake
* **Use Quality Ingredients:** The better the ingredients, the better the cake will taste. Use good-quality butter, cream cheese, and vanilla extract.
* **Soften the Butter and Cream Cheese:** Make sure the butter and cream cheese are properly softened before you start mixing. This will ensure that they cream together smoothly and create a light and airy frosting.
* **Don’t Overmix:** Overmixing the batter can develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in a tough cake. Mix until just combined.
* **Check for Doneness:** Start checking for doneness around 30 minutes. The cake is done when a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs attached.
* **Cool Completely Before Frosting:** Frosting the cake while it’s still warm will cause the frosting to melt and slide off.
* **Add a Tangy Twist:** For a tangier frosting, add a tablespoon of lemon juice or a pinch of salt to the cream cheese frosting.
* **Get Creative with Toppings:** Sprinkle the frosted cake with chopped nuts, cinnamon, or a drizzle of caramel sauce.
* **Adjust Sweetness:** If you prefer a less sweet cake, reduce the amount of sugar in the cake batter or frosting.
## Variations on Tomato Soup Cake
While the classic tomato soup cake recipe is delicious on its own, there are many ways to customize it to your liking. Here are a few ideas:
* **Chocolate Tomato Soup Cake:** Add ¼ cup of unsweetened cocoa powder to the dry ingredients for a chocolatey twist. You can also add chocolate chips to the batter.
* **Spice Cake with Raisins:** Add ½ cup of raisins to the batter along with the nuts.
* **Caramel Glaze:** Instead of cream cheese frosting, top the cake with a homemade caramel glaze. This adds a rich and decadent flavor.
* **Orange Zest:** Add the zest of one orange to the cake batter for a bright and citrusy flavor.
* **Different Nuts:** Experiment with different types of nuts, such as walnuts, pecans, almonds, or hazelnuts.
* **Cupcakes:** Bake the batter in cupcake liners for individual servings. Reduce the baking time accordingly.
* **Layer Cake:** Bake the batter in two round cake pans for a layer cake. Double the frosting recipe to ensure you have enough to frost the layers.
## Serving Suggestions
Tomato soup cake is a versatile dessert that can be enjoyed in many ways. Here are a few serving suggestions:
* **Classic Slice:** Simply slice the cake and serve it as is. It’s delicious on its own or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
* **Warm with Ice Cream:** Warm a slice of cake in the microwave for a few seconds and serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The warm cake and cold ice cream create a delightful contrast.
* **With Coffee or Tea:** Tomato soup cake pairs perfectly with a cup of coffee or tea. The spices in the cake complement the warm beverage.
* **For Special Occasions:** Dress up the cake for special occasions by adding decorative toppings, such as fresh berries, chocolate shavings, or edible flowers.
* **Potlucks and Parties:** Tomato soup cake is a great dessert to bring to potlucks and parties. It’s easy to transport and always a crowd-pleaser.
## Storing Tomato Soup Cake
* **Unfrosted Cake:** Store unfrosted cake tightly wrapped in plastic wrap at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
* **Frosted Cake:** Store frosted cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Let the cake sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving to soften the frosting.
* **Freezing:** You can freeze tomato soup cake for up to 2 months. Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. Thaw the cake in the refrigerator overnight before serving. Frost the cake after it has thawed.
## Troubleshooting
* **Cake is dry:** Make sure you’re measuring the ingredients accurately. Overbaking can also cause the cake to dry out. Check for doneness early.
* **Cake is dense:** Overmixing the batter can result in a dense cake. Mix until just combined.
* **Cake is sinking in the middle:** This can be caused by using too much baking soda or not baking the cake at a high enough temperature. Make sure your oven is properly preheated.
* **Frosting is too thin:** Add more powdered sugar, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.
* **Frosting is too thick:** Add milk or cream, one teaspoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.
## The History of Tomato Soup Cake
The origins of tomato soup cake can be traced back to the early 20th century, a time of resourcefulness and culinary innovation. During the Great Depression and World War II, many common baking ingredients like butter, eggs, and sugar were scarce or rationed. Home cooks were forced to be creative and find alternative ingredients to make delicious and satisfying meals.
Tomato soup, a readily available and affordable pantry staple, emerged as a surprisingly effective substitute in baking. Its moisture content, acidity, and subtle flavor profile made it an ideal addition to spice cakes. The Campbell Soup Company even promoted the use of their condensed tomato soup in baking recipes, further popularizing the trend.
Tomato soup cake became a beloved treat, passed down through generations. It represents a time of resilience and ingenuity, reminding us that even in the face of adversity, delicious and comforting food can be created.
## Is Tomato Soup Cake Right for You?
If you’re looking for a unique and flavorful cake that’s surprisingly easy to make, then tomato soup cake is definitely worth a try. It’s a great option for:
* **Adventurous Bakers:** If you enjoy experimenting with different flavors and ingredients, you’ll love the unexpected twist of tomato soup in this cake.
* **History Buffs:** If you’re interested in culinary history and the stories behind classic recipes, you’ll appreciate the origins of tomato soup cake.
* **Budget-Conscious Cooks:** If you’re looking for an affordable and delicious dessert, tomato soup cake is a great choice.
* **Anyone Who Loves Spice Cake:** If you’re a fan of spice cakes, you’ll enjoy the warm and comforting flavors of tomato soup cake.
## Final Thoughts
Tomato soup cake is a testament to the ingenuity and resourcefulness of home bakers. What started as a necessity during times of scarcity has evolved into a beloved classic recipe. Its unique flavor, moist texture, and surprising ingredient make it a conversation starter and a delightful treat to share with friends and family.
So, the next time you’re looking for a different recipe to bake, give tomato soup cake a try. You might just be surprised at how delicious it is!