Growing up, my Grandma’s tomato soup cake was a delightful surprise that quickly became a family favorite. This vintage recipe, originating from the 1960s, delivers a moist spice cake topped with a decadent cream cheese frosting. The blend of flavors in this tomato soup cake strikes the perfect balance between nostalgia and modern taste buds.
Tomato soup cake may sound unusual at first, but trust me, it’s a hidden gem in the world of desserts. Dating back to the 1950s, this recipe gained popularity through Campbells’ innovative use of tomato soup in baking. The intriguing history behind this cake adds an extra layer of charm to its already delicious appeal.
Indulge in a slice of this classic spice cake and experience the warmth of old-fashioned southern comfort food. The magic of tomato soup cake lies in its simplicity and unique flavor profile, making it a must-try for any baking enthusiast.
Ingredients
In creating this unique tomato soup cake, the ingredients play a crucial role in the sweet and spiced flavors that come together so beautifully. Let’s break down what you’ll need for both the cake and the delicious cream cheese frosting.
For the Cake
- 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed tomato soup
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 cup white sugar
- ⅓ cup butter
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground cloves
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 ½ cups self-rising flour
- 1 cup raisins
- 8 ounces cream cheese
- ½ cup butter, softened
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Required Tools
To bake a delicious tomato soup cake, you will need the following tools to ensure a seamless baking experience:
1. Mixing Bowls: Prepare your mixing bowls to combine and whisk the ingredients effectively.
2. Electric Mixer: An electric mixer will help you beat the sugar, butter, and eggs to the perfect consistency for the cake batter.
3. Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate measurements are key to the success of any baking recipe, so make sure you have your measuring cups and spoons handy.
4. 10-inch Square Baking Dish: Grease a 10-inch square baking dish to bake the cake to perfection.
5. Whisk: A whisk is essential for blending the dry ingredients together uniformly.
6. Oven: Preheat your oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C) for the right baking temperature.
7. Non-stick Cooking Spray: Prepare a 9×13 baking dish with non-stick cooking spray to prevent the cake from sticking.
Preparation Steps
Measuring Ingredients
To begin making the tomato soup cake, gather and measure out all the necessary ingredients meticulously. Ensure that you have all-purpose flour, white sugar, baking powder, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, allspice, unsalted butter, eggs, vanilla extract, condensed tomato soup, and baking soda.
Preheating the Oven
Preheat the oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit (165 degrees Celsius). This temperature is crucial for ensuring the cake bakes evenly and rises properly. By preheating the oven in advance, you set the stage for baking success and a delicious outcome.
Directions
When making the tomato soup cake, it’s essential to follow precise steps to achieve the perfect blend of flavors and textures.
Mixing Dry Ingredients
- In a mixing bowl, combine the dry ingredients. Measures of all-purpose flour, baking powder, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and allspice are whisked together until evenly mixed.
- Ensure the dry ingredients are well incorporated to guarantee a balanced distribution of spices in the cake batter.
Incorporating Wet Ingredients
- In a separate bowl, cream together softened butter and sugar until smooth before adding eggs one at a time and vanilla extract.
- Next, gently mix in the condensed tomato soup, taking care not to overmix the batter.
- Gradually introduce the prepared dry ingredients into the wet mixture, ensuring a smooth amalgamation without overmixing.
- The incorporation of wet and dry ingredients is crucial for achieving a consistent and well-blended cake batter.
- Preheat the oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure proper baking temperature.
- Transfer the prepared cake batter into greased baking dishes, spreading it evenly.
- Bake the cake in the preheated oven for approximately 25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Once baked, allow the cake to cool completely before frosting to preserve its texture and flavor.
Assemble and Frost the Cake
Now that we have baked our delicious tomato soup cake, it’s time to complete it with a delectable frosting. Here’s how to assemble and frost the cake to create a mouth-watering treat:
Assemble the Cake Layers
- Prepare the Cake: Allow the baked cake to cool completely in the baking dish. Run a knife along the edges to loosen the cake from the sides.
- Remove the Cake: Carefully turn the baking dish upside down onto a clean surface to release the cake. Gently lift off the dish to reveal the cake.
- Slice the Cake: Using a sharp knife, slice the cake horizontally into two even layers. This creates a base and a top layer for the frosting.
Frosting the Cake
- Make the Frosting: Prepare the caramel icing by combining the necessary ingredients in a saucepan over low heat. Stir continuously until the mixture is smooth and has reached a spreadable consistency.
- Frost the Cake: Place the bottom layer of the cake on a serving plate. Spread a generous amount of the caramel icing over the top of this layer, ensuring an even coating.
- Layer the Cake: Gently place the top layer of the cake over the frosting. Press down slightly to secure it in place.
- Finish with Frosting: Use the remaining caramel icing to cover the top layer of the cake, spreading it evenly to the edges for a polished finish.
- Serve: Once the cake is assembled and frosted, allow it to set for a few minutes before slicing. This helps the frosting to slightly firm up for neat slices.
- Enjoy: Serve the tomato soup cake with caramel icing on its own or with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra special treat.
By following these steps to assemble and frost the cake, you’ll elevate the flavors of the tomato cake to create a memorable dessert that will impress your family and friends.
Serving Suggestions
As a versatile dessert, Grandma’s tomato soup cake can be served in various ways to complement its unique flavors. Here are some serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience:
Pair with Stuffed Butternut Squash
Serve a slice of tomato soup cake alongside a delightful Stuffed Butternut Squash for a holiday dinner indulgence. The combination of savory and sweet flavors will tantalize your taste buds.
Enjoy with a Cucumber Collins
For a refreshing treat, savor a slice of tomato soup cake with a glass of Cucumber Collins cocktail. The light and zesty notes of the cocktail perfectly complement the rich and moist texture of the cake.
Top with Tangy Vegan Cream Cheese Frosting
Elevate your tomato soup cake by topping it with Tangy Vegan Cream Cheese Frosting. This dairy-free alternative adds a tangy twist to the cake, enhancing its overall taste and presentation.
Pair with Almond Milk Egg Nog
Indulge in a rich and creamy experience by pairing your tomato soup cake with a thick glass of Almond Milk Egg Nog. The festive flavors of this drink perfectly harmonize with the warm and comforting notes of the cake.
- Add your favorite dried fruit such as raisins, cranberries, or golden raisins to the batter for a fruity twist.
- Incorporate chopped walnuts, pecans, or cashews into or on top of the cake for a nutty crunch.
- Introduce a fresh and spicy flavor by grating in half a tablespoon of fresh ginger into the cake batter.
- For a unique twist, shred fresh carrots into the batter to create a delightful Tomato Soup Carrot Cake, perfect for Easter celebrations.
Experimenting with these serving suggestions and variations will add a creative touch to your tomato soup cake, making it a standout dessert for any occasion.
Storage and Care
To ensure your Grandma’s tomato soup cake retains its delicious taste and texture, proper storage and care are essential. Here are some tips to keep your cake fresh and flavorful:
Storage Tips:
- Room Temperature: Once the cake has completely cooled, store it in an airtight container at room temperature.
- Fridge: If you prefer a chilled cake, you can store it in the refrigerator. Place it in a sealed container or cover it with plastic wrap to prevent it from drying out.
- Freezer: For longer storage, wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before placing it in the freezer. Thaw it in the refrigerator before serving.
- Frosting: If your cake is frosted, be gentle when covering it for storage to avoid ruining the frosting’s texture.
- Slicing: When cutting slices, use a sharp knife to ensure clean cuts and preserve the cake’s appearance.
- Reheating: To enjoy the cake warm, you can gently reheat individual slices in the microwave for a few seconds.
Following these storage and care instructions will help maintain the quality of your Grandma’s tomato soup cake for as long as you’d like to enjoy it.
Conclusion
In wrapping up, exploring the world of tomato soup cake recipes has been a delightful journey. From mastering Grandma’s classic recipe to discovering innovative serving suggestions and unique variations, this article has truly showcased the versatility and charm of this unexpected dessert. By following the detailed steps and tips provided, you can confidently create a memorable tomato soup cake experience for yourself and your loved ones. Whether you choose to stick to tradition or experiment with new flavors, the key lies in embracing creativity and enjoying the process of baking. With the right techniques and a touch of personal flair, you can elevate this humble cake into a show-stopping treat that will impress at any gathering. So, roll up your sleeves, preheat the oven, and let the magic of tomato soup cake baking begin!