1930'S Tomato Cake

Prep: 10 min Cook: 45 min Cuisine: American

A nostalgic 1930s tomato cake featuring the unique flavor of tomato soup, warm spices, and raisins, perfect for those who enjoy moist, spiced desserts with a historical twist.

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Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup butter
  • 1 1/2 cups sugar
  • 1 egg
  • 1 teaspoon cloves
  • 1 teaspoon nutmeg
  • 2 1/2 cups flour
  • 1 can tomato soup
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon soda
  • 1/2 pound raisins

Instructions

  1. Dissolve the baking soda in the water.
  2. Combine all ingredients and beat until smooth, similar to other cake batters.
  3. Pour into a prepared pan and bake at 350°F for 45 minutes.

Tips & Substitutions

For a lighter texture, consider sifting the flour before adding it to the batter. You can substitute the raisins with chopped dates or nuts for a different flavor profile. If you want a sweeter taste, increase the sugar slightly. Ensure the tomato soup is well mixed before adding to avoid lumps. This cake pairs well with a cream cheese frosting for a delightful contrast.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this unique Tomato Cake with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert. It pairs beautifully with Helen'S Salad for a refreshing contrast. You can also enjoy it with coffee or tea for an afternoon treat. For an extra touch, sprinkle with powdered sugar before serving.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate the cake for up to a week. To reheat, slice individual pieces and warm in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. Alternatively, enjoy it cold as a unique dessert option.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of 1930'S Tomato Cake contains roughly 1301 calories, with 16g protein, 153g carbohydrates, and 72g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (53% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (44% of the Daily Value), and iron (38% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 722mg per serving (31% of the Daily Value).

1301 kcal 65% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 16.5g 33% DV
Total Fat 72g 92% DV
Carbs 153.1g 56% DV
Fiber 12.2g 44% DV
Sugar 9.7g 19% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 721.6mg 31% DV
Potassium 1080.7mg 23% DV
Cholesterol 274.6mg 92% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 111.6mcg 12% DV
Vitamin C 47.3mg 53% DV
Calcium 261.7mg 20% DV
Iron 6.9mg 38% DV
Diet fit High-fiber
Contains Milk Egg Wheat/Gluten

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of tomato soup?

Using fresh tomatoes is not recommended as they have a different moisture content and flavor. Tomato soup provides a concentrated flavor and necessary moisture for the cake. If you want to experiment, consider using a pureed tomato product, but the results may vary.

Is this cake suitable for vegetarians?

Yes, this 1930's Tomato Cake is suitable for vegetarians as it contains no meat or animal products. The primary ingredients are plant-based, making it a great option for those following vegetarian recipes. Just ensure that the tomato soup you use does not contain any meat-based additives.

How can I make this cake gluten-free?

To make this cake gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that contains xanthan gum. Ensure that all other ingredients, like baking soda and spices, are gluten-free. The texture may differ slightly, but it will still yield a delicious cake.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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