Grandma Addie'S Tomato Soup Cake
A moist and flavorful tomato soup cake with warm spices, raisins, and nuts, perfect for family gatherings or holiday desserts, topped with creamy frosting.
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup Crisco ⓘ
- 1 1/3 cups sugar
- 1 can tomato soup ⓘ
- 1 can water ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon soda ⓘ
- 3 cups flour ⓘ
- 3/4 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 3 teaspoons baking powder ⓘ
- 1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon ⓘ
- 1 1/2 teaspoons nutmeg ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon cloves ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups cut raisins ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups chopped nuts ⓘ
- 8 ounces cream cheese ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon water ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon vanilla ⓘ
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Grease and flour a tube or Bundt pan.
- Cream together the sugar and shortening until light and fluffy.
- Combine the tomato soup with water and soda, then add to the creamed mixture.
- Alternately add the dry ingredients and the soup mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing well after each addition.
- Stir in the raisins and chopped nuts.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan.
- Bake for 1 to 1 1/2 hours, or until a clean toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cake to cool before frosting with cream cheese frosting.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, you can substitute half of the Crisco with applesauce. If you don't have raisins, chopped dates or dried cranberries can work well. To enhance the spices, consider adding a pinch of allspice. Make sure to sift the flour and baking powder together to avoid lumps. This cake can be made ahead of time and tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this unique cake with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert. It pairs wonderfully with a cup of tea or coffee. For a festive touch, consider serving it alongside a refreshing Festive Marshmallow Salad, which balances the cake's rich flavors. This cake is perfect for potlucks or holiday gatherings.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week. If you want to keep it longer, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and warm slices in the microwave for a few seconds before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Grandma Addie'S Tomato Soup Cake contains roughly 710 calories, with 10g protein, 80g carbohydrates, and 31g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 596mg per serving (26% of the Daily Value).
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 a different type of oil instead of Crisco?
Yes, you can substitute Crisco with vegetable oil or melted coconut oil. However, keep in mind that this may alter the texture slightly. If you're looking for a healthier alternative, consider using applesauce as a partial replacement for the shortening, which will make the cake moist without adding too much fat.
Is it necessary to use cream cheese frosting?
While cream cheese frosting complements the flavors of this cake beautifully, it is not mandatory. You can opt for a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk or even enjoy the cake plain. If you're looking for a lighter option, a dusting of powdered sugar can also be a delightful finishing touch.
Can I make this cake in advance?
Absolutely! This cake can be made a day or two in advance, as it tends to taste even better after sitting for a while as the flavors develop. Just be sure to store it properly in an airtight container to maintain its moisture. If you plan to frost it, consider waiting until just before serving to ensure the frosting stays fresh.
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).