Heavenly Tomato Cake
A rich and moist chocolate cake infused with the unique flavor of tomato juice, topped with marshmallows, perfect for those seeking a novel dessert experience.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cream together margarine, shortening, and sugar.
- Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Sift together cocoa, flour, and soda.
- Add to creamed mixture, mixing thoroughly.
- Combine tomato juice, hot water, and marshmallows; add to batter.
- Add vanilla extract to the batter.
- Pour the thin batter into a greased 15 1/2 x 10 1/2 x 1-inch pan.
- Bake in a preheated 350°F oven for 35 minutes.
- Ice the cake while hot.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider substituting half of the margarine with butter. If you prefer a vegan option, use plant-based margarine and flax eggs instead of traditional eggs. Make sure to sift the dry ingredients thoroughly to avoid lumps. This cake is surprisingly moist due to the tomato juice, so don't worry if the batter seems thin; it will bake up beautifully.
Serving Suggestions
This Heavenly Tomato Cake is delightful on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. For a fun twist, serve it alongside a fruit salad or with a side of Grandma'S Date Bread for a sweet brunch spread. It also makes an excellent dessert at gatherings or potlucks.
Storage & Reheating
To store leftovers, cover the cooled cake tightly with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. It can be kept at room temperature for 2-3 days or refrigerated for up to a week. When ready to enjoy, you can warm individual slices in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds for a delicious, soft texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Heavenly Tomato Cake contains roughly 756 calories, with 10g protein, 82g carbohydrates, and 41g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (59% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (37% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (25% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 590mg 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 fresh tomatoes instead of tomato juice?
While fresh tomatoes can be used, they may alter the texture and moisture content of the cake. If you decide to use fresh tomatoes, ensure to puree them first and strain any excess liquid to achieve a similar consistency to tomato juice.
What type of frosting goes best with this cake?
A light cream cheese frosting or a simple vanilla glaze complements the flavors of the cake beautifully without overpowering it. You can also dust it with powdered sugar for a simple finish, or try pairing it with chocolate icing for a richer taste.
Is this cake suitable for freezing?
Yes, this cake can be frozen. Make sure to cool it completely before wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to three months. To thaw, place it in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
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).