Husband'S Cake
A moist, spiced cake featuring raisins and walnuts, with a hint of tomato flavor, perfect for family gatherings or teatime indulgence.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cream together the shortening and sugar.
- Add the tomato soup and water to the creamed mixture.
- Add the remaining ingredients: baking soda, baking powder, nutmeg, raisins, flour, ground cloves, cinnamon, and chopped walnuts.
- Mix all ingredients together until well combined.
- Pour the batter into a greased and floured tube pan.
- Bake in a moderate 350°F oven for 1 hour.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter texture, consider substituting half of the shortening with unsweetened applesauce. If you don't have walnuts, pecans or even sunflower seeds work well. Make sure to use a good quality tomato soup for the best flavor, and if you prefer a spicier cake, increase the nutmeg and cinnamon slightly. Always check the doneness with a toothpick before removing from the oven.
Serving Suggestions
This cake is delicious on its own, but you can enhance it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. It pairs beautifully with Holiday Cranberry Relish for a festive touch. Consider serving it alongside a warm cup of tea or coffee for a cozy afternoon treat. For a complete meal, serve with a light salad like Orange Raisin Cole Slaw.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Husband's Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. To keep it fresh longer, you can refrigerate it for up to a week. If you want to freeze it, wrap slices in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag for up to three months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Husband'S Cake contains roughly 1491 calories, with 19g protein, 64g carbohydrates, and 137g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (69% of the Daily Value), protein (38% of the Daily Value), and calcium (38% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 872mg per serving (38% 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 flour for this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a healthier option. However, this may change the texture slightly, making it denser. If you want to keep it light, stick with all-purpose flour. You could also try gluten-free flour blends if you have dietary restrictions, but be sure to follow the package instructions for best results.
Is it possible to make this cake vegan?
Absolutely! You can replace shortening with coconut oil or a vegan butter substitute. For the egg-free version, use a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water per egg) or unsweetened applesauce. Ensure your tomato soup is vegan-friendly as well. This will create a delicious vegan version of Husband's Cake without sacrificing flavor.
What should I do if the cake sinks in the middle after baking?
A sunken cake can result from underbaking, so always check for doneness with a toothpick. If it comes out wet, return the cake to the oven for a few more minutes. Additionally, overmixing the batter can cause it to sink, so mix just until combined. Lastly, make sure your baking powder and soda are fresh for the best rise.
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).