My Grandma'S Thunder Cake
Grandma's Thunder Cake is a rich, chocolate-flavored dessert with a unique twist of tomatoes, perfect for family gatherings and special occasions craving a moist, flavorful treat.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cream together the shortening, sugar, vanilla, egg yolks, egg whites, water, and pureed tomatoes until well combined.
- Sift together the cake flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the creamy mixture until smooth.
- Pour the batter evenly into two greased and floured 8½-inch round pans.
- Bake at 350°F for 35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cakes to cool before frosting with chocolate butter frosting.
- Top with strawberries before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter cake, you can use egg whites only and replace shortening with unsweetened applesauce. If you don’t have cake flour, substitute it with all-purpose flour by removing 2 tablespoons per cup and adding cornstarch. Ensure your tomatoes are well-pureed to avoid any lumps in the batter. For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of espresso to the batter.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Thunder Cake with a generous layer of chocolate butter frosting and fresh strawberries on top for a beautiful presentation. It pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. For a delightful contrast, try serving it alongside a slice of Crustless Coconut Or Egg Custard Pie.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Thunder Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you prefer, you can refrigerate it for up to a week, but let it come to room temperature before serving for the best texture. To reheat, place a slice in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of My Grandma'S Thunder Cake contains roughly 490 calories, with 16g protein, 38g carbohydrates, and 30g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (33% of the Daily Value), protein (32% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (25% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 989mg per serving (43% 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 another type of fat instead of shortening?
Yes, you can substitute shortening with unsalted butter or coconut oil for a different flavor profile. Keep in mind that using butter will give the cake a richer taste, while coconut oil may impart a slight coconut flavor.
What can I use if I don't have pureed tomatoes?
If you don't have pureed tomatoes, you can use unsweetened applesauce or even pumpkin puree as a substitute. Both will add moisture to the cake without altering the flavor too much.
How can I make this cake gluten-free?
To make this Thunder Cake gluten-free, substitute the cake flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Ensure the blend contains xanthan gum or add it separately to achieve the desired texture. Additionally, check all other ingredients for gluten content.
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).