Tim'S Thunder Cake
Tim's Thunder Cake is a rich, chocolate-flavored cake with a hint of tomato, topped with strawberries and chocolate frosting, perfect for special occasions or family gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two cake pans.
- In a mixing bowl, cream together shortening and sugar. Stir in vanilla.
- Add egg yolks to the mixture and blend well.
- In a separate bowl, beat egg whites until stiff peaks form.
- Gradually fold the beaten egg whites into the creamed mixture.
- Mix water and pureed tomatoes into the batter.
- In another bowl, combine cake flour, cocoa, soda, and salt.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until smooth.
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans.
- Bake for 35 to 40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cakes to cool, then frost with chocolate butter frosting.
- Top with strawberries before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter texture, ensure the egg whites are beaten to stiff peaks before folding them into the batter. You can substitute the shortening with unsalted butter for a richer flavor. If tomatoes aren't available, consider using pumpkin puree as an alternative. This cake's unique flavor is a delightful surprise, so don't skip the frosting.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Tim's Thunder Cake with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for added indulgence. It pairs beautifully with strawberries on top, enhancing the cake's moistness and flavor. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside a light salad like Cranberry Salad(Good) to balance the sweetness.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Thunder Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you need to keep it longer, refrigerate it for up to a week. To enjoy it warm, gently reheat individual slices in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds, just until slightly warmed.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Tim'S Thunder Cake contains roughly 461 calories, with 6g protein, 58g carbohydrates, and 23g fat. It is a good source of iron (18% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (18% of the Daily Value), and protein (13% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 3g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 use all-purpose flour instead of cake flour, but the texture may be slightly denser. If you want a gluten-free option, try a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend, adjusting the baking time as needed.
What can I use instead of pureed tomatoes?
If pureed tomatoes are unavailable, you can substitute with unsweetened applesauce or pumpkin puree. Both will add moisture without altering the flavor too much, making them excellent alternatives.
How can I make this cake more chocolatey?
To enhance the chocolate flavor, consider adding an extra 1/4 cup of cocoa powder or including chocolate chips in the batter. Additionally, using dark cocoa powder can impart a deeper chocolate taste.
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).