Tomato Soup Spice Cake with Old Fashioned Caramel Frosting Recipe

Tomato Soup Spice Cake with Old Fashioned Caramel Frosting

Introduction

Tomato Soup Spice Cake might sound unusual, but this delightful dessert has been a beloved recipe for generations. Originating during the Great Depression, when creative cooks found ways to stretch their pantry staples, this cake uses condensed tomato soup as a key ingredient. The result is a moist, aromatic spice cake that surprises with its rich flavor and tender crumb. Topped with a luscious old-fashioned caramel frosting, this cake is a perfect blend of sweet and spice, making it an ideal treat for any occasion.

Ingredients

Cake

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened or at room temperature
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 can condensed tomato soup
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1 cup raisins (optional)
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)

Frosting

• 1 1/2 cups brown sugar
• 1/3 cup unsalted butter
• 1/3 cup whole milk
• 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
• pinch of salt

Directions

Preparing the Cake

1. Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9 x 13-inch baking pan to ensure the cake doesn’t stick.
2. Cream Butter and Sugar: Using a hand mixer, cream together the softened butter and sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is crucial as it incorporates air into the batter, resulting in a lighter cake.
3. Add Egg and Tomato Soup: Mix in the egg and then add the condensed tomato soup. Blend until the mixture is well combined. Don’t be alarmed by the soup’s presence; it contributes to the cake’s moist texture and subtle flavor.
4. Sift Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking soda, salt, and spices (cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves). Sifting helps to evenly distribute the baking soda and spices, ensuring the cake bakes evenly and has a consistent flavor throughout.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until smooth. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cake dense.
6. Add Raisins and Walnuts: If desired, stir in the raisins and chopped walnuts. These add-ins provide texture and additional flavor, making each bite interesting and satisfying.
7. Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and bake in the preheated oven for about 28-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. Avoid overbaking, as this can dry out the cake.
8. Cool the Cake: Allow the cake to cool in the pan. As it cools, you can start preparing the frosting.

Making the Frosting

1. Combine Ingredients: In a small saucepan, combine the brown sugar, unsalted butter, whole milk, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Using a wire whisk, mix the ingredients together thoroughly.
2. Boil the Mixture: Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a boil, stirring constantly to prevent burning. Boil for one minute, then reduce the heat if necessary to prevent the mixture from boiling over.
3. Thicken the Frosting: Remove the saucepan from heat and set it aside to cool and thicken for about 10 minutes. Stir the frosting every couple of minutes to ensure a smooth consistency.
4. Frost the Cake: Once the frosting has thickened to your desired consistency, pour it over the cooled cake. Use a spatula to spread the frosting evenly over the cake, ensuring every corner is covered.

Tips for Success

• Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure that the butter and egg are at room temperature before you start. This helps them to incorporate better into the batter.
• Sifting: Don’t skip the sifting step for the dry ingredients. It helps to remove any lumps and ensures that the baking soda and spices are evenly distributed.
• Monitoring the Frosting: When making the frosting, keep a close eye on it as it boils. Stir constantly to prevent it from burning or boiling over. The frosting should thicken to a pourable yet spreadable consistency as it cools.
• Customizing Add-ins: Feel free to experiment with the add-ins. While raisins and walnuts are classic choices, you could also try dried cranberries, pecans, or even chocolate chips for a different twist.

Serving Suggestions

This Tomato Soup Spice Cake is versatile and can be enjoyed in various ways:

• Simple Slices: Cut the cake into slices and serve as is. The combination of moist cake and creamy caramel frosting is delightful on its own.
• With a Scoop of Ice Cream: For an extra indulgent treat, serve the cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The cold, creamy ice cream pairs wonderfully with the warm spices and rich caramel frosting.
• A Cup of Coffee or Tea: Enjoy a slice with a cup of hot coffee or tea. The spices in the cake complement the flavors of both beverages, making it a perfect afternoon snack or dessert.

Storing and Freezing

• Storing: Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you live in a particularly humid climate, you may want to store the cake in the refrigerator to keep the frosting from becoming too soft.
• Freezing: To freeze, wrap individual slices of the cake in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe container. The cake can be frozen for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy a slice, simply thaw it at room temperature.

The Historical Context of Tomato Soup Spice Cake

Tomato Soup Spice Cake is a dessert with a fascinating history. Its origins date back to the early 20th century, particularly during the Great Depression. During this time, home cooks had to be creative with limited resources, and pantry staples like condensed tomato soup became versatile ingredients. This ingenuity led to the development of recipes that utilized what was on hand, often resulting in surprisingly delicious outcomes.

The use of tomato soup in a cake might seem unconventional, but it serves multiple purposes. The acidity in the tomato soup acts as a tenderizer, resulting in a moist crumb. Additionally, the soup’s subtle flavor is masked by the robust spices, allowing it to enhance the cake’s overall texture without overpowering its taste.

The Flavor Profile

The flavor profile of Tomato Soup Spice Cake is rich and complex. The combination of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves creates a warm, aromatic blend that is both comforting and inviting. These spices are often associated with fall and winter, making this cake a perfect dessert for cooler weather. The optional additions of raisins and walnuts add texture and bursts of sweetness, while the old-fashioned caramel frosting provides a creamy, sweet finish that complements the spices beautifully.

Customizing Your Spice Cake

While the traditional recipe is delightful, there are many ways to customize your Tomato Soup Spice Cake to suit your personal preferences or dietary needs.

Gluten-Free Version

For a gluten-free version, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure that the blend contains xanthan gum or another binding agent to help mimic the texture of regular flour.

Vegan Version

To make a vegan version of the cake, replace the butter with a plant-based margarine or coconut oil, and use a flax egg (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons of water) in place of the egg. For the frosting, use a plant-based milk and vegan butter.

Adding More Spices

Feel free to experiment with the spice blend. Adding a pinch of cardamom or a bit more ginger can give the cake a unique twist. You can also adjust the amounts of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves to suit your taste.

The Importance of Technique

In baking, technique can be just as important as the ingredients. Here are a few tips to ensure your Tomato Soup Spice Cake turns out perfectly every time:

Creaming Butter and Sugar

The step of creaming butter and sugar is crucial for incorporating air into the batter, which helps the cake rise and achieve a light texture. Be patient and mix until the mixture is noticeably lighter in color and fluffy.

Sifting Dry Ingredients

Sifting the dry ingredients ensures that the baking soda and spices are evenly distributed throughout the batter. This prevents clumps and ensures a consistent flavor and texture.

Mixing with Care

When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until everything is incorporated. Overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour too much, resulting in a dense cake.

Sharing the Joy

One of the best parts of baking is sharing your creations with others. Here are a few ideas for presenting and sharing your Tomato Soup Spice Cake:

Potlucks and Gatherings

This cake is perfect for potlucks and family gatherings. Its unique flavor will intrigue guests, and its nostalgic roots often spark conversations about family recipes and the creative ways people used to cook.

Gift Giving

Bake the cake in a decorative pan or use a bundt pan for a more elegant presentation. Wrap it up with a ribbon and a handwritten recipe card to give as a thoughtful homemade gift.

Celebrations

While it might not be the first cake that comes to mind for celebrations, its unique flavor and history make it a conversation starter at birthday parties, anniversaries, or even holiday dinners.

Conclusion

Tomato Soup Spice Cake with Old Fashioned Caramel Frosting is more than just a recipe; it’s a piece of culinary history that showcases the ingenuity and resourcefulness of home cooks. Its deliciously moist, spiced flavor combined with the sweet, creamy caramel frosting makes it a standout dessert that is sure to impress. Whether you’re making it for the first time or revisiting a beloved family recipe, this cake is a wonderful reminder of how creativity in the kitchen can lead to timeless treats.

So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and embark on a baking adventure that pays homage to the past while creating sweet memories for the future. Enjoy every bite of this delightful, aromatic, and truly unique cake.