Tomato soup…in cake? Yes! This old fashioned spice cake recipe has stood the test of time. This tomato soup cake is frosted with cream cheese frosting.
Spice cakes are one of my favorite kinds of cakes. Some have molasses, some are gingerbread flavored, but all are delicious.
Tomato Soup Cake
When I came across tomato soup cake, I just wasn’t sure. I read that it tasted like a spice cake. But tomatoes…in cake? I just wasn’t sure. If you like spice cake and don’t mind trying new things, give this unique cake a try!
What does tomato soup cake taste like?
Spice cake! It has a lightly sweet, deep flavor. The nutmeg, cinnamon and cloves all help that spice cake flavor to come out.
Where did tomato soup originate?
Tomato soup is a recipe from the Depression era. Tomato soup was an ingredient to replace milk and butter in the original recipe. Over time the recipe has changed and this one is closer to the Campbell’s tomato soup recipe.
How do you make tomato soup cake?
- This cake bakes in a 9×13 cake pan. Be sure to spray it with cooking spray so the cake does not stick.
- Use a stand mixer or hand mixer so that the ingredients come together easily. In the bowl of a stand mixer with the beater blade, cream together the butter and the sugar.
- The last addition of the cake is to add the soup, raisins and walnuts.
- The cake will take about 28-30 minutes to bake. The center of the cake should spring back when you touch it.
Frosting for Tomato Soup Cake
We used a cream cheese frosting for this cake because that is what we like on spice cakes. I’ve seen recipes for tomato soup cake with caramel frosting. Those sound amazing too! You could try this caramel frosting recipe.
**Pro Tip: Cream cheese frosting is easy to make. The key is to have the butter and cream cheese at room temperature. This will help the frosting cream easily.**
Does cake with cream cheese frosting need refrigerated?
Yes. You should refrigerate cakes with cream cheese frosting. You can remove the cake from the fridge up to 2 hours before serving to bring it to room temperature.
How long does cake last?
If you seal this cake well, it should stay fresh in the refrigerator for 5-7 days. Remember that cake is normally best when served within 24 hours of baking.
Other Spice Cake Recipes
Tomato Soup Cake
Ingredients
For the cake:
- ¼ cup butter (room temperature)
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon cloves
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 can condensed tomato soup (do not dilute) (10.75 ounces)
- ½ cup chopped walnuts
- 1 cup raisins
For the frosting:
- ½ cup butter (room temperature)
- 8 ounces cream cheese (room temperature)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
- ½ cup chopped walnuts for sprinkling on top (optional)
Instructions
Make the cake:
- Spray a 9x13 baking pan with cooking spray. Preheat the oven to 350º Fahrenheit.
- In the bowl of a stand mixer with the beater blade, cream together the butter and the sugar.
- Add in the eggs and mix well.
- Add in the flour, baking soda, baking powder and spices. Mix well.
- Lastly, add in the soup, walnuts and raisins. Mix until combined, scraping the sides of the bowl as needed.
- Pour the batter into the baking pan and bake for 28-30 minutes or until the center of the cake tests done.
- Allow the cake to cool on a wire rack before frosting.
Make the frosting:
- In a medium bowl, cream together the butter, cream cheese and vanilla (using a hand or stand mixer) until smooth.
- Add in the powdered sugar and beat until smooth.
Assemble the cake:
- Use a rubber spatula to spread the cream cheese frosting over the cooled cake.
- Sprinkle with walnuts.
- Store any leftover cake in the refrigerator in a sealed container.
Video
Oh my gosh! My Mom was born in 1916 and I have my mom’s tomato soup cake recipe. Both my parents grew up in the depression and this cake is so delicious and brings back many happy memories. A lot of people and friends think I’m crazy when I mention Tomato Soup Cake. Thank you for bringing back good memories. Makes yummy cupcakes for lunches…. I haven’t tried your recipe but it sounds a lot like my Mom’s.
Made this cake tonight it was the best Moist light and very easy to put together
Always frost this with lemon buttercream instead of cream cheese- it also reminds me of Spanish Bar Cake A&P used to sell back in the day. Anybody else remember?