Tomato Soup Cake (a vintage dessert)
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Tomato Soup Cake is a vintage American dessert, popular during the mid-20th century, that surprisingly uses condensed tomato soup as a key ingredient in the batter. It's a moist, spiced cake, often made with cinnamon, cloves, and raisins or nuts, and typically topped with a cream cheese frosting.
🍽️ Nutrition at a glance
This cake is high in carbohydrates from sugar and flour, with a moderate amount of fat from the frosting and any added nuts. A typical slice provides a quick energy boost and some iron from the tomato soup, with a calorie range of approximately 350-450 per serving.
💡 What's interesting
The cake is a fascinating piece of culinary history, born from the Great Depression and WWII-era ingenuity, where canned goods were used to stretch ingredients and add moisture. Nutritionally, the tomato soup contributes a subtle tang and extra moisture without a strong vegetable flavor, showcasing a clever use of pantry staples.