This charmingly old-fashioned Surprise Cake is a delightful example of resourceful home baking, made unique by its unexpected ingredient, tomato soup! Popular during the Depression era, this cake’s origins lie in maximizing pantry staples, resulting in a moist, spiced cake that surprises everyone with its rich flavor and tender texture. Often compared to spice cake, the tomato soup adds depth without being detectable. This beloved recipe is simple, nostalgic, and perfect with a dusting of powdered sugar or a dollop of whipped cream.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons shortening
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 cups flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon cloves
- ½ teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 can (10.75 oz tomato soup)
- 1 cup raisins and chopped nuts
Instructions
Step 1: Cream Base
- Cream together the shortening and sugar until light and fluffy.
Step 2: Mix Soup
- Add the undiluted tomato soup to the creamed mixture and stir well.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
- In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and baking soda.
Step 4: Combine All
- Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until well incorporated.
- Stir in raisins and nuts.
Step 5: Bake
- Pour into a greased loaf or cake pan.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 35–40 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Tips
- Use walnuts or pecans for added crunch.
- Add ½ teaspoon vanilla extract for a richer flavor.
- Substitute half the raisins with dried cranberries for a tangy twist.
- Serve with cream cheese frosting or whipped cream.
- Can be made into cupcakes—reduce baking time to 20–25 minutes.
Nutrition
Calories: 286kcalCarbohydrates: 64gProtein: 1gFat: 4gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0.4gSodium: 197mgPotassium: 158mgFiber: 2gSugar: 26gVitamin A: 1IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 83mgIron: 2mg
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