FOOD NEWS
The Depression-Era Cake That Unexpectedly Includes Canned Tomato Soup
By Stacie Adams
As many staples were limited during the Great Depression, cooks had to get creative, leading to the invention of tomato soup cake sometime between the late 1920s and early 1930s.
In 1940, Campbell's relationship began with the cake when the company created its own recipe for Steamed Fruit & Nut Pudding. It was the first recipe included on its soup label.
Campbell's described it as "a classic steamed pudding spiced with cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves." The secret ingredient was Campbell's Condensed Tomato Soup.
This recipe evolved over time as bakers experimented with different ingredients and combinations — the company even claims you can bake a tomato soup cake in the can.
One modern tomato soup cake recipe is described as having "a touch of tangy sweetness" and can be prepared with any brand of condensed soup you prefer.
Additional ingredients include sugar, baking powder, all-purpose flour, vegetable shortening, as well as ground nutmeg, cloves, and cinnamon for a bit of spice.
King Arthur Baking's recipe is slightly more old-fashioned by including raisins and walnuts in the mix, as well as whole wheat flour.