Spiced Sweet Tomato Cake

I was immediately intrigued,  after seeing a version of this Spiced Sweet Tomato Cake in a German Food Magazine. So, I committed to making my own version here.  What I like the most about this recipe is no fresh tomatoes are harmed in the making. Because the tomato flavor comes from tomato juice in the cake batter. Additionally, there is tomato paste in the frosting. Consequently, this is a cake for all seasons. However, in my opinion, late summer or early Fall is a perfect time to make it. Who doesn’t love a spice cake in the Fall season?

When you think of tomato-based recipes, a cake might not be the first thing that comes to mind. However, this Spiced Sweet Tomato Cake combines unexpected ingredients.  For example, tomato juice and almond flour. Unexpectedly, this unique dessert promises a delightful experience for your taste buds.

Tomato Juice: A Surprising Twist

Tomatoes are known for their savory and tangy flavors. They are a staple in salads, sauces, and savory dishes. But when it comes to desserts, their potential is often overlooked. Tomatoes are a fruit after all!  Incorporating tomato juice into a cake might seem unconventional.  But it adds a subtle sweetness and a hint of earthiness that elevates the flavor profile.

Almond Flour: A Nutty Upgrade

Almond flour is a versatile gluten-free alternative to traditional wheat flour. Its finely ground texture provides a delicate crumb to baked goods. And a subtly nutty taste. In the Spiced Sweet Tomato Cake, almond flour contributes to a moist and tender texture. Additionally,  it complements the flavors of tomato juice and spices.

A Symphony of Spices

Spices are the heart and soul of any flavorful dessert. In the Spiced Sweet Tomato Cake,  cinnamon and nutmeg are introduced to the mix. These spices enhance the flavor of the tomato juice. They help create a pleasing symphony of flavors.

Spiced Sweet Tomato Cake: The Healthful Angle

Tomato juice and almond flour bring healthful benefits to the table. Tomato juice is a source of vitamins, antioxidants, and lycopene, known for its potential health-promoting properties. Almond flour is rich in healthy fats and protein. This adds a nutritional boost that aligns with modern dietary preferences.

The Sweet Tomato Spice Cake offers a unique taste experience that marries sweet, tangy, and nutty flavors. Also, it has health benefits from its key components.

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Spiced Sweet Tomato Cake

Course Dessert, Snack

Cuisine American

Keyword fall desserts, spice cake, summer desserts, tomato cake,

Prep Time 30 minutes

Cook Time 45 minutes

Servings 12

Author Lora Wiley-Lennartz

Ingredients

Cake:

• 1 orange
• cup tomato juice
• 2+3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1+1/2 cups almond flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 10 tablespoons unsalted butter softened
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 1 pinch of salt
• 2 eggs

Frosting:

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter room temperature
• 1 8 oz package cream cheese room temperature
• 1+1/2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 2+ 1/2 cups powdered sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

Instructions

Cake:

1. Preheat the oven to 3325F.
2. Grease and flour a 10”square cake pan.
3. Wash and zest the orange. Cut in half and juice both halves.

4. Whisk together the orange juice with the tomato juice.

5. In a separate bowl, whisk the flours, baking soda and powder, cinnamon, and nutmeg,

6. Cream the butter, sugar & salt - about 4 minutes.

7. Beat in the zest and then the eggs one at a time.

8. Scrape down the sides of he bowl to make sure everything is incorporated.

9. Add the dry ingredients in thirds, alternating with the juice mixture.

10. Pour the dough into the prepared pan.

11. Bake 45 minutes. The cake is done when a knife inserted in the center comes out clean.

12. Let cool for 15 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack and let cool completely.

Frosting:

1. Sift the powdered sugar.

2. Cream butter and cream cheese together.

3. Beat in the tomato paste, then add the remaining orange zest.

4. Slowly ad the powdered sugar.

5. Spread the frosting over the top of the cake.

6. Transfer to a serving plate. Cut & serve.

Like this Spiced Sweet Tomato Cake? Check out some of these other recipes:

Tomato Vodka Soup

Tomato Gruyére Tart with Shallots and Thyme

Apple Spice Pecan Loaf