This Old Fashioned Green Tomato Cake is a sweet surprise! Made with ripe green tomatoes, this cake is moist and has a unique flavor that’s simply delightful. Perfect for a cozy gathering!
It’s hard to believe a cake can be made with tomatoes, but trust me, it’s a real treat! I like to enjoy a slice with a cup of tea—it makes for a lovely afternoon snack. 🍰☕
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Green Tomatoes: These are crucial for the cake’s unique flavor. Use unripe but firm green tomatoes. If unavailable, you can substitute with zucchini or apples, though the taste will change slightly.
Sugar: Granulated sugar is standard here, but you may use brown sugar for a deeper flavor. It’ll add a bit of moisture and a slight caramel taste.
Flour: All-purpose flour works best, but whole-wheat flour can be a great substitute for more fiber. Just know it might result in a denser cake.
Nuts and Raisins: These are optional, but I love adding walnuts for crunch! If you have nut allergies, feel free to leave them out. You can also swap raisins with dried cranberries or omit them altogether.
How Do I Get the Right Texture When Mixing?
The mixing technique is essential for a light and fluffy cake. Start by combining the wet ingredients well before adding the dry. Here’s a simple approach:
- After letting the chopped tomatoes sit, ensure they are well mixed with the sugar.
- Mix the oil, eggs, and vanilla extract completely before adding the flour mixture.
- When adding dry ingredients, fold gently to combine. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake, so stir just until you don’t see any dry flour.
This gentle approach allows the ingredients to blend, resulting in a tender cake without losing the lightness. Happy baking!
Old Fashioned Green Tomato Cake Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cake:
- 2 cups finely chopped green tomatoes (unripe but firm)
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans), optional
- 1 cup raisins or currants, optional
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Old Fashioned Green Tomato Cake will take you about 15 minutes to prepare and 40-45 minutes to bake. Allow for some extra time for the cake to cool, about 10 minutes in the pans and then fully on a wire rack before serving. So, in total, plan for around 1 hour and 15 minutes from start to finish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare Your Pans:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s heating, take two 9-inch round cake pans and grease them with butter or cooking spray, then dust them lightly with flour to prevent sticking. This will help your cakes easily come out when they’re done baking.
2. Combine Tomatoes and Sugar:
In a large bowl, toss the finely chopped green tomatoes with the granulated sugar. Give it a good stir and let it sit for about 15 minutes. This waiting time helps the tomatoes release their juices, which will enhance the flavor of the cake.
3. Mix Dry Ingredients:
While your tomatoes are mingling with the sugar, grab another bowl and sift together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, ground cinnamon, ground cloves, and salt. This step ensures there are no lumps and helps create a light texture in your cake.
4. Combine Wet Ingredients:
Return to the bowl with the tomato-sugar mixture. Add in the vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix everything together until well combined. It should have a smooth and somewhat thicker consistency.
5. Bring It All Together:
Now, incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture gradually. Stir gently until everything is just combined—no need to overwork it! If you’re using nuts and raisins, fold them in at this point, too.
6. Bake the Cake:
Evenly divide the batter between your prepared cake pans, spreading it out well. Place them in the oven and bake for about 40-45 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center; it should come out clean or with a few crumbs attached.
7. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, remove the cakes from the oven and let them cool in the pans for about 10 minutes. Carefully turn them out onto a wire rack to cool completely. Once they’re at room temperature, you can frost them or simply dust with powdered sugar for a light touch.
This delightful Old Fashioned Green Tomato Cake is a fun twist on traditional baking. Enjoy your unique creation! 🎂
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Other Types of Tomatoes?
While green tomatoes are traditional for this cake, you can use ripe tomatoes in a pinch, but the flavor and texture will vary. Keep in mind that ripe tomatoes will make the cake wetter, so you may need to adjust flour accordingly.
Is This Cake Suitable for Freezing?
Yes, absolutely! You can freeze the cake once it’s completely cooled. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil, or place it in an airtight container. It can last for up to 3 months in the freezer. Thaw in the fridge before serving.
How Can I Adjust the Sweetness of the Cake?
If you prefer a less sweet cake, you can reduce the sugar by up to 1/2 cup without significantly affecting the texture. Alternatively, you can use a sugar substitute suitable for baking, following the package instructions for conversion.
What’s the Best Way to Frost This Cake?
This cake pairs wonderfully with cream cheese frosting, which complements the flavors beautifully. For a simpler approach, a dusting of powdered sugar or even a light vanilla glaze can add just the right amount of sweetness. Be sure to frost only when the cake is completely cool to prevent melting!
