Have you ever heard of a dessert where one of the main ingredients is tomato sauce? Food recipe creator Lina, known as “Lina cooks,” shares exactly such a cake recipe and jokes that after tasting this baked good, no one has ever managed to guess the secret ingredient, according to a press release from the “Iki” retail network.
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The path of tomato sauce to desserts
Tomatoes in desserts are actually not such a new phenomenon. Historically, the tomato was long considered a fruit and even used in sweet dishes. The first experiments with tomatoes in desserts were recorded as early as the 19th century in the USA and Europe, where tomato pies or even sweet jams were made. Later, with the popularity of spiced baked goods – such as carrot or pumpkin pies – the tomato also found its place in recipes, providing moisture and subtle acidity.
Tomato sauce found its way into desserts during the Great Depression era, in the early 20th century, when economical and easily accessible ingredients were sought. At that time, canned tomatoes or sauce became a great alternative to more expensive products, such as butter or eggs, as they gave baked goods moisture and fluffiness. Later, especially in North America, such baked goods began to be associated with spiced pies that use cinnamon, cocoa, or cloves. In modern cuisine, this idea has been revived – chefs and food bloggers increasingly experiment with tomato sauce in chocolate desserts, using its properties to enhance flavor and keep the baked good very moist.
“If you really want to surprise someone, here is a cake with a secret ingredient – I guarantee that no one will guess, and then they will talk about it for a long time. If you look it up, this baked good is even called ‘mystery cake’ – it was created in America about 100 years ago,” says the recipe author.
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According to her, there is also simple culinary logic behind the baked good. “The baking soda among the dry ingredients reacts with the acidity of the tomato sauce and nicely raises the sponge cake. Meanwhile, the cocoa and cinnamon completely hide the tomato flavor – only a rich taste and moist texture remain,” she says.
Lina emphasizes that the secret is the greatest strength of this cake. “This is a dessert that may not be a beauty contest winner, but all its charm lies inside. I slightly adapt the American recipe to our tastes and kitchen by choosing curd cheese and tomato sauce made in Lithuania,” says the food blogger, inviting you to try this unexpected dessert at home.
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Chocolate cake with tomato sauce
For the sponge cake you will need:
- 2 eggs
- 100 g sugar
- 100 ml oil
- 250 g mild tomato sauce
- 250 g flour
- 4 tbsp cocoa
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp cinnamon
Preparation:
- Beat the eggs with sugar until fluffy.
- Pour in the oil, tomato sauce, and mix briefly again.
- Separately mix the flour, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda, and cinnamon.
- Add the dry ingredients to the wet ones and gently mix until smooth.
- Divide the batter into two 20 cm diameter pans. Bake for about 30 minutes, until a wooden stick inserted comes out dry.
- Pour 1 orange juice over the cooled sponge cakes.
For the cream you will need:
- 150 g butter
- 50 g powdered sugar
- 180 g curd cheese
- 100 g condensed milk
Preparation:
- Beat the room temperature butter with powdered sugar until fluffy.
- Separately mash the curd cheese with condensed milk.
- Gradually mix the curd cheese mixture into the butter and beat well.
- Spread the cream over the cake and decorate as desired.
