Arkansas Heavenly Tomato Cake Recipe

So you’ve never heard of heavenly tomato cake? Don’t worry. We hadn’t either.

The comments on our social media posts are often filled with some of the most nostalgic and quintessentially Southern dishes you’ve ever heard of (and many you haven’t). And to be honest, we read every single one of the comments to find new ideas and learn from the best Southern sources there are, our readers.

So imagine how quickly we jumped to learn more about Arkansas heavenly tomato cake when one reader shared recollections of this dish. A cake? Made with tomatoes? We’re all ears.

What Is Arkansas Heavenly Tomato Cake?

An Arkansas heavenly tomato cake is essentially a moist and tender chocolate cake that’s made with rich cocoa flavors and topped with a rich chocolate frosting. Adding tomato juice may seem unusual, but it brings a surprising richness and tenderness, enhancing the cake’s moisture and adding a subtle tang that is similar to buttermilk. Some people in the Southern Living Test Kitchen said this dessert reminded them of devil’s food cake!

A recipe for a similar heavenly tomato cake was published in 1976 and attributed to the Bradley County Pink Tomato Festival, which is still held in Warren, Arkansas, on the second Friday of June.

What Does Tomato Juice Do In Cake?

Adding tomato juice may seem surprising, but it can enhance a cake by providing natural acidity, which reacts with baking soda or baking powder to help the cake rise. The result is a fluffier texture.

The mild acidity also balances the sweetness, bringing a slight tanginess to the flavor profile that complements other ingredients, especially in spiced cakes or chocolate cakes.

Additionally, tomato juice contains natural sugars and moisture, which can keep the cake soft and prevent it from drying out. So, while not a common ingredient, tomato juice can secretly enhance both the texture and flavor of a cake without tasting overtly of tomatoes.

Key Ingredients in Arkansas Heavenly Tomato Cake

Most of this ingredient list is baking essentials, but a few things are specific to this special recipe:

• Dutch-process cocoa blend: This cocoa has less acidity thus less natural bitterness. It’s also much darker in color and deeper in flavor than regular cocoa.
• Tomato juice: As mentioned, tomato juice plays several rolls in this cake. It adds moisture for tenderness, along with a bit of tang for flavor. It also acts as an activating ingredient for the baking soda, similar to buttermilk. And don’t worry, the cocoa blend will mask any of the vegetal flavors.
• Baking soda: Baking soda contributes to the cake’s rise so it will bake up tall and fluffy.
• All-purpose flour: The ideal flour for this cake as it has enough weight and protein content to be tender and light.
• Powdered sugar: Added to the frosting ingredients, it gives the topping its structure and sweetness.

How To Store Arkansas Heavenly Tomato Cake

Leftover cake should be stored covered, at room temperature for up to three days

You can freeze the frosted cake for up to two months in the freezer, allowing it to reach room temperature before serving. Before covering, let it freeze for about 20 minutes to let the frosting harden.

Recipe Tips From The Southern Living Test Kitchen

This cake can be made a few days in advance and stored at room temperature until ready to frost .

If you do make it ahead, we would recommend heating it briefly in the oven to get it a little warmer than room temperature without cooking it further so that the frosting will spread more easily.

For some crunch, top with lightly toasted pecans or walnuts. Some recipes even have you stir chopped nuts into the frosting before spreading it on the cake. That part can be up to you.