TOMATO SOUP Black Magic Cake

TOMATO SOUP Black Magic Cake is a medium American recipe that serves 12. 350 calories per serving. Recipe by emmymade on YouTube.

Prep: 12 min | Cook: 55 min | Total: 1 hr 22 min

Cost: $7.66 total, $0.64 per serving

Ingredients

  • 1.75 cup All-Purpose Flour (sifted)
  • 0.75 cup Cocoa Powder (unsweetened, Dutch‑process preferred)
  • 2 tsp Baking Soda
  • 1 tsp Baking Powder
  • 1 tsp Salt
  • 2 large Eggs (room temperature)
  • 0.5 cup Vegetable Oil
  • 1 cup Buttermilk (If unavailable, use 1 cup milk + 1 tsp white vinegar, let sit 5 min)
  • 1 tsp Vanilla Extract
  • 1 can Campbell's Tomato Soup (10.5 oz, smooth)
  • 0.25 cup Unsalted Butter (cut into cubes, melted for glaze)
  • 3 tbsp Water (plus extra ½ tbsp as needed for glaze)
  • 0.25 cup Cocoa Powder (for glaze, same type as cake)
  • 1 tsp Vanilla Extract (for glaze)
  • 1 cup Powdered Sugar (sifted, added gradually)

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven

    Set the oven to 350°F (177°C) and let it preheat while you prepare the batter.

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: 350°F

  2. Combine Dry Ingredients

    In the mixer’s bowl, sift together 1 ¾ cup flour, ¾ cup cocoa powder, 2 tsp baking soda, 1 tsp baking powder, and 1 tsp salt. Give a quick stir to break up any lumps.

    Time: PT3M

  3. Add Wet Ingredients

    Add 2 large eggs, ½ cup vegetable oil, 1 cup buttermilk, 1 tsp vanilla extract, and 1 can (10.5 oz) Campbell’s tomato soup to the dry mixture. Mix on low speed just until incorporated.

    Time: PT2M

  4. Mix Batter

    Increase the mixer to medium speed and beat the batter for 6 minutes, scraping the sides of the bowl once or twice.

    Time: PT6M

  5. Prepare Bundt Pan

    Generously spray the 13‑inch Bundt pan with non‑stick pan release spray, ensuring all crevices are coated.

    Time: PT1M

  6. Transfer Batter

    Pour the batter into the prepared Bundt pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.

    Time: PT1M

  7. Bake

    Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 50‑53 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

    Time: PT52M

    Temperature: 350°F

  8. Cool and Invert

    Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10‑15 minutes, then run a thin knife around the edges and invert onto a cooling rack.

    Time: PT15M

  9. Make Chocolate Glaze

    In a small saucepan over low heat, melt ¼ cup butter. Add 3 tbsp water and ¼ cup cocoa powder, stirring until smooth. Remove from heat, stir in 1 tsp vanilla, then gradually whisk in 1 cup powdered sugar, adding ½ tbsp water at a time until the glaze is pourable but not runny.

    Time: PT7M

    Temperature: low

  10. Glaze the Cake

    Drizzle the chocolate glaze over the fully cooled cake, allowing it to pool into the Bundt’s crevices. Let the glaze set for a few minutes before slicing.

    Time: PT3M

  11. Slice and Serve

    Using a sharp knife, cut the cake into 12 even slices. Serve at room temperature.

    Time: PT2M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
350
Protein
4 g
Carbohydrates
45 g
Fat
18 g
Fiber
2 g

Dietary info: Vegetarian, Contains gluten, Contains dairy

Allergens: Wheat, Eggs, Dairy

Last updated: April 18, 2026

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TOMATO SOUP Black Magic Cake

Recipe by emmymade

A retro 1970s‑style chocolate cake that uses a can of Campbell's tomato soup for extra moisture and a glossy chocolate buttercream glaze. Made in a Bundt pan, this cake is moist, tender, and surprisingly not tomato‑flavored. Perfect for a nostalgic dessert or a fun twist on classic chocolate cake.

MediumAmericanServes 12

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
45m
Prep
52m
Cook
12m
Cleanup
1h 49m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$7.66
Total cost
$0.64
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Mix batter on medium speed for the full 6 minutes to develop a smooth texture.
  • Bake until a toothpick comes out clean; under‑baking leads to a gummy crumb.
  • Prepare the chocolate glaze without letting it boil; overheating can cause grainy texture.

Safety Warnings

  • Handle the hot oven and baking pan with oven mitts to avoid burns.
  • The glaze pan and melted butter are very hot; stir carefully and keep children away.
  • When using the vintage mixer, ensure the cord and power switch are in good condition.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of Black Magic Cake in American retro cuisine?

A

Black Magic Cake originated in the 1970s as a novelty chocolate cake that appeared on Hershey's cocoa can labels. It reflects the era’s love for pantry‑staple desserts that used canned soups or coffee to add moisture, a hallmark of mid‑century American home baking.

cultural
Q

What traditional regional variations of Black Magic Cake exist within United States cuisine?

A

The classic version uses a cup of strong coffee, while a popular variation substitutes a can of tomato soup for extra tenderness. Some bakers add a splash of bourbon or use buttermilk instead of soured milk, creating subtle regional twists.

cultural
Q

How is Black Magic Cake traditionally served in American households?

A

It is usually served as a simple dessert after dinner, sliced into generous wedges. The cake is often glazed with a chocolate buttercream and enjoyed with a glass of milk or coffee, making it a comforting family treat.

cultural
Q

During what occasions is Black Magic Cake traditionally enjoyed in American culture?

A

Because it’s quick to make and looks festive, families often bake it for birthdays, potlucks, and holiday gatherings such as Thanksgiving or Christmas, where a retro‑style dessert adds nostalgic charm.

cultural
Q

What makes Black Magic Cake special or unique in American retro dessert tradition?

A

Its use of a canned tomato soup (or coffee) as a liquid ingredient is unusual, giving the cake an ultra‑moist crumb without imparting tomato flavor. The combination of simple pantry items and a glossy chocolate glaze epitomizes 1970s convenience baking.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Black Magic Cake at home?

A

Common errors include over‑mixing the batter, which can make the cake tough, under‑baking (toothpick still wet), and overheating the glaze, which creates a grainy texture. Also, forgetting to fully spray the Bundt pan can cause the cake to stick.

technical
Q

Why does this Black Magic Cake recipe use tomato soup instead of plain water or milk?

A

Tomato soup adds acidity, fat, and a subtle sweetness that reacts with the baking soda and powder, creating a lighter, more tender crumb. It also contributes moisture without making the cake taste like soup.

technical
Q

Can I make Black Magic Cake ahead of time and how should I store it?

A

Yes. Bake the cake a day ahead, wrap it tightly, and store it in the refrigerator. Add the chocolate glaze just before serving, or store the glaze separately and drizzle when ready.

technical
Q

What texture and appearance should I look for when the Black Magic Cake is done?

A

The cake should be a deep, rich brown with a glossy, crack‑free surface after the glaze. When you insert a toothpick, it should come out clean or with only a few moist crumbs. The crumb inside should be moist, tender, and slightly crumbly, not gummy.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel emmymade specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel emmymade focuses on thrift‑store finds, especially vintage kitchen gadgets, and demonstrates how to restore them while cooking fun, nostalgic recipes using those restored tools.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel emmymade's approach to retro American cooking differ from other cooking channels?

A

emmymade blends gadget restoration with recipe tutorials, giving viewers a behind‑the‑scenes look at cleaning and fixing vintage appliances before using them in classic American recipes, a niche not commonly explored by other cooking channels.

channel

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