Print

Classic Thunder Cake with Strawberries and Chocolate Frosting

Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Inspired by the beloved children’s book, this Thunder Cake is a rich, moist chocolate layer cake made extra special with pureed tomatoes, creamy chocolate frosting, and fresh strawberries on top. A fun, nostalgic bake perfect for rainy days with the family.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup cold water
  • 1/3 cup shortening
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 3/4 cups sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 3 large egg yolks
  • 3 large egg whites, beaten stiff
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1/2 cup pureed tomatoes
  • 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened (for frosting)
  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder (for frosting)
  • 1/4 cup milk
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract (for frosting)
  • Fresh whole strawberries, hulled (for topping)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
  2. In a large bowl, cream together shortening, butter, and sugar until light and fluffy. Add egg yolks and vanilla; beat well.
  3. Stir in sour cream and pureed tomatoes until combined.
  4. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
  5. Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture alternately with cold water, mixing until just combined.
  6. Gently fold in stiffly beaten egg whites until fully incorporated without deflating the batter.
  7. Divide the batter evenly between prepared pans and bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  8. Let cakes cool completely on a wire rack before frosting.
  9. To make the frosting, beat together butter, powdered sugar, cocoa powder, milk, and vanilla until smooth and creamy.
  10. Frost the cooled cake layers and top with fresh whole strawberries.

Notes

  • The tomato purée adds moisture and richness—don’t worry, you won’t taste it!
  • Whipping the egg whites separately helps keep the cake light and fluffy.
  • Decorate with strawberries just before serving for the freshest look.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://yumfoodusa.com/classic-thunder-cake-with-strawberries-and-chocolate-frosting/