Name: Sweet Potato Cake Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 2 teaspoons baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon baking soda; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg; 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 cup packed brown sugar; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1 cup vegetable oil; 4 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 1/2 cups mashed cooked sweet potato (about 2 medium); 1/2 cup chopped pecans (optional); Cream cheese frosting (for topping)

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If you’re looking for a showstopping dessert that radiates warmth, comfort, and a hint of southern charm, Sweet Potato Cake is about to become your go-to treat. Imagine a moist, richly-spiced cake that takes everything you love about autumn and wraps it in a luscious cream cheese frosting. This cake is tender, lightly sweet, and bursting with cozy spices, and it’s an absolute celebration of sweet potatoes in dessert form. Whether it’s for a family gathering, a holiday feast, or just because you deserve something special with your coffee, Sweet Potato Cake easily wins hearts and cravings every single time.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this recipe has purpose, from the luscious texture provided by sweet potatoes to the bold spiced aroma of cinnamon and nutmeg. Don’t skip a thing—each one brings a unique richness and depth to your Sweet Potato Cake that will have your guests begging for seconds.

All-purpose flour: The backbone of your cake, giving it the perfect structure and crumb.
Baking powder & baking soda: Essential for a lovely lift and soft, fluffy layers.
Ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger: This trio brings warm, comforting spice with every bite.
Salt: Just a little brings out the flavor of all the other ingredients.
Brown sugar: For a deep, caramel-like sweetness that matches perfectly with sweet potatoes.
Granulated sugar: Adds balance and the ideal amount of sweetness.
Vegetable oil: Keeps the cake irresistibly moist for days.
Eggs: Provide richness and structure, resulting in a tender crumb.
Vanilla extract: Elevates all the other flavors with subtle floral notes.
Mashed cooked sweet potato: The star ingredient, adding moisture, color, and a distinct sweetness.
Chopped pecans (optional): For crunch and a nutty twist—absolutely worth it if you have them!
Cream cheese frosting: The creamy, tangy finishing touch that makes every bite heavenly.

How to Make Sweet Potato Cake

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Preheat the Oven

This is where every great baking adventure begins! Preheat your oven to 350°F, and give a 9×13-inch baking pan (or two 9-inch round pans) a generous greasing. Lining with parchment paper makes removal a breeze, especially if you want impressive layer cakes.

Step 2: Mix Your Dry Ingredients

Grab a medium-sized bowl and whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt. This extra step helps evenly distribute the spices and leaveners—that way, every bite of your Sweet Potato Cake gets that perfect blend of flavor and rise.

Step 3: Combine Sugars and Oil

In a large mixing bowl, blend brown sugar, granulated sugar, and vegetable oil until the mixture is fully combined and glossy. The oil will give your cake incredible moisture, while the combination of white and brown sugars deepens the flavor and texture.

Step 4: Add Eggs, Vanilla, and Sweet Potato

Beat in your eggs one by one, mixing well after each addition. Then, stir in the vanilla extract and mashed sweet potatoes. The sweet potatoes are essential—not just for that signature color, but for a soft, melt-in-your-mouth crumb.

Step 5: Bring Together Wet and Dry Mixtures

Add the flour mixture into your wet ingredients a bit at a time, mixing gently until just combined. Overmixing can make your cake dense, so stop as soon as you no longer see dry streaks. For an extra bit of indulgence, fold in the chopped pecans at this stage.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Pour the glorious batter into your prepared pan(s), spreading evenly into corners. Slide it into the oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the kitchen smells like pure bliss. Let the cake cool completely before you think about frosting!

Step 7: Frost and Finish

Once cooled, generously slather on your favorite cream cheese frosting. A classic style is always a win, but feel free to try a maple or cinnamon twist for extra flair. Swirl, swoop, or smooth the frosting on top—whatever matches your mood. Now you’re ready to celebrate your Sweet Potato Cake masterpiece.

How to Serve Sweet Potato Cake

Garnishes

Enhance every slice of Sweet Potato Cake with a flourish of garnishes. Sprinkle a handful of toasted pecans on top for crunch, or dust lightly with cinnamon for a simple, homey finish. If you’re feeling fancy, let a drizzle of caramel or maple syrup cascade over the top before serving.

Side Dishes

This cake pairs beautifully with a hot cup of coffee or spiced chai. For contrasts, try it with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a cloud of barely sweetened whipped cream. The subtle tang from a little Greek yogurt on the side can also make for a surprisingly refreshing bite alongside the sweet, spiced cake.

Creative Ways to Present

The options are endless! Cut your Sweet Potato Cake into charming squares for a casual gathering, or stack it as a double-layer showpiece for celebrations. For autumn-inspired twists, serve it topped with roasted apple slices or candied ginger. Tiny individual cakes or cupcakes make a delightful grab-and-go dessert everyone will love.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Sweet Potato Cake keeps beautifully in the fridge. Store slices in an airtight container, and you’ll have a delicious treat ready for up to five days. The flavors even deepen as the cake rests, making it even more irresistible by day two or three!

Freezing

For longer storage, wrap individual pieces or the entire (unfrosted) cake tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before frosting and serving for best texture and flavor.

Reheating

To enjoy your Sweet Potato Cake warm, microwave a slice for just 10 to 15 seconds. If you prefer a slightly toasty edge, try a quick stint in a 300°F oven for five minutes. If serving with frosting, just keep an eye so it gently melts but doesn’t vanish.

FAQs

Can I use canned sweet potatoes instead of fresh?

Absolutely! Just be sure to drain and mash them well. Canned sweet potatoes make this already-easy cake even quicker to prepare, and the flavor holds up beautifully.

Which frosting works best with Sweet Potato Cake?

Cream cheese frosting is the classic choice, offering just the right amount of tang and creaminess against the sweet, spiced cake. If you’re adventurous, try adding a spoonful of maple syrup or cinnamon to the frosting for a seasonal twist.

Can I make this cake nut-free?

Of course! The pecans are entirely optional. Simply leave them out, and your Sweet Potato Cake will still be moist, flavorful, and totally delicious for anyone with nut allergies.

How do I tell when the cake is done baking?

Look for a golden top and a toothpick that emerges clean from the center of the cake. Your kitchen should smell absolutely incredible, which is another classic sign that your Sweet Potato Cake is ready to come out of the oven.

Is Sweet Potato Cake suitable for special diets?

This version is vegetarian-friendly and can be customized for certain allergies. For gluten-free needs, try a cup-for-cup gluten-free flour. For dairy-free, use a plant-based frosting. Always check specific ingredient labels to meet your needs.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve never baked with sweet potatoes before, this is the one recipe that will win you over for life. Sweet Potato Cake is the kind of treat that invites second helpings and happy smiles. I can’t wait for you to fall in love with this dreamy, spiced cake—give it a try, and let the seasonal coziness begin!

Sweet Potato Cake Recipe

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4.7 from 23 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 1 hour
Yield: 12 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This Sweet Potato Cake is a delightful fall dessert that perfectly blends warm spices with the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes. Moist and flavorful, it’s a perfect treat for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients:

2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients:

1 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 cup vegetable oil
4 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups mashed cooked sweet potato (about 2 medium)
1/2 cup chopped pecans (optional)
Cream cheese frosting (for topping)

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Instructions

Preheat oven and prepare pans: Preheat oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or two 9-inch round cake pans.
Prepare dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt.
Mix wet ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the brown sugar, granulated sugar, and oil. Add eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla and mashed sweet potatoes.
Combine ingredients: Gradually add dry ingredients to wet mixture, fold in pecans if desired.
Bake: Pour batter into prepared pan(s) and bake for 35–40 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.
Cool and frost: Allow cake to cool completely before frosting with cream cheese frosting.