Sweet potato cake is a delightful twist on traditional cakes, offering a rich, moist texture and a subtle sweetness from the sweet potatoes. This recipe incorporates the natural flavors of sweet potatoes into a cake that is perfect for any occasion. Here’s how to make this delicious sweet potato cake.
Ingredients
For this recipe, you will need the following ingredients:
For the Cake:
- 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup (100 g) packed brown sugar
- 1 cup (240 ml) vegetable oil
- 4 large eggs, at room temperature
- 2 cups (400 g) mashed sweet potatoes (about 2 medium sweet potatoes), cooled
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) buttermilk
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 oz (225 g) cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup (115 g) unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups (480 g) powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare Your Ingredients
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch (23 cm) round cake pans, or line them with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Cook and Mash the Sweet Potatoes
Peel and cube the sweet potatoes. Boil them in a pot of water until tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain and mash them until smooth. Let them cool to room temperature.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Set aside.
- Prepare the Batter
In a large mixing bowl, combine the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vegetable oil. Beat together until well combined and creamy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla
Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the sugar and oil mixture, alternating with the buttermilk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients. Mix on low speed until just combined.
- Fold in the Sweet Potatoes
Gently fold the mashed sweet potatoes into the batter using a spatula, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout.
- Bake the Cake
Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Smooth the tops with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool the Cakes
Remove the cakes from the oven and let them cool in the pans for 10 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Make the Cream Cheese Frosting
In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, 1 cup at a time, mixing well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract until smooth and fluffy.
- Assemble the Cake
Once the cakes are completely cool, place one cake layer on a serving plate or cake stand. Spread a layer of cream cheese frosting over the top. Place the second cake layer on top and press down gently. Frost the top and sides of the cake with the remaining cream cheese frosting.
- Decorate (optional)
Optionally, garnish the cake with chopped pecans or walnuts on top, or a sprinkle of cinnamon for decoration.
- Serve and Enjoy
Slice and serve your sweet potato cake. The moist texture and subtle sweetness from the sweet potatoes will delight your taste buds.
Tips for Success
- Cooking Sweet Potatoes: Ensure the sweet potatoes are fully cooked and mashed until smooth. This ensures a uniform texture in the cake.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Bring eggs and buttermilk to room temperature before using. This helps them blend better into the batter.
- Cream Cheese Frosting: Ensure the cream cheese and butter are softened to room temperature for smooth and creamy frosting.
- Storage: Store leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Allow it to come to room temperature before serving for the best texture.
Conclusion
Sweet potato cake is a delightful and unique dessert that brings together the flavors of sweet potatoes with the richness of a classic cake. Whether for a special occasion or a casual treat, this cake is sure to impress with its moist texture and delicious taste. Enjoy baking and savor every bite of this wonderful sweet potato creation!
