If you’ve ever wanted to bake something that feels like a warm hug in dessert form, this Sweet Potato Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe is exactly what you need. Rich, moist, and bursting with cozy spices, this cake transforms humble sweet potatoes into a sensational centerpiece, topped with a tangy, creamy frosting that elevates every bite. Whether you’re baking for a holiday or just to treat yourself, this recipe combines comfort and elegance in the best way possible.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple yet essential, each bringing a unique element that builds the cake’s perfect texture, flavor, and beautiful color. From earthy sweet potatoes to fragrant spices and velvety cream cheese, you’ll see how they all come together harmoniously.
- 2 cups mashed sweet potatoes: The star ingredient that adds natural sweetness and moistness.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: Provides structure to keep the cake tender but firm.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the cake rise and become light.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder: Gives an extra lift to the texture.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Adds warmth and depth.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg: A subtle spice that complements the cinnamon beautifully.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger: Adds a gentle zing to balance the sweetness.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened: Brings richness and tenderness.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens without overpowering.
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed: Adds moisture and a slight caramel note.
- 2 large eggs: Bind everything together and add structure.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Infuses sweetness and aroma.
- 1/2 cup buttermilk: Keeps the cake moist and adds slight tanginess.
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened: Essential for the frosting’s creamy tang.
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened: Makes the frosting rich and fluffy.
- 2 cups powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting perfectly.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the frosting’s flavor with a classic touch.
How to Make Sweet Potato Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Sweet Potatoes and Set Up
First, cook the sweet potatoes until they are tender and mash them smoothly, then set them aside to cool completely. Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and generously grease and flour your baking pans so the cake layers don’t stick.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt. This combination of spices is what makes this Sweet Potato Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe so flavorful and inviting.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars
Beat the softened butter with the granulated sugar and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is key to creating a tender crumb and bringing in that perfect balance of sweetness without heaviness.
Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Now, add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition to incorporate them fully. Then stir in the vanilla extract, which adds a lovely fragrant warmth to your batter.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients with Sweet Potatoes
Alternate adding the dry mixture and the buttermilk into the creamed butter mixture, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Once combined, gently fold in the mashed sweet potatoes until everything is just blended, keeping the batter light and airy.
Step 6: Bake and Cool
Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pans and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in the pans for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This ensures your cake layers stay moist and easy to frost.
Step 7: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting
Beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, continuing to beat until fluffy and spreadable. This frosting is the perfect tangy and sweet complement to the spiced cake.
Step 8: Assemble and Frost
Spread a generous layer of frosting between the cake layers, then cover the top and sides with the remaining frosting. Feel free to decorate with chopped nuts, candied pecans, or a sprinkle of cinnamon for an extra special touch.
How to Serve Sweet Potato Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Garnishes
A simple dusting of cinnamon or a handful of toasted pecans on top creates a lovely contrast in texture and adds a beautiful presentation flair. Fresh orange zest can also brighten the flavors and add a pop of color.
Side Dishes
This cake pairs beautifully with a cup of hot chai tea or a robust coffee that cuts through the sweetness. For a more decadent experience, serve with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
Creative Ways to Present
Try layering your cake slices alongside roasted sweet potato cubes dusted with cinnamon, or place individual servings in pretty glass jars with layers of frosting in between for a charming twist. These ideas make for delightful conversation starters at parties or gatherings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep fresh and moist for up to 4 days, allowing you to enjoy this treat even after the initial baking excitement has passed.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, wrap the cake layers tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. They freeze wonderfully for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before frosting or serving.
Reheating
To bring the cake back to life, warm slices gently in the microwave for about 15 seconds or let them sit at room temperature for 20 minutes. Avoid overheating to keep the frosting from melting completely.
FAQs
Can I use canned sweet potatoes instead of fresh?
While fresh sweet potatoes provide the best natural flavor and texture, canned sweet potatoes can be used in a pinch. Just make sure to drain any excess liquid and mash thoroughly before adding.
Is this cake gluten-free?
The original recipe calls for all-purpose flour, so it’s not gluten-free. However, you can experiment with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking to make it suitable for gluten-sensitive diets.
Can I make this cake dairy-free?
To make the Sweet Potato Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe dairy-free, substitute the butter and cream cheese with plant-based alternatives and use any non-dairy milk with a splash of lemon juice in place of buttermilk.
How long does the cream cheese frosting stay fresh?
Because cream cheese frosting contains dairy, it should be refrigerated and used within 3 to 4 days for the best taste and safety.
What other spices can I add to customize the cake?
Feel free to experiment with ground cloves, allspice, or even a hint of cardamom to add unique flavor dimensions to the cake, tailoring it to your taste preferences.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Sweet Potato Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe enough for anyone looking to add a little extra joy to their baking. It’s a fantastic mix of flavors and textures that feel both special and wonderfully comforting. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite dessert!
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Sweet Potato Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Sweet Potato Cake is a moist, warmly spiced dessert perfect for any occasion. Made with mashed sweet potatoes and a blend of aromatic spices, it features a tender crumb and is topped with a rich, creamy cream cheese frosting. The cake combines comforting flavors with a soft texture, making it an ideal treat especially during the fall and holiday seasons.
Ingredients
For the Cake
- 2 cups mashed sweet potatoes (about 2 medium sweet potatoes)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
For the Cream Cheese Frosting
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare Sweet Potatoes and Preheat Oven: Cook the sweet potatoes until tender, then mash them thoroughly and allow to cool. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C), and grease and flour your baking pans to prevent sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening agents and spices.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: Using a mixer, beat the softened butter with the granulated and brown sugars until the mixture is light, fluffy, and well combined. This aeration helps create a tender crumb.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Incorporate the eggs one at a time into the butter and sugar mixture, beating well after each addition to ensure they are fully blended. Then, stir in the vanilla extract for flavor.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry flour mixture and buttermilk alternately into the wet mixture, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Fold in the mashed sweet potatoes gently to maintain the batter’s airiness and integrate the flavors evenly.
- Bake the Cake: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pans. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting: Beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth. Add powdered sugar gradually along with vanilla extract, mixing until the frosting is light and fluffy.
- Frost the Cake: Once the cake layers have cooled completely, frost between the layers and cover the top and sides with the cream cheese frosting. Decorate as desired to finish.
Notes
- You can substitute buttermilk with milk mixed with a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar if needed.
- Make sure the sweet potatoes are well mashed and cooled to avoid curdling the batter.
- For extra flavor, consider adding a pinch of cloves or allspice to the dry ingredients.
- This cake can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Allow the cake to come to room temperature before serving for the best texture and flavor.
