Sweet Potato Cake

A sweet potato cake always feels special because it carries both warmth and richness in every slice.

The mashed sweet potatoes give the cake its natural golden color and soft, moist crumb, while the blend of spices makes the flavor deep and inviting.

The cream cheese frosting adds a smooth, slightly tangy layer that balances the sweetness in the most satisfying way.

This is the sort of cake that feels generous even in a single slice. It looks beautiful on the table, tastes even better with each bite, and pairs effortlessly with a hot cup of tea or coffee.

It’s the kind of dessert that doesn’t shout for attention but still becomes the first thing people ask about after they try it.

A cake that feels like it belongs on any table, no matter the occasion.

Sweet Potato Cake Recipe

Ingredients

For The Cake

1 ½ cups mashed cooked sweet potato (about 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and boiled or roasted until soft)
1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 cup light brown sugar, packed
½ cup granulated sugar
½ cup vegetable oil (neutral flavored, like sunflower or canola)

3 large eggs, at room temperature
½ cup whole milk, at room temperature
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
½ teaspoon ground ginger

For The Frosting

225 g (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
3 cups powdered sugar, sifted
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon (plus extra for sprinkling)

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line the bottom of a 9-inch round cake pan with parchment paper.
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. Set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, combine mashed sweet potato, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and oil. Mix until smooth and well blended.

Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.
Slowly add the dry mixture into the wet mixture, alternating with milk, beginning and ending with the flour mixture. Mix gently until just combined. Do not overmix.
Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan. Smooth the top with a spatula.

Bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
For the frosting, beat cream cheese and butter together until light and fluffy. Add powdered sugar gradually, beating until smooth. Mix in vanilla extract and ground cinnamon.
Once the cake has cooled, spread the frosting evenly over the top, creating soft swirls with the back of a spoon or spatula. Sprinkle lightly with extra cinnamon for a warm finish.

Slice and serve with a drizzle of honey or maple syrup if desired.

What Does Sweet Potato Cake Taste Like?

Sweet potato cake has a naturally rich and earthy sweetness that comes directly from the mashed sweet potatoes.

The warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger blend perfectly with the soft texture, making each bite feel full and flavorful.

The cream cheese frosting adds a creamy and slightly tangy finish that balances the sweetness beautifully.

Together, the cake and frosting create a dessert that feels both indulgent and homely at the same time.

Why Use Sweet Potatoes In Cake?

Sweet potatoes are not only delicious but also add natural moisture and sweetness to the cake. They help the cake stay soft and tender without needing too much fat.

Sweet potatoes are also rich in fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants, which makes this cake a little more nourishing compared to regular cakes made with only flour and sugar.

The best part is that the sweet potatoes give the cake a unique texture that you won’t get from other root vegetables.

How To Cook Sweet Potatoes For Cake?

To get the best flavor and texture, the sweet potatoes should be cooked until very soft. Here are some ways to prepare them:

Boiling: Peel and chop the sweet potatoes, then boil them in water until they are fork-tender. Drain well before mashing to avoid excess moisture.
Steaming: This keeps more nutrients intact and avoids making the sweet potatoes watery. Steam until soft and mash until smooth.
Roasting: Roasting whole sweet potatoes in their skins brings out their natural caramel-like sweetness. Once cooled, peel and mash them for the cake.

Each method works, but roasting often gives the richest flavor.

Can Sweet Potato Cake Be Made Ahead Of Time?

Yes, sweet potato cake is a great make-ahead dessert because it holds its moisture very well. You can bake the cake a day before serving and store it in an airtight container at room temperature.

The frosting can also be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Frost the cake on the day of serving for the freshest taste and texture. This makes it perfect for holidays or gatherings when you want to reduce last-minute stress.

How To Store Sweet Potato Cake?

Proper storage ensures your sweet potato cake stays moist and delicious for days. Here’s how you can do it:

At room temperature: Keep the unfrosted cake wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
In the refrigerator: Once frosted, the cake should be stored in the fridge to keep the cream cheese frosting fresh. It will last for 4 to 5 days.

In the freezer: Wrap unfrosted cake layers tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before frosting and serving.

Storing it properly ensures the flavors stay fresh, and the cake doesn’t dry out.

What Can Be Served With Sweet Potato Cake?

Sweet potato cake pairs well with a variety of drinks and sides that enhance its flavors. Here are some ideas:

Hot tea or coffee: The warm spices in the cake go perfectly with a steaming cup.
Milk: A glass of cold milk balances the richness of the frosting.
Fruit compote: A spoonful of berry or apple compote adds a fresh, tangy contrast.

Honey or maple drizzle: A light drizzle can bring out the natural sweetness of the cake even more.

These small additions can turn your slice of cake into a complete treat.

Can I Adjust The Spices In Sweet Potato Cake?

Yes, the spices can be easily adjusted to suit your taste. Some people love the bold warmth of nutmeg, while others prefer more cinnamon for a milder flavor.

You can also add cloves or allspice for an extra layer of depth. The key is to keep the balance so the spices don’t overpower the sweet potato flavor.

Is Sweet Potato Cake Healthy?

Sweet potato cake is still a dessert, but it does have some benefits compared to many other cakes. Sweet potatoes are naturally high in vitamin A, vitamin C, potassium, and fiber.

They add moisture and sweetness, so you don’t need to use too much butter or oil.

While the cake still contains sugar and frosting, the use of sweet potatoes makes it a slightly more wholesome option for those who want a dessert that feels hearty yet nourishing.