Easy Sweet Potato Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
This sweet potato layer cake is the perfect dessert to serve during the autumn months, picture both sweet potato casserole and spice cake blending together in perfect unison.
Sweet Potato Layer Cake: The Perfect Dessert for Fall Gatherings
Get ready to fall in love with this delicious sweet potato layer cake! See what I did there?!
Combining the comforting flavors of sweet potato pie with the tender crumb of a moist cake, this layered masterpiece is toppedwith a rich cream cheese frosting and a sprinkle of seasonal garnishes.
FAQs
Q: Can I use sweet potato purée instead of mashed sweet potatoes?
A: Absolutely! Sweet potato purée can be a convenient substitute for mashed sweet potatoes. Just make sure it’s well-drained to maintain the cake’s texture.
Q: What can I use instead of vegetable oil?
A: You can substitute vegetable oil with melted butter or even coconut oil, though it may alter the cake’s flavor slightly.
Q: Can I make a vegan version of this sweet potato cake recipe?
A: Definitely! Use a vegan egg substitute, and replace the cream cheese and butter in the frosting with vegan alternatives.
Tips and Tricks
Sift the cake flour and other dry ingredients together in a large bowl to ensure an even distribution of the fall spices like ground cinnamon and nutmeg.
Use room temperature eggs and dairy ingredients for a smoother cake batter.
When mixing wet and dry ingredients, combine on low speed just until blended to avoid overmixing.
If you’re using a bowl of a stand mixer, employ the paddle attachment for a smoother mixture.
Variations
Sweet Potato Pound Cake Recipe: Use the same batter to make a pound cake in a bundt pan.
Chocolate Variation: Add cocoa powder to the dry mixture for a chocolate sweet potato cake.
Sour Cream: To achieve a more tender cake, add a dollop of sour cream to the cake batter.
Where to Serve
This layer cake makes a huge hit at Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any fall gatherings. It could even make a unique option for a birthday cake if you have a big sweet potato fan in your house!
Storage
Wrap any leftover cake tightly in plastic wrap and store in an airtight container. For longer storage, you can freeze the frosted cake, though it’s best enjoyed fresh.
Here is how to avoid these common issues:
Dry Cake: This usually occurs from overbaking. Stick to the recipe card timing and check for doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center.
Sinking Middle: Often a result of opening the oven door too early. Maintain a steady oven temperature and avoid unnecessary opening of the oven.
Cake Sticking to the Pan: Use parchment paper and grease your cake pans adequately.
Tips for Making This Recipe with Kids
Little hands love mashing sweet potatoes! Get your kids involved by letting them help with this step.
Kids can also pour the batter into the prepared pans, with supervision. It’s an engaging way to teach them about measurements and baking basics.
Topping Options
Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting: Add ground cinnamon to your cream cheese frosting for an extra spicy kick.
Marshmallow Fluff: For a twist that mirrors sweet potato casserole, you can spread a thin layer of marshmallow fluff on top of the cake.
Garnish: The dried orange slices, chopped pecans, and dried cranberries not only add color but also different textures and flavors.
Why This Recipe Works
This sweet potato layer cake recipe shines for several reasons:
It capitalizes on the natural sweetness and moisture of sweet potatoes, reducing the need for excessive sugar or oil.
The blend of fall spices, such as cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg, infuses each layer of cake with seasonal warmth.
The cream cheese frosting perfectly complements the spiced sweet potato cake, bringing richness and tanginess.
So, there you have it! A cake that brings the comforting flavors of fall right to your dessert table. Whether it’s your first time baking a sweet potato cake or you’re a seasoned baker looking to add a new recipe to your repertoire, this layer cake won’t disappoint. Happy baking!
For more yummy sweet potato recipes be sure to check out:
If you are looking for more sweet potato recipes be sure to check out Creative and Delicious Sweet Potato Recipes For Any Occasion
The Best Sweet Potato Layer Cake Recipe
This amazing sweet potato ayer cake is great for any occasion!
Ingredients
- Cake Ingredients:
- 2 c mashed sweet potatoes
- 3 c cake flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 2 tsp baking soda
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp ground ginger
- ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
- ¼ tsp ground cloves
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ c vegetable oil
- ½ c applesauce
- ¾ c sugar
- ¾ c brown sugar
- 4 eggs
- ½ c toasted chopped pecans
- Frosting Ingredients:
- 1- 8 oz package cream cheese, room temperature
- ½ c butter, room temperature
- 3 c powdered sugar
- 2 Tbsp orange juice
- ½ tsp vanilla
- Garnish:
- ¼ c chopped dried sweetened orange slices
- ¼ c toasted chopped pecans
- ¼ c dried cranberries
- 2 Tbsp sugar
Instructions
- Using frozen, cubed sweet potatoes, place in a bowl and microwave for about 5 minutes, or until they are soft. Mash to a smooth consistency and allow to cool.
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
- If not using nonstick cake pans, line with parchment paper.
- Mix flour, spices, salt and baking soda and powder together in a bowl and set aside.
- In a separate bowl, mix the oil, applesauce and sugars together and whisk.
- Whisk eggs one at a time into the oil and sugar mixture. Add the cooled sweet potatoes and mix.
- Add one third of the flour at a time and mix until the batter is thoroughly combined.
- Stir in the chopped pecans and divide the batter evenly between 2- 9” cake pans. Bake for 30 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Allow the cake to cool completely before frosting.
- In a medium bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter until light and fluffy. Add the powdered sugar, and beat until smooth. Add orange juice and vanilla and beat until well combined.
- Place the first layer of the cake flat side up in the center of a cake plate.
- Put small pieces of parchment paper underneath the edge of the cake so frosting doesn’t get on the cake platter.
- Place ¾ cup of the frosting and spread in an even layer. Add the second cake layer, flat side down, making sure it lines up evenly with the first layer. Add the rest of the frosting, going around the sides making an even coating over the entire cake.
- In a small bowl, combine sugar, pecans, cranberries and the chopped orange and mix until they are coated. Using a spoon, scoop up the mix, avoiding the excess sugar and sprinkle across the top of the cake. Place in the refrigerator and allow to chill for an hour or two until the frosting sets. Allow to come to room temperature before serving and store any leftovers in the refrigerator.
Nutrition Information
Yield
12Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 746Total Fat 34gSaturated Fat 12gTrans Fat 1gUnsaturated Fat 20gCholesterol 113mgSodium 589mgCarbohydrates 105gFiber 3gSugar 70gProtein 8g
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