Name: Sweet Potato Cake Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups mashed cooked sweet potatoes (about 2 medium); 1 cup granulated sugar; 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed; 1 cup vegetable oil; 4 large eggs; 2 cups all-purpose flour; 2 teaspoons baking powder; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon; 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg; 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional); 8 ounces cream cheese, softened; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 3 cups powdered sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; pinch of salt

Jump to Recipe·5.1 from 8 reviews

If you’re searching for pure comfort in cake form, this Sweet Potato Cake Recipe is exactly what you need! Imagine a super-moist, warmly spiced cake layered with tangy cream cheese frosting – every bite delivers fall flavors and melt-in-your-mouth sweetness. Whether you’re baking for a holiday, a celebration, or just because, this cake brings people together and is sure to become your new favorite dessert tradition.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll be pleasantly surprised by how simple these ingredients are, yet each one brings something essential to the Sweet Potato Cake Recipe. From the earthy richness of sweet potatoes to the distinctive pop of warm spices, every element is purposeful and absolutely delicious.

Mashed sweet potatoes: Provide a natural sweetness, vibrant color, and moisture to the cake’s crumb – make sure they’re well cooked and cooled!
Granulated sugar: Sweetens the batter, ensuring every bite is just the right level of indulgent.
Packed brown sugar: Adds deep, caramel-like undertones that pair perfectly with the spices and sweet potatoes.
Vegetable oil: Keeps the cake plush and tender, giving it an irresistibly moist texture.
Large eggs: Bind the ingredients and give the cake its structure and lift.
All-purpose flour: Holds everything together with the perfect crumb for a sturdy yet soft cake.
Baking powder & baking soda: These leaveners ensure your cake rises beautifully and stays light.
Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the natural flavors of all the other ingredients.
Ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves: A trio of aromatic spices delivers a classic, cozy bakery aroma.
Vanilla extract: Lends a warm, floral notes that tie all the flavors together seamlessly.
Chopped pecans or walnuts (optional): Add a toasty crunch for flavor contrast, or leave them out for a smooth bite.
Cream cheese: Rich and tangy, it’s the essential base for a classic, silky frosting.
Unsalted butter: Softened butter blends beautifully with cream cheese for a luscious frosting.
Powdered sugar: Sweetens and lightens the frosting, helping it spread like a dream.
A pinch of salt: Rounds out the icing flavor, making it pop just enough.

How to Make Sweet Potato Cake Recipe

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a 9×13-inch baking pan. Make sure you coat every corner and edge thoroughly – this ensures your Sweet Potato Cake Recipe comes out perfectly, with no sticking or crumbling.

Step 2: Combine the Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, add your mashed sweet potatoes, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Whisk or mix together until everything is completely smooth and combined. This luscious orange mixture is the soul of your cake, guaranteeing moistness and rich flavor throughout!

Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a second bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Sifting is key – it prevents clumps, evenly distributes the rising agents and spices, and gives your Sweet Potato Cake Recipe a fine, tender crumb.

Step 4: Bring Wet and Dry Mixtures Together

Gradually add the dry mixture into your wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. If you’re using nuts, fold them in now. Avoid overmixing – a few streaks of flour are fine. This keeps the cake fluffy, not dense.

Step 5: Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into your prepared pan, smoothing it out for an even top. Slide it into the oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The aroma will be absolutely irresistible! Let the cake cool completely before frosting – patience is key here, so the icing doesn’t melt.

Step 6: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

Beat together your softened cream cheese and butter until light and fluffy. Add in the powdered sugar, a little at a time, along with vanilla and a pinch of salt. Continue to beat until everything is creamy and perfectly spreadable. Once your cake is fully cool, smooth the frosting over the top, swirling and swooping to your heart’s content.

How to Serve Sweet Potato Cake Recipe

Garnishes

For an extra-wow factor, top with a scatter of chopped pecans or walnuts and a sprinkle of cinnamon. A drizzle of caramel sauce or even toasted coconut takes your Sweet Potato Cake Recipe firmly into celebration territory.

Side Dishes

This cake shines alongside a cup of hot coffee or spiced chai. For autumn gatherings, serve it with vanilla ice cream or dollops of whipped cream for maximum comfort.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re baking for a party, cut the cake into neat squares for shareable treats, or assemble into a layered round cake using two 8-inch pans for a show-stopping centerpiece. Cupcake versions are perfect for lunchboxes or picnics!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

To keep your Sweet Potato Cake Recipe fresh, cover leftovers tightly with plastic wrap or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It stays moist and flavorful for up to five days.

Freezing

For longer storage, you can freeze slices of frosted or unfrosted cake. Wrap each piece securely in plastic, then foil, and freeze for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.

Reheating

If you crave warm cake, take a slice and gently microwave it for 10–15 seconds. The frosting softens and the spices bloom, making it taste freshly baked!

FAQs

Can I use canned sweet potatoes in this Sweet Potato Cake Recipe?

Yes, just make sure to drain and mash them well. Avoid using any that contain added syrups or spices – plain is best for controlling sweetness and flavor.

Can I make the Sweet Potato Cake Recipe in advance?

Absolutely! This cake actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld. Frost it shortly before serving for the freshest result.

Can I make cupcakes instead of a sheet cake?

You sure can! Line muffin tins and fill each about two-thirds full. Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.

What can I substitute for vegetable oil?

You can use melted coconut oil or a neutral oil like canola. Even unsweetened applesauce will work for a slightly lighter texture, though the cake will be a bit denser.

Is it possible to make this Sweet Potato Cake Recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Simply swap in your favorite cup-for-cup gluten-free flour blend and proceed as directed. Check that your baking powder is gluten-free as well.

Final Thoughts

I can’t wait for you to experience just how special this Sweet Potato Cake Recipe is. It’s the kind of dessert that turns casual gatherings into celebrations and makes any day feel a little more cozy. Don’t be surprised when everyone asks for seconds (and the recipe)!