Grandma’s Famous Sweet Potato Butter Cake

Grandma’s Famous Sweet Potato Butter Cake 🍰🍠😋

This Sweet Potato Butter Cake is a timeless classic, rich with the flavors of tender sweet potatoes, warm spices, and a buttery crumb. Passed down through generations, this cake is a celebration of comfort and nostalgia, perfect for family gatherings, holiday feasts, or simply as a sweet treat to enjoy with a cup of tea. Its moist texture and aromatic spices make it an unforgettable dessert that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Let’s dive into how to make this beloved cake step by step!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Moist & Flavorful : Sweet potatoes add natural sweetness and moisture to the cake.
2. Warm Spices : Cinnamon and nutmeg create a cozy, comforting flavor profile.
3. Easy to Make : Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make this recipe approachable for any home cook.
4. Perfect for Sharing : A crowd-pleasing dessert that’s ideal for holidays, potlucks, or family dinners.
5. Customizable : Top with cream cheese frosting, whipped cream, or a dusting of powdered sugar for extra indulgence.

Ingredients

(Serves 8–10)

• 2 cups mashed sweet potatoes (about 2 medium sweet potatoes, boiled or roasted ) 🍠
• 1 cup granulated sugar 🫒
• 1 cup brown sugar 🫒
• 1 cup vegetable oil (or melted butter for extra richness ) 🫒
• 4 eggs , room temperature 🥚
• 2 cups all-purpose flour 🥣
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 🌿
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ½ teaspoon salt 🧂
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Optional Toppings:

• Cream cheese frosting 🧀
• Whipped cream 🥄
• Powdered sugar for dusting ❄️
• Chopped pecans or walnuts for crunch 🌰

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) .
2. Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

Step 2: Prepare the Sweet Potatoes

1. Peel and chop the sweet potatoes into chunks. Boil or roast them until tender (about 15–20 minutes ).
2. Mash the cooked sweet potatoes until smooth and set aside to cool slightly.

Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients

1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the mashed sweet potatoes , granulated sugar , brown sugar , and vegetable oil until well combined.
2. Add the eggs , one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract .

Step 4: Combine the Dry Ingredients

1. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour , baking powder , baking soda , cinnamon , nutmeg , and salt .
2. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Do not overmix—the batter should be thick but smooth.

Step 5: Bake the Cake

1. Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it out evenly with a spatula.
2. Bake in the preheated oven for 35–40 minutes , or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
   • Tip : If the top begins to brown too quickly, cover it loosely with foil for the remainder of the baking time.

Step 6: Cool and Serve

1. Let the cake cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes before slicing.
2. Serve warm or at room temperature. Add optional toppings like cream cheese frosting, whipped cream, or a dusting of powdered sugar for extra indulgence.

Tips for Success

1. Use Fresh Sweet Potatoes : Freshly mashed sweet potatoes provide the best flavor and texture. Avoid canned sweet potatoes, as they may alter the consistency.
2. Room Temperature Eggs : Eggs blend more easily into the batter when at room temperature, resulting in a smoother texture.
3. Enhance the Flavor : Add a pinch of cloves or ginger for extra spice depth.
4. Make Ahead : Store the cooled cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the fridge for up to 1 week .
5. Freeze for Later : Wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months . Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Perfect Pairings

This Sweet Potato Butter Cake pairs beautifully with:

• Coffee or Tea : Enjoy alongside a warm cup of coffee, tea, or hot cocoa for a cozy treat.
• Cream Cheese Frosting : Spread a generous layer of tangy cream cheese frosting for a decadent finish.
• Whipped Cream : Top with a dollop of whipped cream for light, airy contrast.
• Sparkling Beverages : Pair with sparkling water, lemonade, or a glass of milk for refreshment.

Nutritional Information (Per Slice, Approx.)

(Based on 10 slices, without frosting)

• Calories : ~350 kcal
• Protein : ~4g
• Carbohydrates : ~45g
• Fat : ~18g
• Fiber : ~2g

Note: Nutritional values may vary based on specific brands and portion sizes.

Final Thoughts

This Sweet Potato Butter Cake is a rich, moist, and spiced dessert that’s as comforting as it is delicious. Whether you’re serving it for the holidays, a family gathering, or just because, this cake delivers on flavor and nostalgia. The combination of tender sweet potatoes, warm spices, and buttery crumb creates a dessert that’s as indulgent as it is satisfying.

The best part? It’s endlessly customizable, so you can tweak the spices, adjust the toppings, or pair it with different sides to make it your own. So grab your sweet potatoes, whip up that batter, and get ready to enjoy a cake that’s as fun to share as it is to eat.