Down South Yam Cake
Down South Yam Cake is a moist, flavorful dessert blending sweet yams, cinnamon, and pecans, topped with a luscious frosting. Its rich, spiced taste makes it perfect for family gatherings or holiday celebrations, offering a comforting sweetness with a delightful nutty crunch and fruity accents.
Ingredients
- 2 cups sugar ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups margarine or butter, softened ⓘ
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla ⓘ
- 5 eggs ⓘ
- 1 (16 oz.) can yams, drained ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon yams' liquid (reserved) ⓘ
- 3 cups all-purpose flour ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons baking powder ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons baking soda ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg ⓘ
- 1 cup chopped pecans ⓘ
- 1 cup raisins ⓘ
- 1 (8 1/4 oz.) can crushed pineapple, well drained
Instructions
- In a large bowl, cream sugar, butter, and vanilla until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Cut up yams and add to the creamed mixture, beating until well mixed.
- Add flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg; mix well.
- Fold in pecans, raisins, and pineapple by hand.
- Spoon the mixture into a greased and floured 10-inch tube pan; spread evenly.
- Bake in a 325°F oven for 65 to 75 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool upright in the pan for 10 minutes, then invert onto a serving plate.
- Spoon frosting over the cake, allowing some to run down the sides.
Tips & Substitutions
For added moisture, consider using unsweetened applesauce as a substitute for half of the butter. Ensure the yams are well-drained to avoid excess moisture in the batter. If you prefer, you can replace the pecans with walnuts or omit them completely for a nut-free version. Adding a bit of orange zest can enhance the flavor profile.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the yam cake with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert. It pairs beautifully with Apple Snow for a festive meal. This cake is also excellent alongside a cup of coffee or tea, making it a perfect afternoon treat.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover yam cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week. To reheat, simply warm slices in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds, or place in a 350°F oven for a few minutes until heated through. This helps maintain its moistness.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Down South Yam Cake contains roughly 808 calories, with 9g protein, 75g carbohydrates, and 48g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1184mg per serving (51% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh yams instead of canned yams?
Yes, you can use fresh yams! Just peel, boil, and mash about 2 cups of fresh yams to replace the canned version. Ensure they are well-drained before adding them to the batter to avoid excess moisture.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make a gluten-free version of the yam cake, substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free, and check labels to avoid cross-contamination.
What type of frosting works best with this cake?
A cream cheese frosting pairs wonderfully with this yam cake, enhancing its flavors. You can also try a simple vanilla glaze for a lighter touch or even a chocolate ganache for a decadent twist.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).