Sweet Potato Spice Cake

Prep: 15 min Cook: 45 min Serves: 8 Cuisine: American

A moist, spiced sweet potato cake with warm cinnamon and nutmeg flavors, perfect for fall gatherings or cozy desserts that impress with natural sweetness.

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Ingredients

  • 2 eggs
  • 1 c. brown sugar, firmly packed
  • 1/2 c. sugar
  • 3/4 c. oil
  • 1 c. sweet potatoes
  • 1 Tbsp. vanilla
  • 2 c. plain flour
  • 1 tsp. salt
  • 1/2 tsp. baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp. baking soda
  • 1/2 tsp. cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp. nutmeg
  • 1/4 tsp. ginger
  • 1/4 c. milk

Instructions

  1. Beat eggs in a large mixing bowl.
  2. Beat in brown sugar, sugar, and oil.
  3. Stir in sweet potatoes and vanilla.
  4. Add all remaining ingredients and stir until smooth.
  5. Lightly oil a fluted cake pan and sprinkle with sugar, then remove excess.
  6. Pour batter into the prepared pan.
  7. Bake at 325° to 350° until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Tips & Substitutions

For a moister cake, ensure your sweet potatoes are well-cooked and mashed. You can substitute half of the oil with unsweetened applesauce for a healthier option. If you want to enhance the flavor, consider adding a pinch of cloves or using maple syrup instead of sugar. Don't overmix the batter once the dry ingredients are added to keep the cake tender.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Sweet Potato Spice Cake as a delightful dessert or with a cup of coffee for an afternoon treat. It pairs beautifully with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside savory dishes like Chicken Honey or a fresh salad for a balanced spread.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover Sweet Potato Spice Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week. To reheat, place a slice in the microwave for 20-30 seconds or enjoy at room temperature, which enhances the flavors.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Sweet Potato Spice Cake contains roughly 451 calories, with 5g protein, 63g carbohydrates, and 17g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1643mg per serving (71% of the Daily Value).

451 kcal 23% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 5g 10% DV
Total Fat 17.3g 22% DV
Carbs 62.8g 23% DV
Fiber 2.5g 9% DV
Sugar 2.7g 5% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 1642.8mg 71% DV
Potassium 440.6mg 9% DV
Cholesterol 154.8mg 52% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 38.2mcg 4% DV
Vitamin C 11.2mg 12% DV
Calcium 305.9mg 24% DV
Iron 1.8mg 10% DV
Contains Milk Egg Wheat/Gluten

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 canned sweet potatoes instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use canned sweet potatoes for convenience. Just ensure they are well-drained before mashing. This will save you time and still give you the necessary sweetness and moisture for the cake.

How do I know when the cake is done baking?

The cake is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. Baking times can vary, so start checking at around 30 minutes to avoid overbaking.

Can I add nuts or chocolate chips to the batter?

Absolutely! You can fold in walnuts, pecans, or even chocolate chips for added texture and flavor. Just be mindful of the added moisture that could affect the cake's consistency.

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).

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