Yam Cake

Prep: 20 min Cook: 25 min Serves: 12 Cuisine: American

Yam Cake is a moist, flavorful dessert featuring grated sweet potato and warming cinnamon, with crunchy pecans adding texture. Perfect for holidays or special gatherings, its rich sweetness and aromatic spices make it a comforting treat for those who enjoy hearty, spiced baked goods.

Be the first to rate this recipe

Ingredients

  • 2 c. cake flour
  • 2 c. sugar
  • 2 tsp. baking powder
  • 1 1/2 tsp. baking soda
  • 1 tsp. salt
  • 2 tsp. cinnamon
  • 1 1/2 c. oil
  • 4 eggs
  • 3 c. grated raw sweet potato
  • 1 c. pecans

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Sift and mix dry ingredients: cake flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
  3. In a separate bowl, mix in the oil and eggs until well combined.
  4. Add the grated raw sweet potato and pecans to the wet mixture.
  5. Combine the wet and dry ingredients until smooth.
  6. Pour the batter into three greased cake pans.
  7. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  8. Allow to cool before serving.

Tips & Substitutions

For a lighter texture, consider using cake flour instead of all-purpose flour. You can substitute the oil with unsweetened applesauce for a healthier version, which will keep the cake moist. If you're short on time, pre-grated sweet potato can be found in many grocery stores, saving prep time. Adding a pinch of nutmeg can enhance the flavor profile.

Serving Suggestions

This yam cake is delightful on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Serve it with a side of Grape And Chicken Salad(With Mustard Dressing) for a refreshing contrast. It also makes a great breakfast option with coffee or tea alongside.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate the cake for up to a week. To reheat, simply slice and warm in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds or enjoy it cold as a sweet treat.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Yam Cake contains roughly 768 calories, with 8g protein, 65g carbohydrates, and 54g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (31% of the Daily Value) and iron (28% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 839mg per serving (36% of the Daily Value).

768 kcal 38% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 8.1g 16% DV
Total Fat 54.2g 70% DV
Carbs 65.4g 24% DV
Fiber 4.1g 15% DV
Sugar 4.3g 9% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 838.7mg 36% DV
Potassium 321.1mg 7% DV
Cholesterol 6.5mg 2% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 276.2mcg 31% DV
Vitamin C 3.8mg 4% DV
Calcium 111.5mg 9% DV
Iron 5.1mg 28% DV
Contains Egg Wheat/Gluten Tree nuts

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 a different type of flour?

Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour for cake flour; however, the texture may be denser. If you want a gluten-free option, try a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend, but make sure it contains xanthan gum for proper binding.

How can I make this cake more flavorful?

To enhance the flavor, consider adding vanilla extract or a hint of nutmeg to the batter. You can also experiment with adding dried fruits like raisins or cranberries for a different texture and taste.

Can I freeze yam cake?

Absolutely! To freeze, wrap the cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving for the best texture.

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).

American recipes → Vegetarian recipes → All recipes →