Sweet Potato Cake with Cream Cheese Icing
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 40 minutes | Total Time: 55 minutes
Servings: Varies
Description:
I first tasted this decadent Sweet Potato Cake at a local homemaker’s luncheon, and I was instantly smitten by its moist texture and unique flavors. So different from the usual cakes I’d made, I couldn’t resist asking for the recipe. Just in time for Thanksgiving, one of the lovely ladies sent it my way, and I made it for our holiday dinner. The cake disappeared almost immediately! It has since become a tradition in our family, and even my grandmother, who isn’t much of a cook but is a fantastic eater, raves about it. With its spiced warmth, creamy frosting, and rich flavor, this cake will soon become your go-to dessert for the holidays and beyond.
Recipe Category: Dessert
Keywords: Sweet Potato Cake, Cream Cheese Icing, Dessert, Holiday Cake, Easy Cake, Moist Cake, Thanksgiving Dessert
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Vanilla instant pudding mix | 1 packet |
| Water | 1 cup |
| Mashed sweet potatoes | 1 1/4 cups |
| Eggs | 1 large |
| Ground cinnamon | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Ground nutmeg | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Ground clove | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Vanilla extract | 1 teaspoon |
| Shredded coconut | 1 cup |
| Cream cheese (softened) | 1 package (8 oz) |
| Vanilla extract (for frosting) | 1 teaspoon |
Nutritional Information (per serving):
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 434.5 kcal |
| Fat | 23.2 g |
| Saturated Fat | 8 g |
| Cholesterol | 43 mg |
| Sodium | 528.9 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 51.9 g |
| Fiber | 3.5 g |
| Sugars | 34.3 g |
| Protein | 6.4 g |
Instructions:
-
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 13×9-inch baking pan by spraying it with cooking spray or greasing it with butter.
-
Prepare the cake batter:
In a large mixing bowl, combine all the cake ingredients, excluding the nuts and coconut. Mix at a low speed until everything is moistened, and then beat the mixture on high speed for 3 minutes to ensure it is smooth and well combined. -
Fold in the nuts and coconut:
Once the batter is fully mixed, gently fold in the shredded coconut and nuts (if using). This step adds texture and flavor to the cake. -
Bake the cake:
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it out evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 40 to 50 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick or cake tester in the center of the cake—if it comes out clean, the cake is ready. -
Cool the cake:
Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 15-20 minutes, and then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents the frosting from melting once applied. -
Prepare the cream cheese frosting:
While the cake is cooling, make the frosting by beating together the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract in a large mixing bowl. Use an electric mixer to whip it until smooth and creamy. Adjust the sweetness by adding more powdered sugar if desired. -
Frost the cake:
Once the cake has fully cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting generously over the top. You can use a spatula to smooth it evenly across the surface. -
Garnish (optional):
For an added touch, sprinkle some extra shredded coconut or chopped nuts on top of the frosting for decoration. This step not only enhances the presentation but also adds extra flavor. -
Refrigerate (optional):
This cake can be made a day ahead and kept tightly covered in the refrigerator. The flavors deepen as it sits, making it an excellent choice for preparing ahead of time for your next family gathering or holiday dinner.
Tips for Success:
- Sweet Potato Substitution: If you prefer, you can use canned sweet potato puree instead of fresh mashed sweet potatoes. Just make sure to drain any excess liquid before adding it to the cake batter.
- Frosting Variations: You can add a teaspoon of cinnamon or a little orange zest to the frosting for an extra burst of flavor. This works especially well during the holidays!
- Serving Suggestions: Serve the cake at room temperature for the best texture. It pairs wonderfully with a cup of coffee or a dollop of whipped cream.
Review:
Rated 5 stars with 3 reviews:
“This cake is a hit every time I make it! I love the richness from the sweet potatoes and the spiced flavors that come through. The cream cheese icing is absolutely perfect. Definitely making this again for Thanksgiving!”
— Samantha T.
This Sweet Potato Cake with Cream Cheese Icing is a delightful dessert that will impress your guests with its moist texture and wonderful blend of spices. It’s easy to prepare and can be made ahead of time, making it the perfect choice for busy holiday dinners. Enjoy baking this irresistible treat and share it with the people you love.
