Best 3 Southern Sweet Potato Cake Recipes

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Indulge in a Southern delicacy that embodies comfort and sweetness: the Southern Sweet Potato Cake. This culinary masterpiece is a delectable blend of classic cake ingredients and the unique charm of sweet potato, resulting in a moist, flavorful, and visually appealing treat. With its golden-brown crust and tender, velvety interior, this cake is a delightful addition to any occasion, whether it's a family gathering, a special celebration, or a cozy afternoon tea. In this article, we present a collection of Southern Sweet Potato Cake recipes that cater to various dietary preferences and skill levels. From traditional recipes that stay true to the Southern heritage to gluten-free and vegan adaptations, these recipes offer a range of options for bakers of all backgrounds. We'll guide you through the process of creating this delectable cake, providing step-by-step instructions, helpful tips, and ingredient substitutions to ensure a successful baking experience. Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with the irresistible Southern Sweet Potato Cake!

Here are our top 3 tried and tested recipes!

BILLIE'S SOUTHERN SWEET POTATO CAKE



Billie's Southern Sweet Potato Cake image

I made sweet potato cakes for my kids when they were younger and they told me in their little voices, "Mommy, you're the best baker." Little did they know that was Mommy's first attempt at homemade cake! -Billie Williams-Henderson, Bowie, Maryland

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Desserts

Time 1h5m

Yield 20 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 17

4 large eggs, room temperature
2 cups sugar
2 cups canola oil
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking soda
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
1/2 teaspoon salt
3 cups shredded peeled sweet potatoes (about 2 medium)
1 cup finely chopped walnuts
FROSTING:
1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup butter, softened
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups confectioners' sugar

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350°. Grease a 13x9-in. baking pan., In a large bowl, beat eggs, sugar, oil and vanilla until well blended. In another bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, spices and salt; gradually beat into egg mixture. Stir in sweet potatoes and walnuts., Transfer to prepared pan. Bake until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean, 40-45 minutes. Cool completely in pan on a wire rack., In a small bowl, beat cream cheese, butter and vanilla until blended. Gradually beat in confectioners' sugar until smooth. Spread over cooled cake. Refrigerate leftovers.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 519 calories, Fat 36g fat (8g saturated fat), Cholesterol 67mg cholesterol, Sodium 276mg sodium, Carbohydrate 47g carbohydrate (32g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 5g protein.

SOUTHERN SWEET POTATO POUND CAKE



Southern Sweet Potato Pound Cake image

We are huge sweet potato fans- often make this in mini-loaf pans and wrap in pretty tissue for gifts. Found in a cookbook- an old newspaper clipping.

Provided by alijen

Categories     Dessert

Time 1h10m

Yield 16 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 14

3 cups flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon salt
16 tablespoons butter, at room temperature, plus
additional butter, for the baking pan
2 cups sugar
4 large eggs
2 1/2 lbs sweet potatoes, cooked, mashed and cooled (yield 2 1/2 cups)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
4 ounces chopped pecans
1/2 cup sweetened flaked coconut (optional)

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
  • Generously butter a 10-cup tube or bundt pan.
  • In a large bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg and salt.
  • Set aside.
  • In a large bowl with an electric mixer on medium speed, beat the butter until light and fluffy.
  • Add the sugar gradually, about 1/2 cup at a time, beating well after each addition.
  • Add the eggs, 1 at a time, beating well after each addition.
  • Add the sweet potatoes and mix until thoroughly combined.
  • Reduce the speed to low or switch to a wooden spoon and gradually add the flour mixture to the creamed mixture in 3 additions, beating well after each addition.
  • The batter should be stiff.
  • Add the vanilla, pecans and, if desired, the coconut.
  • Spoon the batter into the prepared pan.
  • Bake until the cake tests done when a wire cake tester is inserted in the middle and comes out clean, 50 to 65 minutes.
  • Transfer the pan to a wire rack to cool for 15 minutes.
  • Invert the cake onto a plate and remove.
  • Note: To cook sweet potatoes, peel and quarter potatoes, add to boiling water and simmer, uncovered, until tender, about 20 minutes, depending on size- Drain and mash.

SOUTHERN SWEET POTATO CAKE



Southern Sweet Potato Cake image

Perfect for the holidays! This Southern-inspired recipe has a mild sweet potato flavor that is complemented nicely with an orange zest-allspice buttercream.

Provided by RheyganD

Categories     Desserts     Cakes

Time 2h25m

Yield 16

Number Of Ingredients 22

¼ cup shortening
¼ cup vegetable oil
¼ cup all-purpose flour
2 cups white sugar
5 eggs
1 cup vegetable oil
3 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 cups sifted all-purpose flour
3 teaspoons baking powder
2 teaspoons baking soda
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
½ teaspoon salt
3 cups mashed sweet potatoes
1 cup chopped pecans
4 cups sifted confectioners' sugar
1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
½ cup butter, softened
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ teaspoon grated orange zest
½ teaspoon ground allspice
1 cup chopped pecans

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Combine shortening, vegetable oil, and flour in a bowl; mix very well. Brush two 9x9-inch cake pans with the mixture. Reserve remaining mixture for future baking.
  • Beat sugar, eggs, oil, and vanilla extract together in a large bowl.
  • Mix flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice, and salt together in a separate bowl. Add to the sugar mixture gradually, mixing constantly to prevent lumps. Stir in sweet potatoes. Fold in chopped pecans. Divide batter between the prepared pans.
  • Bake in the preheated oven until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, 40 to 45 minutes. Let cool in the pans for 15 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack and cool completely, about 1 hour.
  • Make the frosting while cakes are cooling. Combine confectioners' sugar, cream cheese, butter, vanilla extract, orange zest, and allspice in a medium bowl. Beat until smooth and creamy.
  • Place 1 cooled cake layer on a serving plate. Cover with frosting. Add second cake layer. Frost the top and sides. Sprinkle pecans on top.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 728.2 calories, Carbohydrate 83.8 g, Cholesterol 81.8 mg, Fat 42.4 g, Fiber 2.8 g, Protein 6.9 g, SaturatedFat 11.5 g, Sodium 419.6 mg, Sugar 59.2 g

Tips:

  • Choosing the right sweet potatoes is crucial for a moist and flavorful cake. Select firm, unblemished sweet potatoes with a deep orange color. Avoid potatoes with cuts, bruises, or signs of sprouting.
  • Baking the sweet potatoes in their skins intensifies their flavor and makes them easier to peel. Prick the potatoes with a fork to prevent them from bursting. Bake at 400°F for about an hour or until tender.
  • Use a food processor or ricer to achieve a smooth and lump-free sweet potato puree. If using a ricer, make sure to peel the potatoes before ricing.
  • Creaming the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy is essential for a tender and airy cake. Beat them on high speed for several minutes until the mixture becomes pale and fluffy.
  • Adding the eggs one at a time and beating well after each addition ensures that the batter emulsifies properly. This will help prevent the cake from curdling.
  • Gradually alternating between adding the dry ingredients and the sweet potato puree helps to prevent overmixing and ensures that the batter remains light and fluffy.
  • Pouring the batter into a greased and floured bundt pan allows for even baking and a beautiful presentation.
  • Baking the cake at 350°F for about an hour or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean ensures that the cake is cooked through.
  • Allowing the cake to cool completely before inverting it onto a serving plate prevents it from breaking.
  • Dusting the cake with powdered sugar or drizzling it with a glaze adds a touch of sweetness and enhances its presentation.

Conclusion:

The Southern Sweet Potato Cake is a delightful dessert that showcases the natural sweetness and vibrant color of sweet potatoes. With its moist and tender crumb, rich flavor, and elegant presentation, this cake is perfect for any occasion. Whether you're serving it as a special treat for your family or bringing it to a potluck, this cake is sure to impress. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to indulge in a slice of Southern hospitality.

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