Description
A cozy and flavorful Sweet Potato Cinnamon Roll Cake that combines the warm spices of a cinnamon roll with the natural sweetness and moisture of mashed sweet potatoes. Perfect for fall, holidays, or brunch, this cake features a cinnamon sugar swirl and a sweet vanilla glaze, creating a deliciously comforting dessert that serves up to 12.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Cake:
- 1 cup mashed sweet potato (from roasted or canned, unsweetened)
- ½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar (packed)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ cup milk or buttermilk
For the Cinnamon Swirl:
- ½ cup brown sugar (packed)
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1–2 tablespoons milk or cream
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease then flour a 9×13-inch baking dish to ensure the cake doesn’t stick.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, which creates a smooth texture for your cake batter.
- Add Eggs, Vanilla, and Sweet Potato: Beat in the eggs one at a time for even incorporation. Then add vanilla extract and mashed sweet potato, mixing until the batter is smooth and consistent.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg to evenly distribute the leavening agents and spices.
- Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients: Alternately add the dry ingredients and milk (or buttermilk) to the wet mixture, beginning and ending with dry ingredients. Mix gently until just combined to avoid overworking the batter.
- Prepare Batter in Pan: Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and smooth the top with a spatula for even baking.
- Create Cinnamon Swirl: In a small bowl, mix together brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and melted butter for the swirl. Drop spoonfuls over the batter and gently swirl into the batter with a knife to create a marbled effect.
- Bake the Cake: Bake in the preheated oven for 35 to 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean, indicating it is fully cooked.
- Cool Slightly: Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool for 10 to 15 minutes in the pan to set before glazing.
- Prepare and Apply Glaze: Whisk together powdered sugar, milk or cream, and vanilla extract until smooth. Drizzle the glaze over the warm or cooled cake for a sweet finishing touch.
- Serve: Slice the cake into 12 servings and enjoy this comforting cinnamon roll-inspired dessert.
Notes
- This cozy dessert offers all the classic flavors of a cinnamon roll with the rich moisture of sweet potato, perfect for autumn and holiday celebrations.
- For added texture and flavor, consider stirring chopped pecans or a pinch of ground ginger into the batter before baking.
- The glaze can be adjusted in consistency by adding more milk or powdered sugar according to your preference.
- Make sure not to overmix the batter to keep the cake light and tender.
