There is something undeniably comforting and soul-warming about a slice of this Sweet Potato Loaf Cake Recipe. It combines the natural sweetness and vibrant color of cooked sweet potatoes with warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, creating a moist, tender cake that feels like a hug in every bite. Whether you’re baking for a cozy afternoon tea, a festive holiday table, or simply craving a sweet treat, this loaf cake delivers on flavor, texture, and nostalgia. It’s the kind of dessert that makes your kitchen smell incredible and invites you to slow down and savor the moment.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Sweet Potato Loaf Cake Recipe is brilliantly simple, relying on everyday pantry ingredients that each play a crucial role in building its rich taste and perfect crumb. From the fluffy flour base to the fragrant spices and creamy mashed sweet potatoes, every element contributes to the cake’s irresistible charm.
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour: Provides the structure and tender crumb needed for a perfect loaf cake.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder: Helps the cake rise beautifully and stay light.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda: Works with the sweet potato’s acidity for optimal leavening.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Adds warming depth and a classic fall flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg: Brings a subtle spiced note that enhances the sweetness.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and rounds out the flavors.
- 1 cup mashed cooked sweet potato: Naturally sweet, moist, and gives the cake its signature color.
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens while keeping the texture light.
- 1/4 cup packed brown sugar: Adds a rich, caramel-like undertone.
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil: Keeps the cake moist and tender.
- 2 large eggs at room temperature: Provide structure and help bind all ingredients.
- 1/3 cup milk: Adds just enough moisture for softness without heaviness.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Lifts and harmonizes all flavors with its sweet floral notes.
How to Make Sweet Potato Loaf Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and greasing a 9×5-inch loaf pan to ensure your cake won’t stick. This simple prep helps everything run smoothly once the batter is ready.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. This step evenly distributes the spices and rising agents so they’re perfectly blended into your cake.
Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, mix the mashed cooked sweet potato, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vegetable oil, eggs, milk, and vanilla extract until completely smooth and homogenous. The silky texture you achieve here ensures the cake bakes up moist and tender.
Step 4: Bring It All Together
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, gently stirring until just combined. Take care not to overmix—this preserves a light, delicate texture.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Pour your batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for 50 to 55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center emerges clean. Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely—this gives the loaf time to set beautifully.
How to Serve Sweet Potato Loaf Cake Recipe
Garnishes
A light dusting of powdered sugar adds a simple elegance to each slice. If you want to get a bit fancy, a drizzle of cream cheese frosting or a sprinkle of chopped toasted pecans complements the warm spices splendidly and adds a satisfying crunch.
Side Dishes
This loaf cake pairs wonderfully with a cup of rich coffee or a cozy chai latte for a delightful afternoon pick-me-up. For a more indulgent treat, serve it alongside vanilla ice cream or a dollop of lightly whipped cream.
Creative Ways to Present
Cut your Sweet Potato Loaf Cake Recipe into thick slices and layer them with a smear of spiced apple butter or mascarpone cheese for a stunning dessert platter. You can also toast leftover slices lightly for a warm snack, topped with a drizzle of honey or a pat of butter.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep leftover loaf cake tightly wrapped in plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This helps maintain its moist crumb and fresh flavor.
Freezing
You can freeze this Sweet Potato Loaf Cake Recipe for longer storage. Wrap the cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, or place it in a freezer-safe container. It will keep well for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before enjoying.
Reheating
To bring back that freshly baked warmth, slice the loaf and microwave a piece for about 15 seconds or warm it in a toaster oven at low heat for a few minutes. This revives the soft texture and enhances the enticing aromas.
FAQs
Can I substitute regular potatoes for sweet potatoes in this loaf cake?
Regular potatoes don’t have the natural sweetness or the vibrant color that sweet potatoes provide, so substituting them would change the flavor and texture significantly. For best results, stick with cooked sweet potatoes.
Is it necessary to use both baking powder and baking soda?
Yes, the combination helps achieve the perfect rise and tender crumb. Baking soda reacts with the acidity of the sweet potato, while baking powder provides an additional lift, ensuring your cake isn’t dense.
Can I add nuts or chocolate chips to this recipe?
Absolutely! Adding about 1/2 cup of chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts, or chocolate chips, adds delicious texture and flavor contrast that complements the spiced sweetness of the cake beautifully.
How do I know when the loaf cake is fully baked?
Insert a toothpick or cake tester into the center of the loaf; if it comes out clean or with only a few moist crumbs, your cake is ready. Avoid opening the oven too early to prevent sinking.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, use a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking and verify that your baking powder is gluten-free. This can produce a similarly delicious loaf, though the texture may be slightly different.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a heartfelt, delicious dessert that’s both classic and a little unexpected, this Sweet Potato Loaf Cake Recipe is definitely a keeper. With its cozy spices and natural sweetness, it’s the perfect treat to brighten your day or impress your guests. I encourage you to give it a try and let the warm aroma and tender crumb bring a slice of comfort to your home.
Print
Sweet Potato Loaf Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 8 slices
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Sweet Potato Loaf Cake is a moist and flavorful dessert perfect for fall baking. Made with mashed sweet potatoes and warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, it offers a delightful balance of sweetness and spice. Ideal for serving as a comforting treat, this loaf is simple to prepare and bakes to a tender crumb with a golden crust.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup mashed cooked sweet potato
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs, at room temperature
- 1/3 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan to prevent sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and salt until well combined.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate large bowl, mix the mashed cooked sweet potato, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vegetable oil, eggs, milk, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and uniform.
- Incorporate Dry into Wet: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently just until everything is combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the loaf tender.
- Pour Batter and Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula for even baking. Bake for 50 to 55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool: Allow the loaf to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes to slightly firm up, then transfer it onto a wire rack to cool completely before slicing to maintain texture.
Notes
- For added texture and flavor, fold in 1/2 cup of chopped nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, or chocolate chips into the batter before baking.
- This sweet potato loaf pairs beautifully with a simple powdered sugar glaze or a rich cream cheese frosting for extra indulgence.
