Description
Bake Grandma’s Southern sweet potato pound cake—moist, buttery, and rich with warm spices. Perfect for holidays or everyday treats.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 2 cups mashed sweet potatoes (about 2–3 medium sweet potatoes)
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup whole milk or buttermilk
Optional Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Peel and cut the sweet potatoes into chunks. Boil or bake them until soft, then mash until smooth. Let them cool completely before using.
Preheat your oven to 165°C (325°F). Grease and flour a bundt or loaf pan to prevent sticking.
In a large bowl, beat the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until light and fluffy. This step is key for a soft texture.
Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with milk. Mix until just combined—do not overmix.
Fold in the mashed sweet potatoes until evenly incorporated. The batter will be thick and creamy.
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 70–80 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Let the cake cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Mix powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla to create a smooth glaze. Drizzle over the cooled cake.
Notes
- Pecan Version: Add 1 cup chopped pecans for crunch.
- Spice Boost: Increase spices or add allspice for deeper flavor.
- Cream Cheese Glaze: Replace simple glaze with cream cheese frosting.
- Mini Cakes: Bake in muffin tins for individual servings.
- Healthier Twist: Substitute part of the flour with whole wheat flour.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 75 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sodium: 220 mg
- Protein: 6 g