Sweet Potato Cake

Name: Sweet Potato Cake
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 60 min
Total time: 80 min
Ingredients: 3 cups (375g) all-purpose flour; 2 tsp baking powder; 1 tsp ground cinnamon; 1/2 tsp baking soda; 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg; 1/2 tsp salt; 2 cups (400g) brown sugar ( lightly packed); 1 cup (227g) unsalted butter ( softened); 1 can (15oz) sweet potato puree ( (or 2 cups cooked and mashed sweet potatoes) see notes*); 1 tsp vanilla extract; 4 large eggs; 2 Tbsp (28g) unsalted butter; 2 Tbsp (30ml) cream or milk; 1/4 cup (50g) lightly packed brown sugar; 1/2 cup (60g) powdered sugar; 1-2 Tbsp chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)

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by Lily Ernst on Sep 16, 2024 (updated Apr 19, 2025)

Get ready to fall in love with this sweet potato cake. The combination of sweet potato, warm spices, and a rich brown sugar glaze creates a dessert that’s both visually impressive and irresistibly delicious.

A sweet potato cake with brown sugar glaze on a marble cake plate.

Table of Contents

Why you’ll love this recipe:

Easy to make – Simply beat the all the wet ingredients, mix in the dry ingredients, bake, let cool, and glaze. I use canned sweet potato puree to save on time but you can use homemade if you wish.
Moist and tender – The inclusion of sweet potato puree in the batter ensures a moist and tender crumb. The sweet potato puree also helps the cake remains soft for day just like with these Baked Sweet Potato Donuts.
A harmony of cozy flavors – The combination of brown sugar, cinnamon and nutmeg not only complements the natural earthy sweetness of the sweet potatoes but also adds depth and complexity to each bite. The same flavor combination is used in my Easy Sweet Potato Pie.

A slice of glazed sweet potato cake on a plate with the rest of the cake behind it.

As we approach the lovely autumn season, try my Chewy Pumpkin Bars and Glazed Pumpkin Scones for some comforting fall flavors.

And if you like spice, try my Apple Cinnamon Muffins and Old-Fashioned Donuts. Both are topped with cinnamon-sugar for a crunchy spicy-sweet finish.

Ingredients you’ll need and why:

A labelled image of all the ingredients needed to make sweet potato cake with brown sugar glaze.

All-purpose flour: Provides structure to the sweet potato cake by forming gluten when combined with liquid, giving the cake its body and shape.
Baking powder & baking soda: These leavening agents help the cake rise by creating air bubbles, making it light and fluffy.
Ground cinnamon & nutmeg: These warm spices add depth and enhance the natural sweetness and earthiness of the sweet potato, creating a cozy and aromatic flavor.
Unsalted butter: Adds richness, moisture, and tenderness to the cake. For the glaze, it helps bind the ingredients together, giving the glaze a smooth, creamy texture.
Brown sugar: Sweetens the cake and brings a deeper, caramel-like flavor thanks to the molasses content in brown sugar, complementing the sweet potato. Also provides the glaze it’s signature taste.
Sweet potato puree (canned or homemade): Acts as the primary flavor component, adding moisture, natural sweetness, and a dense, creamy texture to the cake.
Vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor of the cake by adding a sweet, aromatic undertone that complements the spices and sweet potato.
Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and provide structure, while also contributing to the cake’s richness and helping it rise properly.
Powdered Sugar: Thickens the glaze while adding sweetness and ensuring a smooth, glossy finish.

How to make sweet potato cake:

(the ingredient amounts are listed in the printable recipe card further below)

Step #1) In a medium bowl, toss together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, baking soda, nutmeg, and salt. Set aside.

Step #2) In a large bowl, beat the butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Mix in the sweet potatoes and vanilla. Add in the eggs, one at a time, mixing well in between.

Step #3) Add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients and stir together until just combined. Spoon the batter into a well-greased Bundt pan. Bake at 350F for 1 hour and let cool completely before glazing.

Step #4) In a small bowl, melt the butter, cream, and brown sugar in the microwave for 20-40 seconds. Whisk until combined. Add the powdered sugar and whisk again until smooth. Pour over the cake.

How to serve sweet potato cake:

Serve with coffee or tea. Chai tea pairs exceptionally well. For a special occasion, serve with a dollop of whipped cream or crème fraîche and some spiced apple compote.

A slice of sweet potato bundt cake on a plate with a fork and piece missing.

Recipe FAQs:

How do I make my own sweet potato puree?

Wash and peel 2 large sweet potatoes. Cut the potatoes into chunks. Boil or steam the sweet potatoes until they are soft (about 15-20 minutes). Drain the potatoes and let them cool slightly. Mash the cooked sweet potatoes with a fork or use a blender/food processor for a smoother consistency. Measure out 2 cups.

Can I use a different type of glaze?

Certainly! While the brown sugar glaze complements the cake beautifully, you can experiment with different glazes like cream cheese, maple, or even a simple vanilla glaze to suit your taste.

Can I make sweet potato cake ahead of time?

Yes, you can! The cake can be baked a day in advance and stored at room temperature. Add the glaze just before serving to maintain its freshness.

Can I freeze sweet potato cake?

Yes, you can freeze this cake without the glaze for up to 3 months. Ensure the cake is completely cooled before wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. Label and date the package, then store it in the freezer. Thaw overnight in the fridge. Bring to room temperature and glaze before serving.

If you’ve tried this Sweet Potato Cake Recipe or any other recipe on my blog please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how it went in the 📝 comments below. Thanks for visiting!