Ultra-Moist Sweet Potato Pound Cake
Ultra-Moist Sweet Potato Pound Cake is a delightful treat that’s both heartwarming and delicious. This cake is perfect for special occasions, cozy gatherings, or simply as a comforting dessert after a weekday dinner. With its rich flavor from sweet potatoes and warm spices, it will fill your home with an inviting aroma, making everyone eager to indulge. The added bonus? It’s incredibly moist and tender, making each slice a heavenly experience to enjoy.
Recipe Information
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60-70 minutes
- Total Time: 75-85 minutes
- Servings: 10 slices
- Difficulty Level: Easy
Nutrition Information
- Calories per serving: 280
- Protein: 3g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fat: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 23g
- Sodium: 180mg
Why Make This Ultra-Moist Sweet Potato Pound Cake
There are countless reasons to fall in love with this Ultra-Moist Sweet Potato Pound Cake. First and foremost, it utilizes sweet potatoes, which add natural sweetness, fiber, and a unique flavor profile that elevates a traditional pound cake. The combination of granulated and brown sugars gives it a lovely caramel note, while the spices like cinnamon and nutmeg impart warmth that fits perfectly into any season. Whether enjoyed on its own or adorned with a creamy glaze, this cake is sure to be a hit with family and friends.
How to Make Ultra-Moist Sweet Potato Pound Cake
Ingredients:
- 1 cup mashed sweet potatoes
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 large eggs
- 2 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
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Optional: cream cheese glaze for topping
Directions:
Step 1: Preparation
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan. This ensures your cake slides out easily after baking, leaving you with a perfectly shaped loaf.
Step 2: Mixing
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This step adds air to the mixture, creating a fluffy texture for your cake.
Step 3: Incorporating Eggs and Sweet Potatoes
Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then, stir in the mashed sweet potatoes and vanilla extract, letting their flavor enrich your batter.
Step 4: Combining Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, spices, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Mix until just combined to avoid a tough texture.
Step 5: Baking
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth out the top. Bake in the preheated oven for 60-70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. This ensures the cake is fully baked through while remaining moist.
Step 6: Cooling
Allow to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps set the texture and flavors before slicing.
Step 7: Finishing
Drizzle with cream cheese glaze if desired before serving. This optional step adds an extra layer of sweetness and creaminess that complements the cake beautifully.
How to Serve Ultra-Moist Sweet Potato Pound Cake
This pound cake is incredibly versatile and can be served in many ways. Enjoy a slice on its own with a cup of coffee or tea. Pair it with a dollop of whipped cream or serve it warm alongside vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert. It’s also lovely when topped with fresh fruit like berries or bananas for a colorful twist.
How to Store Ultra-Moist Sweet Potato Pound Cake
To keep your pound cake fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want it to last longer, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator for up to a week. You can also freeze the cake for up to three months; just remember to slice it beforehand for easy thawing!
Expert Tips for Perfect Ultra-Moist Sweet Potato Pound Cake
- Use Fresh Sweet Potatoes: The fresher the sweet potatoes, the better the flavor and moisture content in your cake.
- Don’t Overmix: When combining wet and dry ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to a tough pound cake.
- Check for Doneness: Ovens can vary, so start checking your cake at the 60-minute mark for doneness.
- Add Nuts or Chocolate Chips: Consider folding in walnuts, pecans, or chocolate chips for added texture and flavor.
- Cream Cheese Glaze Variant: If you want a glaze that’s more tangy, add a tsp of lemon juice to the cream cheese glaze.
Delicious Variations
- Spiced Up: Add a dash of ginger or cloves for a spicier kick.
- Nutty Delight: Incorporate some chopped pecans or walnuts for a crunchy texture.
- Chocolate Lovers: Mix in chocolate chips for a sweet surprise in every bite.
- Maple Twist: Use maple syrup in place of granulated sugar for a unique flavor profile.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
Can I use canned sweet potatoes?
Yes, you can use canned sweet potatoes; just make sure to drain them well and mash them before use to avoid excess moisture. -
Is there a gluten-free option?
You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, making sure it has a binding agent like xanthan gum for best results. -
Can I omit the eggs?
Yes! For an egg-free option, substitute each egg with 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce or a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water). -
How can I enhance the flavor?
You can enhance the flavor by adding citrus zest (like orange or lemon) or using freshly grated nutmeg instead of ground. -
What is the best way to tell if my cake is done?
Stick a toothpick in the center; if it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, your cake is ready. If wet batter sticks, give it more baking time.
Conclusion
This Ultra-Moist Sweet Potato Pound Cake is not just a recipe; it’s an invitation to enjoy a slice of happiness. With its rich flavor, tender texture, and delightful aroma, it’s a cake that can brighten any day. So gather your ingredients, don your apron, and treat yourself and your loved ones to this scrumptious dessert. Happy baking!
Print
Ultra-Moist Sweet Potato Pound Cake
- Total Time: 85 minutes
- Yield: 10 slices 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delightful and heartwarming cake made with sweet potatoes and warm spices, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 1 cup mashed sweet potatoes
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 large eggs
- 2 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
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Optional: cream cheese glaze for topping
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan.
- Cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the mashed sweet potatoes and vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, spices, and salt. Gradually add to the wet mixture and mix until just combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth out the top. Bake for 60-70 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Allow to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Drizzle with cream cheese glaze if desired before serving.
Notes
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days or refrigerate for up to a week. Can also be frozen for up to three months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 70 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 23g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
