Sweet Potato Cinnamon Roll Cake Recipe

If you’re looking to add a comforting, cozy twist to your baking repertoire, the Sweet Potato Cinnamon Roll Cake Recipe is an absolute game-changer. Imagine the rich, velvety sweetness of mashed sweet potatoes combined with the warm, spicy notes of cinnamon and nutmeg, all swirled together in a luscious cake that feels like a hug in every bite. This delightful dessert brings the best of fall flavors to your table in cake form, perfect for sharing with friends and family or savoring alongside your favorite cup of tea or coffee.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe keeps things refreshingly simple, but each ingredient plays a crucial role in creating the moist texture, inviting aroma, and irresistible flavor of this cake. These essentials come together beautifully to capture the spirit of classic cinnamon rolls infused with the natural sweetness and creaminess of sweet potatoes.

• Mashed sweet potatoes: About one cup of mashed sweet potato adds moisture, natural sweetness, and a rich orange hue.
• Granulated sugar: Balances the earthy sweetness of the sweet potatoes and helps tenderize the cake.
• Large eggs: Provide structure and help bind the ingredients together for a soft crumb.
• Unsalted butter (melted): Adds richness and enhances the cake’s tender texture.
• Vanilla extract: Introduces a lovely aromatic depth that complements the spices.
• All-purpose flour: The foundation that gives the cake its shape and density.
• Baking powder and baking soda: Leavening agents that ensure a light, fluffy rise.
• Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances the other flavors.
• Ground cinnamon and nutmeg: Essential warm spices that give the cake its signature cinnamon roll vibe.
• Buttermilk: Adds tanginess and helps keep the cake moist.
• Brown sugar (for swirl): Provides a deeper, caramel-like sweetness to the cinnamon sugar swirl.
• Powdered sugar (for glaze): Used to make a sweet glaze that finishes the cake with a beautiful shine and subtle vanilla flavor.
• Milk (for glaze): Thins the powdered sugar to the perfect drizzle consistency.

How to Make Sweet Potato Cinnamon Roll Cake Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a 9-inch round or square baking dish. This ensures your cake won’t stick and will brown evenly, setting the stage for baking success.

Step 2: Make the Cake Batter

In a large bowl, whisk together the mashed sweet potatoes, granulated sugar, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract until silky smooth. This wet base infuses the batter with incredible flavor and a tender crumb.

Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients

Mix the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, and nutmeg in a separate bowl. The blend of warm spices paired with leavening agents gives the cake its lift and irresistible aroma.

Step 4: Bring It All Together

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the sweet potato mixture, alternating with buttermilk. Begin and end with the dry mix, stirring gently until just combined—this keeps the cake light without overmixing.

Step 5: Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar Swirl

In a small bowl, combine brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and melted butter until smooth. This luscious swirl is the heart of the Sweet Potato Cinnamon Roll Cake Recipe, mimicking that classic cinnamon roll spiral in each slice.

Step 6: Create the Marbled Batter

Pour your batter into the greased pan and drizzle the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly on top. Using a knife or skewer, swirl the cinnamon sugar gently through the batter to create a beautiful marbled effect that oozes cinnamon flavor when baked.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Bake the cake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. As the cake bakes, the sweet potatoes develop a luscious texture, and the cinnamon sugar swirl caramelizes slightly, making your kitchen smell heavenly.

Step 8: Whip Up the Glaze

While the cake cools for about 10 minutes, mix powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and pourable. This glaze will add a shimmering, sweet finish that ties all the flavors together.

Step 9: Glaze and Serve

Drizzle the glaze generously over your slightly cooled cake. Slice into warm, inviting pieces and watch everyone reach for seconds of this comforting Sweet Potato Cinnamon Roll Cake Recipe.

How to Serve Sweet Potato Cinnamon Roll Cake Recipe

Garnishes

For an extra special touch, sprinkle a pinch of cinnamon on top of the glaze or add a handful of chopped pecans or walnuts for crunch. A dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream can turn this cake into a dreamy dessert experience.

Side Dishes

This cake pairs beautifully with a hot cup of coffee, chai tea, or even a cold glass of milk. For a brunch option, serve alongside scrambled eggs or mild cheeses to balance the sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

Why not assemble mini portions in clear glass jars or layer cake cubes with whipped cream and toasted nuts for an impressive trifle? You can also cut the cake into squares, wrap them individually, and give them as thoughtful homemade gifts.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your leftover Sweet Potato Cinnamon Roll Cake Recipe in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. The moistness of the sweet potatoes helps maintain softness longer than traditional cakes.

Freezing

If you want to savor this treat later, wrap the cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.

Reheating

Gently warm individual slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or reheat wrapped in foil in a 300°F oven for 10-15 minutes. Warmed cake tastes just like fresh-baked, with the glaze slightly melty and luscious.

FAQs

Can I use canned sweet potatoes instead of fresh?

Absolutely! Just make sure to use plain mashed sweet potatoes without added sugar or spices for the best results.

Is it possible to make this cake gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, but be sure it contains xanthan gum or another binder for proper texture.

Can I replace buttermilk with something else?

If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, mix 1/2 cup milk with 1/2 tablespoon lemon juice or white vinegar and let it sit for 5 minutes to create a simple buttermilk substitute.

How long does the glaze keep its texture?

The glaze is best enjoyed fresh as it stays silky and pourable for a few hours; after that, it may harden slightly but still tastes delicious.

Can I double the recipe for a larger gathering?

Yes! Just double the ingredients and bake in a larger pan, adjusting the baking time accordingly—perhaps adding 10-15 minutes—until a toothpick comes out clean.

Final Thoughts

Nothing beats the warm comfort and inviting aroma of the Sweet Potato Cinnamon Roll Cake Recipe when you want to brighten a day with a special homemade treat. It’s a fantastic way to celebrate cozy flavors while keeping things simple and rewarding to bake. Give it a try and watch this cake become a cherished favorite in your home!

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