Do you love cake that’s sweet, soft, and full of yummy flavors? Sweet potato pound cake with cream cheese frosting is the perfect treat! It’s made with sweet potatoes, which give the cake a natural sweetness and a super soft texture. The cream cheese frosting on top is creamy and a little tangy, making every bite extra delicious.
This cake is great for holidays, family dinners, or just when you feel like baking something special. It’s easy to make, fun to decorate, and tastes amazing. Let’s learn how to make this wonderful dessert step by step!
What is Sweet Potato Pound Cake?
Sweet potato pound cake is a delicious and moist cake made with sweet potatoes. It’s a fun twist on regular pound cake, adding extra flavor and making it even tastier. The cake is topped with a yummy cream cheese frosting that makes it super creamy and sweet.
Why Use Sweet Potatoes in Cake?
Sweet potatoes are not just for dinner! They’re sweet and creamy, which makes them great for cakes. When you bake or mash them, they get soft and naturally sweet, so you don’t need as much sugar.
Sweet potatoes are also really good for you. They have lots of vitamins like Vitamin A, which helps you see better, and Vitamin C, which helps you fight colds. Plus, they give the cake a soft and fluffy texture.
What Makes Cream Cheese Special?
Cream cheese is soft and creamy, like the cheese you spread on bagels. In cakes, it makes the frosting smooth and sweet with a little bit of tangy flavor. It tastes amazing with sweet potatoes because it balances the sweetness and makes every bite super yummy.
When you mix cream cheese with sugar and vanilla, it becomes a frosting you can spread all over the cake. It’s like the finishing touch that makes the cake extra special!
What Do You Need to Make This Cake?
To make a sweet potato pound cake, you need some simple tools and ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
Tools:
- Mixing Bowls: To mix all your ingredients.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: To get the right amounts of everything.
- Whisk or Mixer: To stir or mix your batter.
- Baking Pan: A pan where your cake will bake.
Ingredients:
- Sweet Potatoes: These give the cake its special flavor.
- Cream Cheese: For the frosting that goes on top.
- Flour, Sugar, and Eggs: Basic baking ingredients.
- Spices: Like cinnamon or nutmeg to make the cake smell amazing.
- Butter and Vanilla Extract: To make the cake rich and flavorful.
With these tools and ingredients, you’re ready to bake something delicious!
How to Make Sweet Potato Pound Cake with cream cheese Step-by-Step
Now that you know about sweet potato pound cake, let’s dive into making it! Follow these simple steps to bake the most delicious cake.
Picking the Best Sweet Potatoes
What to Look For
- Choose orange-fleshed sweet potatoes like Garnet or Jewel. They’re sweet and perfect for baking.
- Pick ones that feel firm and don’t have any soft or dark spots.
Getting the Sweet Potatoes Ready
- Wash the sweet potatoes to remove dirt.
- Peel the skin with a peeler.
- Cut them into chunks and boil them in water until soft (about 20 minutes).
- Mash them into a smooth puree using a fork or blender.
Now you’ve got your sweet potato puree, ready to use in the cake!
Making the Cream Cheese Frosting
What You Need:
- 1 package of cream cheese (softened)
- 1 stick of butter (softened)
- 2 cups of powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
How to Make It:
- Use a hand mixer or whisk to mix the cream cheese and butter until smooth.
- Add powdered sugar a little at a time while mixing.
- Stir in the vanilla extract.
Once everything is mixed, you’ll have a creamy frosting to spread on the cake later.
Mixing the Pound Cake Batter
Ingredients for the Batter:
- 2 cups of sweet potato puree
- 2 ½ cups of all-purpose flour
- 1 cup of sugar
- 1 cup of butter (softened)
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon of baking powder
- 1 teaspoon of cinnamon (or your favorite spice)
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
How to Make the Batter:
- Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, mix the butter and sugar together until it’s light and fluffy.
- Add the Eggs: Beat in the eggs one at a time.
- Add Sweet Potato Puree: Stir in the sweet potato puree and vanilla extract.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and cinnamon.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Slowly add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined.
Make sure not to overmix so your cake stays soft and fluffy!
Baking the Pound Cake
Getting the Oven Ready
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a loaf pan or bundt pan with butter or cooking spray.
Baking the Cake
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan.
- Bake for about 60-70 minutes. Check if it’s done by poking a toothpick into the center—if it comes out clean, the cake is ready!
- Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then take it out and let it cool completely before frosting.
Finishing and Serving Your Sweet Potato Pound Cake
Your sweet potato pound cake is baked, smelling delicious, and ready to be transformed into a dessert masterpiece. The steps to frost, decorate, and serve are just as exciting as baking the cake itself. With a few thoughtful touches, you can make your cake not just tasty but visually stunning and memorable for anyone who gets a slice.
Frosting the Cake
Getting the Cake Ready
- Let the cake cool completely. If it’s warm, the frosting will melt and get messy.
- If the top of the cake is uneven, you can gently trim it with a knife to make it flat.
Adding the Cream Cheese Frosting
Decorating Your Cake
Decorating makes the cake extra special! Here are some easy ideas:
- Sprinkle Cinnamon: Lightly dust cinnamon on top of the frosting for a warm, cozy look.
- Add Nuts: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts on top for a crunchy texture.
- Drizzle Caramel: Add a thin drizzle of caramel sauce to make it even sweeter.
- Use Marshmallows: Toasted mini marshmallows on top can give the cake a fun twist.
Pick your favorite decorations or mix and match to make the cake your own!
How to Serve Sweet Potato Pound Cake
This cake tastes amazing on its own, but here are some ideas to make serving it even better:
Perfect Pairings
- Hot Drinks: Serve the cake with hot chocolate, coffee, or tea for a cozy treat.
- Cold Treats: Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side for a cool contrast.
- Fruits: Serve with fresh fruit like sliced strawberries or a dollop of whipped cream for a fresh touch.
Cutting the Cake
- Use a sharp knife to cut the cake into even slices. A serrated knife works best for a neat cut.
- Serve on small plates, and don’t forget to add any extra toppings if you like!
Fun Variations to Try
Want to change things up? Here are some fun twists on the recipe:
Gluten-Free Option
- Use gluten-free flour instead of all-purpose flour.
Vegan Option
- Replace eggs with flaxseed meal (1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal + 3 tablespoons of water per egg).
- Use vegan cream cheese and dairy-free butter for the frosting.
Add Spices or Mix-ins
- Add nutmeg, ginger, or pumpkin pie spice to the batter for extra flavor.
- Stir in chopped pecans, chocolate chips, or raisins to make the cake more exciting.
Problem: Cake Too Dense or Dry
If your cake feels heavy, lacks fluffiness, or comes out dry, here are possible causes and fixes:
1. Avoid Overmixing the Batter
- Why it Happens: Overmixing can over-develop the gluten in the flour, leading to a dense texture.
- How to Fix: Mix the batter only until the ingredients are combined. Use a spatula to fold in the dry ingredients gently instead of beating them for too long.
2. Check Your Oven Temperature
- Why it Happens: If the oven temperature is too high, the outside of the cake cooks too quickly, leaving the inside undercooked and dense. If it’s too low, the cake may dry out as it takes too long to bake.
- How to Fix: Use an oven thermometer to ensure accurate temperature. Preheat the oven thoroughly before placing the cake inside. Bake at 350°F (175°C), and avoid opening the oven door too often while it bakes.
3. Use the Right Amount of Wet Ingredients
- Why it Happens: Not enough moisture in the batter can lead to a dry cake.
- How to Fix: Ensure your measurements for eggs, sweet potato puree, and butter are accurate. Adding a bit of milk or yogurt can improve moisture without altering the recipe too much.
4. Don’t Overbake
- Why it Happens: Baking too long causes the cake to lose moisture, resulting in dryness.
- How to Fix: Start checking for doneness 5-10 minutes before the recommended bake time. Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake—if it comes out clean or with a few crumbs, the cake is done.
Problem: Frosting Too Runny
If your cream cheese frosting is too soft or runny to spread, don’t worry—it’s easy to fix:
1. Chill the Frosting
- Why it Happens: Frosting softens if the butter or cream cheese becomes too warm during preparation.
- How to Fix: Place the frosting in the fridge for 10-15 minutes. The cooler temperature will firm it up, making it easier to spread or pipe onto your cake.
2. Add More Powdered Sugar
- Why it Happens: Too much liquid (like milk or vanilla extract) can make the frosting too loose.
- How to Fix: Gradually add powdered sugar, one tablespoon at a time, until the frosting thickens. This also adds sweetness, so taste as you go.
3. Use Full-Fat Cream Cheese
- Why it Happens: Low-fat or whipped cream cheese has a higher water content, which can make the frosting less stable.
- How to Fix: Always use full-fat, block-style cream cheese for the best consistency and flavor.
4. Adjust Butter to Cream Cheese Ratio
- Why it Happens: If there’s too much butter compared to cream cheese, the frosting may become greasy or too soft.
- How to Fix: Adjust the ratio by adding more cream cheese or reducing the butter slightly during preparation.
How to Store Your Cake
To keep your sweet potato pound cake fresh and tasty:
At Room Temperature:
- Cover the cake with plastic wrap or store in an airtight container. It will stay fresh for 2-3 days.
In the Fridge:
- Store in the fridge if you have cream cheese frosting. It will last up to a week.
In the Freezer:
- Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Let it thaw at room temperature before serving.
FAQs About Sweet Potato Pound Cake with Cream Cheese
1. How Does Sweet Potato Pound Cake Compare to Mary Jane Cake?
While sweet potato pound cake offers a rich, creamy flavor with a hint of spice, Mary Jane Cake provides a more traditional and versatile base, making both cakes unique and delicious in their own ways.
2. Can I use canned sweet potatoes instead of fresh ones?
Yes, you can use canned sweet potatoes, but make sure to drain and mash them thoroughly before adding them to the batter.
3. How can I tell when my pound cake is done baking?
Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean or with a few crumbs, your cake is ready!
4. Can I skip the cream cheese frosting?
Absolutely! The cake is delicious on its own, but the frosting adds a creamy, tangy flavor that complements the cake perfectly.
5. Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes, you can bake the cake up to 2 days in advance. Store it in an airtight container, and frost it on the day you plan to serve.
6. How do I make the cake more festive for holidays?
You can add a drizzle of caramel, sprinkle pecans or walnuts on top, or use holiday-themed decorations like edible glitter or colored sprinkles.
7. What’s the best way to mash sweet potatoes?
Boil or bake the sweet potatoes until soft, then mash them with a fork or puree them in a blender for a smoother texture.
8. Can I freeze sweet potato pound cake?
Yes! Wrap the unfrosted cake in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw and frost before serving.
9. What spices work best in this recipe?
Cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger are great choices. You can also use a pumpkin spice blend for added warmth.
10. Can I use a loaf pan instead of a bundt pan?
Yes, a loaf pan works just fine. Just make sure to adjust the baking time and check for doneness.
Conclusion
Sweet potato pound cake with cream cheese frosting is a delicious and comforting dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. Its rich, moist texture and natural sweetness from sweet potatoes make it unique, while the cream cheese frosting adds a creamy, tangy twist. Whether you’re baking it for a family dinner, a holiday gathering, or just because, this cake is sure to impress.
With simple ingredients, easy-to-follow steps, and creative decorating options, anyone can make this delightful treat. So grab your apron, start baking, and enjoy every bite of this homemade masterpiece!