Sweet Potato Cinnamon Roll Cake

Imagine this: a warm, fragrant cake with swirls of cinnamon, brown sugar, and gooey sweetness melting in your mouth. It’s like a cinnamon roll… but easier, fluffier, and just the right amount of indulgent. That’s exactly what this Sweet Potato Cinnamon Roll Cake delivers. Trust me, it’s one of those desserts that’ll make you want to savor every bite and share the recipe with everyone you know. It’s not just food; it’s a moment you’ll want to hold onto forever.

Why You’ll Love Sweet Potato Cinnamon Roll Cake

This cake is the best kind of cozy comfort food. Whether you’re treating yourself after a long week or sharing it with loved ones, it hits the sweet spot every time. Here’s why it’s a must-try:

  • Versatile: Whether you’re craving a sweet breakfast treat or a simple dessert after dinner, this cake fits the bill. You can even serve it at brunch, and it’ll be a hit!
  • Budget-Friendly: Made with everyday pantry ingredients, including those sweet, hearty sweet potatoes that add a whole new level of flavor. No need to break the bank for a delicious dessert!
  • Quick and Easy: Even if you’re a beginner in the kitchen, you’ll be able to whip this up in no time. It’s basically a no-fuss way to impress your family and friends.
  • Customizable: You can adjust the level of sweetness or add your own twist by adding nuts, raisins, or even a little chocolate drizzle if you’re feeling fancy.
  • Crowd-Pleasing: Whether it’s your picky cousin or your sweet-toothed aunt, everyone will love this cake. It’s soft, spiced, and full of comforting flavors that everyone can agree on.

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Ingredients in Sweet Potato Cinnamon Roll Cake

Here’s what you’ll need to bring this magical cake to life. Simple ingredients, big flavors:

  • Sweet Potatoes: The key ingredient! They add moisture and natural sweetness, creating a soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
  • Cinnamon: The warm spice that pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the sweet potatoes and adds that cinnamon roll flavor we’re all after.
  • Brown Sugar: For that rich, caramel-like sweetness that melds so well with the cinnamon.
  • Butter: Because, well, butter makes everything better! It adds richness and flavor to the cake.
  • Eggs: These help hold everything together, giving the cake a nice, fluffy texture.
  • Flour: The base of the cake, creating that perfect balance of lightness and structure.
  • Baking Powder: To make sure your cake rises just right.
  • Milk: A little splash for moisture and smoothness.
  • Vanilla Extract: For that extra layer of delicious flavor.

(Note: the full ingredient measurements will be in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions for Making Sweet Potato Cinnamon Roll Cake

Let’s get to it! Here’s how to bring this cake from idea to reality:

Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the cake will cook evenly and you won’t have to wait too long before enjoying that warm, cinnamon-swirled goodness.

Prepare the Sweet Potatoes

Peel, cook, and mash the sweet potatoes until they’re smooth and creamy. This step adds the moisture and flavor that makes this cake so irresistible.

Mix the Cake Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine your mashed sweet potatoes, eggs, milk, butter, vanilla extract, and brown sugar. Mix until it’s all well combined and smooth. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and cinnamon. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients and stir until just combined.

Prepare the Cinnamon Filling

In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar and cinnamon. This is what will create those delightful cinnamon swirls in your cake.

Assemble the Cake

Pour half of the cake batter into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle half of the cinnamon-sugar mixture over the top, and then pour the rest of the batter on top of that. Gently swirl the cinnamon mixture through the batter using a butter knife or a skewer. Don’t worry if it’s not perfect—it’s the imperfect swirls that create the magic!

Bake to Perfection

Bake the cake for about 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean when inserted into the center. Your kitchen will smell amazing, and you’ll be ready to dig in in no time.

Serve and Enjoy!

Let the cake cool for a few minutes, then slice and serve warm. If you really want to treat yourself, top it with a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of icing. Trust me, it’s heavenly.

How to Serve Sweet Potato Cinnamon Roll Cake

This cake is perfect on its own, but you can always add a little something extra:

  • Whipped Cream: A dollop of fresh whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream makes this cake feel even more indulgent.
  • Fruit: Serve with some fresh berries or a drizzle of honey for a light, refreshing contrast to the cake’s rich flavor.
  • Coffee or Tea: This cake pairs beautifully with a hot cup of coffee or your favorite tea, making it perfect for brunch or an afternoon snack.

Additional Tips

  • Make Ahead: This cake keeps well in an airtight container for a few days, making it a great make-ahead treat for busy mornings or upcoming gatherings.
  • Spice It Up: Feel free to add a pinch of nutmeg, ginger, or cloves to the batter for an extra layer of spice.
  • Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also freeze slices for later—just wrap them well in plastic wrap before freezing.
  • Double the Batch: Hosting a crowd? Double the recipe and bake it in two pans for even more cake to go around!

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I substitute the sweet potatoes for something else?
A1: You can try using pumpkin puree or butternut squash if you don’t have sweet potatoes on hand. It’ll still be delicious!

Q2: Can I make this ahead of time?
A2: Absolutely! You can prepare the batter the night before and bake it when you’re ready, or bake the cake ahead and reheat it before serving.

Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days. You can also freeze slices for up to a month.

Q4: Can I add nuts or raisins to this cake?
A4: Definitely! Add some chopped walnuts or raisins to the batter for a bit of texture and added flavor.

Q5: Can I make this gluten-free?
A5: Yes, just swap out the flour for a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend, and you’re good to go!

Q6: Can I freeze this cake?
A6: Yes, this cake freezes wonderfully. Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to a month. When you’re ready to enjoy, just thaw and warm it up.

Q7: What’s the best way to reheat this cake?
A7: You can reheat slices in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds, or pop a whole piece in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10 minutes.

Q8: Can I double the recipe?
A8: Yes! Just make sure to adjust the baking time and use a larger pan.

Q9: What side dishes go well with this cake?
A9: This cake is perfect on its own, but you can serve it with a fresh fruit salad or some hot cocoa for a cozy experience.

Q10: How can I make this cake healthier?
A10: Try using a sugar substitute like maple syrup or honey, and swap the butter for coconut oil or olive oil for a healthier twist.

Conclusion

This Sweet Potato Cinnamon Roll Cake is truly a dessert that makes you feel good—warm, comforting, and full of flavor. Whether you’re serving it at a family gathering or just enjoying it on a cozy evening at home, it’s the kind of cake that creates memories. So go ahead, grab those sweet potatoes, and get ready to indulge in this irresistible treat. You won’t regret it!

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Sweet Potato Cinnamon Roll Cake

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This Sweet Potato Cinnamon Roll Cake combines the warmth of cinnamon with the sweetness of mashed sweet potatoes for a decadent, fluffy treat. Topped with a rich cream cheese glaze, it’s perfect for breakfast or dessert

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
  • Total Time: 45-50 minutes
  • Yield: 12 servings 1x
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale
  1. For the Cake:
    • 1 cup mashed sweet potatoes (about 1 medium sweet potato)
    • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
    • 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
    • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
    • 2 large eggs
    • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
    • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
    • 1 teaspoon baking powder
    • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
    • 1/2 teaspoon salt
    • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
    • 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
    • 1/2 cup buttermilk

    For the Cinnamon Swirl:

    • 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
    • 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
    • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened

    For the Cream Cheese Glaze:

    1. 4 oz cream cheese, softened
    2. 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
    3. 1 cup powdered sugar
    4. 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
    5. 12 tablespoons milk (to thin, as needed)

Instructions

  • Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
  • Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, beat together the mashed sweet potatoes, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and softened butter until smooth. Add the eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.
  • Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
  • Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the buttermilk. Mix until just combined.
  • Prepare Cinnamon Swirl: In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, cinnamon, and softened butter until combined.
  • Assemble the Cake:
    • Pour half of the cake batter into the prepared baking dish.
    • Spread the cinnamon swirl mixture evenly over the batter.
    • Top with the remaining cake batter, smoothing it out.
  • Swirl: Use a knife or toothpick to gently swirl the cinnamon mixture into the batter, creating a marbled effect.
  • Bake: Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes.
  • Make the Cream Cheese Glaze: In a mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined. Add milk as needed to reach desired consistency.
  • Serve: Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cake and serve!

Notes

  • For extra flavor, you can add a sprinkle of cinnamon on top of the glaze before serving.
  • Make sure the cake has cooled slightly before adding the glaze to prevent it from melting off.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice (based on 12 servings)
  • Calories: 300 kcal
  • Sugar: 30g
  • Sodium: 220mg
  • Fat: 16g
  • Saturated Fat: 9g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 38g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 3g
  • Cholesterol: 55mg

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