As the weather cools and the leaves turn, there’s nothing quite like the scent of baked spices filling your kitchen. When I first tried making this Sweet Potato Cinnamon Roll Cake, I was captivated by how it combines two beloved fall treats into one delicious dessert. This cake not only offers the comforting flavors of cinnamon rolls but also introduces the rich, earthy sweetness of sweet potatoes, making it a moist and spiced delight. It’s easy to whip up for those cozy gatherings or quiet evenings at home, leaving you with a crowd-pleasing dessert that feels like a warm hug. Who’s ready to embrace this fall favorite with me?
Why is this cake a must-try?
Irresistible Aroma: As it bakes, your kitchen will be filled with a mouthwatering scent of warm spices and sweet potato, inviting everyone to indulge.
Moist and Flavorful: The addition of sweet potatoes ensures a tender texture and natural sweetness, making each bite a delightful experience.
Easy to Make: You don’t need to be a pro baker; this recipe is simple and straightforward, perfect for both beginners and seasoned chefs alike!
Versatile Serving: Pair it with chai tea or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a cozy dessert that everyone will love, much like my Cinnamon Roll Cupcakes.
Perfect for Fall: It’s an ideal treat for autumn gatherings or holiday celebrations, making it a year-round favorite!
Sweet Potato Cinnamon Roll Cake Ingredients
For the Cake
- Mashed Sweet Potatoes – Adds moisture and natural sweetness; use fresh, cooked sweet potatoes for best flavor.
- Granulated Sugar – Provides sweetness; can be replaced with coconut sugar for a healthier alternative.
- Brown Sugar – Enhances sweetness and adds depth; light or dark works, depending on your preference.
- Eggs – Acts as a binder; room temperature eggs yield a smoother batter.
- Vegetable Oil – Introduces moisture and richness; substitute with canola or avocado oil if desired.
- Vanilla Extract – Adds a lovely flavor; opt for good quality extract for the best results.
- All-Purpose Flour – Provides the cake’s structure; can be swapped with gluten-free flour for a gluten-friendly version.
- Baking Powder & Baking Soda – Helps the cake rise; check expiration dates to ensure efficacy.
- Salt – Balances sweetness; essential for enhancing all the flavors.
For the Spices
- Ground Cinnamon, Nutmeg & Ginger – Infuses the cake with warmth and spice, giving it that cozy fall flavor.
For the Buttermilk Mixture
- Buttermilk – Adds tenderness; substitute with plant-based milk mixed with vinegar for a dairy-free option.
For the Cinnamon Swirl
- Unsalted Butter – Used for the swirled cinnamon mix; can substitute with coconut oil for a dairy-free treat.
- Cinnamon, Brown Sugar & Flour – These ingredients create the classic cinnamon roll taste; keep proportions balanced for best flavor.
For the Glaze
- Powdered Sugar – Sweetens and smooths the glaze; adjust with milk for desired consistency.
Indulge in making this Sweet Potato Cinnamon Roll Cake a centerpiece for your fall gatherings!
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Sweet Potato Cinnamon Roll Cake
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easy removal. This preparation step is essential for achieving a perfectly baked Sweet Potato Cinnamon Roll Cake that rises beautifully and has a tender crumb.
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together mashed sweet potatoes, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and well combined. This process should take about 2–3 minutes. The sweet potatoes will add moisture and a natural sweetness to the batter, making it irresistibly delectable.
Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, sift together all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. Gradually incorporate the dry mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay. This ensures a light and fluffy texture in your Sweet Potato Cinnamon Roll Cake.
Step 4: Add Buttermilk
Stir in buttermilk until the batter is completely smooth and well blended. The buttermilk adds tenderness and a slight tang to the cake, enhancing the overall flavor profile. Once the batter is well mixed, pour it into your prepared baking dish, using a spatula to smooth the top evenly.
Step 5: Prepare the Cinnamon Swirl
In a small bowl, mix together melted butter, brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon until crumbly. This cinnamon swirl mixture will provide that signature gooey texture and bold flavor reminiscent of traditional cinnamon rolls. Drop spoonfuls of this mixture over the cake batter and use a knife to gently swirl it into the batter, creating a beautiful marbled effect.
Step 6: Bake the Cake
Place the baking dish in your preheated oven and bake for 35–40 minutes. The cake is ready when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep an eye out for a golden-brown top that beckons you to dig in. This step is crucial for achieving the moistness and creaminess that defines your Sweet Potato Cinnamon Roll Cake.
Step 7: Make the Glaze
While the cake is baking, prepare the glaze by whisking together powdered sugar, milk, and a splash of vanilla extract in a medium bowl until the mixture is smooth and glossy. Adjust the consistency by adding more milk if necessary; you want a drizzle that easily cascades over the cake once it’s cool enough.
Step 8: Drizzle the Glaze
After your Sweet Potato Cinnamon Roll Cake has cooled for about 10–15 minutes, drizzle the prepared glaze over the warm cake using a spatula or spoon. This adds a delightful sweetness on top of the warm cake, creating an irresistible finish. Let the cake cool completely before serving to allow the glaze to set beautifully.
Sweet Potato Cinnamon Roll Cake Variations
Feel free to get creative and customize your Sweet Potato Cinnamon Roll Cake to suit your taste buds!
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Nutty Crunch: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the cinnamon swirl for a delightful crunch. The added texture harmonizes beautifully with the cake’s moistness.
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Spice it Up: Incorporate a pinch of cloves or cardamom for a deeper, more complex spice profile. These flavors elevate the classic fall essence and give it a unique twist.
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Go Richer with Glaze: Double the glaze recipe to drizzle some before serving and save the rest for drizzling after cooling. This ensures every bite is extra decadent!
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Dairy-Free Delight: Substitute buttermilk with plant-based milk mixed with vinegar for a completely dairy-free cake. It maintains the cake’s signature moisture while accommodating dietary needs.
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Gluten-Free Goodness: Swap regular flour for a gluten-free blend to make the cake gluten-friendly. Enjoy the same delicious flavors without compromising on texture.
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Fruity Addition: Fold in dried cranberries or raisins into the batter for a pop of sweetness and added nutrition. The fruity notes complement the spices beautifully, enhancing the fall harmony.
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Chocolate Lovers: Mix in chocolate chips for a rich, indulgent twist. The chocolate’s sweetness contrasts nicely with the warm spices, making it a match made in heaven.
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Zesty Citrus: Add a hint of orange or lemon zest to the batter for a refreshing, bright flavor. Citrus cuts through the sweetness and brings brightness to each bite, similar to the delightful notes found in Cinnamon Roll Cupcakes.
Enjoy experimenting with these variations and make this Sweet Potato Cinnamon Roll Cake truly your own!
Expert Tips for Sweet Potato Cinnamon Roll Cake
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Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your eggs and buttermilk are at room temperature to achieve an even batter, enhancing the texture of your Sweet Potato Cinnamon Roll Cake.
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Fresh Sweet Potatoes: Use fresh, cooked sweet potatoes instead of canned ones. Canned varieties often have added sugars, which can alter the flavor and sweetness of your cake.
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Mix Gently: Avoid overmixing the batter after adding flour. Mix just until no dry streaks remain to keep your cake light and fluffy.
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Cool Before Glazing: Allow the cake to cool slightly before drizzling with glaze to keep it from melting too much into the cake, ensuring a lovely finish.
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Parchment for Ease: Use parchment paper in your baking dish for easy removal and to achieve clean cuts when serving your Sweet Potato Cinnamon Roll Cake.
How to Store and Freeze Sweet Potato Cinnamon Roll Cake
Room Temperature: Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. This keeps it moist and flavorful for those who can’t resist a slice right away!
Fridge: For longer freshness, refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Allow it to come to room temperature before enjoying, or gently warm individual slices in the microwave.
Freezer: Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, freezing for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge for a delightful treat that’s just like the day it was made!
Reheating: To reheat, simply place in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or warm in an oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, ensuring that your Sweet Potato Cinnamon Roll Cake is warm and ready to enjoy.
What to Serve with Sweet Potato Cinnamon Roll Cake
Indulging in a slice of this warm, spiced cake opens the door to a world of delightful pairings that complete your cozy fall experience.
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Chai Tea: The fragrant spices of chai complement the cake’s flavor, creating a soothing warmth that lingers. A slice of cake with a steaming cup makes every bite even more comforting.
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Spiced Apple Cider: This warm drink pairs beautifully with the sweet notes of the cake and enhances the autumn vibe of your gathering. A cozy duo that exudes the essence of fall!
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Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla on top adds a rich contrast to the moist, spiced cake, creating a delightful harmony of flavors and temperatures.
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Sautéed Apples: Tender apples caramelized with a drizzle of cinnamon highlight the sweetness of the cake and introduce a lovely textural contrast that excites the palate.
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Buttermilk Pancakes: Serve alongside fluffy pancakes drizzled with maple syrup for a delightful brunch spread. The cake’s sweetness and spices will elevate your morning feast.
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Nutty Granola: A sprinkle of homemade nutty granola on the cake serves as a crunchy topping. This punch of texture makes for a unique breakfast option, balancing sweetness with healthy goodness.
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Pumpkin Spice Latte: For a true autumnal experience, sip on a creamy pumpkin spice latte alongside your cake. The combination of flavors is sure to envelop you in seasonal comfort.
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Pecans or Walnuts: Add a handful of roasted nuts for crunch and earthiness. Their rich, buttery flavor complements the sweet potato and spices beautifully.
Make Ahead Options
These Sweet Potato Cinnamon Roll Cakes are a fantastic option for busy home cooks looking to save time! You can mash the sweet potatoes and refrigerate them for up to 3 days; this not only speeds up your prep time but also ensures a well-blended consistency. Additionally, you can pre-measure the dry ingredients and store them in an airtight container, allowing you to whip up the batter in no time on baking day. Once you’ve combined the ingredients, you can prepare the cinnamon swirl mixture and keep it refrigerated for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, simply combine everything and follow the final baking steps for a delightful dessert that will impress your family and friends without all the last-minute fuss!
Sweet Potato Cinnamon Roll Cake Recipe FAQs
How do I select the best sweet potatoes for this cake?
Absolutely! When choosing sweet potatoes, look for ones that are firm, smooth, and free from dark spots or blemishes. The sweeter and creamier the potato, the better your cake will be! Avoid any that feel soft or have a lot of dark spots.
How should I store the Sweet Potato Cinnamon Roll Cake?
To keep your cake fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want it to last longer, pop it in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Just make sure to let it sit at room temperature before enjoying, so it regains its lovely texture!
Can I freeze the Sweet Potato Cinnamon Roll Cake?
Very! To freeze, wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, just thaw them overnight in the fridge, and you’ll have a delicious treat waiting for you!
What should I do if my cake is too dense?
If your cake turns out dense, it often means the batter was overmixed or too much flour was added. Remember to mix just until combined after adding the flour. Also, make sure your baking powder and baking soda are fresh to provide the right lift!
Are there any dietary considerations with this recipe?
Absolutely! If you have allergies, you can substitute ingredients accordingly. For a dairy-free option, use plant-based milk and coconut oil instead of buttermilk and butter. Additionally, make sure to use gluten-free flour if needed! Remember to check the labels on all packaged ingredients for allergy information.
How do I know when the cake is done baking?
The cake is ready when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, which typically takes about 35-40 minutes. Also, look for a golden-brown top and a firm spring back when gently pressed. Enjoy that delightful aroma while baking!
Sweet Potato Cinnamon Roll Cake
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the mashed sweet potatoes, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Sift the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger in a separate bowl. Gradually incorporate the dry mixture into the wet ingredients until just combined.
- Stir in the buttermilk until the batter is smooth. Pour into the prepared baking dish and smooth the top.
- Mix together melted butter, brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon in a small bowl until crumbly. Drop spoonfuls over the batter and swirl with a knife.
- Bake for 35–40 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.
- While baking, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract for the glaze until smooth.
- After cooling for 10–15 minutes, drizzle the glaze over the cake and let cool completely before serving.
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