Why You’ll Love this Sweet Potato Cake With Maple Icing Recipe
When you take a bite of this Sweet Potato Cake with Maple Icing, you’ll immediately understand why it’s a favorite in my kitchen. The moist, fluffy texture combined with the warm spices creates a comforting experience that feels like a cozy hug.
The sweetness of the maple icing perfectly balances the subtle earthiness of the sweet potatoes, making each slice irresistible. Plus, it’s versatile enough for any occasion, whether it’s a family gathering or a simple weeknight treat.
Trust me, once you try this cake, you’ll want to keep it on your dessert rotation forever. It’s simply unforgettable!
Ingredients of Sweet Potato Cake With Maple Icing
When it comes to baking, the right ingredients can make all the difference, and this Sweet Potato Cake with Maple Icing is no exception. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in creating that mouthwatering flavor and texture we all crave. From the natural sweetness of the sweet potatoes to the rich, creamy maple icing, this cake is a symphony of deliciousness.
So, let’s gather our ingredients and get ready to whip up something special.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 cup vegetable oil (or canola oil)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar, firmly packed
- 3 eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
- 3 cups grated fresh sweet potatoes
- 2/3 cup dried cranberries
- 1 cup chopped pecans, divided
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 6 tablespoons milk
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon maple extract
- 1 pinch salt
- 4 cups confectioners’ sugar, sifted
Now, let’s talk about those ingredients for a moment. For the sweet potatoes, fresh is key—grating them yourself adds a lovely texture and flavor that store-bought versions just can’t match.
If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even experiment with different nuts or dried fruits, like walnuts or raisins, to give your cake a personal twist.
And while we’re on the topic of the icing, don’t skip the maple extract—it adds that unmistakable, sweet, and warm flavor that takes it to another level.
Baking is all about making it your own, so feel free to play with these components to suit your taste buds.
How to Make Sweet Potato Cake With Maple Icing
Making a Sweet Potato Cake with Maple Icing isn’t just about following a recipe; it’s about creating a cozy, delightful experience that fills your kitchen with warmth and a hint of nostalgia. First, you’ll want to preheat your oven to a solid 350 degrees F. While that’s warming up, grab a 13 x 9-inch pan and give it a good greasing or a spritz of cooking spray—nobody wants a cake that sticks, right? Now, let’s get mixing.
In a large bowl, start by beating together 1 cup of vegetable or canola oil, 1 cup of granulated sugar, 1 cup of brown sugar (packed tightly, of course), 3 eggs, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract using an electric mixer. You want this mixture to be well blended, smooth, and a bit fluffy.
While that’s happening, take another bowl and combine 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon each of baking soda and baking powder, 1 teaspoon of salt, and a delightful mix of spices: 1 1/2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon of ground ginger, and 1/2 teaspoon of ground allspice. Now, stir those dry ingredients into your wet mixture, mixing until it’s just combined—don’t overdo it, or your cake may come out tougher than a two-dollar steak.
Once your batter is ready, fold in 3 cups of grated fresh sweet potatoes, 2/3 cup of dried cranberries, and 3/4 cup of chopped pecans. Pour this beautifully colorful mix into your prepared pan and slide it into your preheated oven. Bake it for about 35 to 40 minutes, but keep an eye on it. You’ll know it’s done when a cake tester or toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Once baked, let the cake cool completely before you reveal the icing. For that creamy maple icing, beat together 1/2 cup of softened butter until it’s nice and fluffy, then add in 6 tablespoons of milk, 2 tablespoons of brown sugar, 1/2 teaspoon of maple extract, a pinch of salt, and finally, sift in 4 cups of confectioners’ sugar. Mix it all until smooth and fluffy, then spread it generously over your cooled cake.
For the final touch, sprinkle the remaining 1/4 cup of pecans on top. Voilà! You’ve just created a sweet masterpiece that’s sure to impress, or at least earn you some serious brownie points with your friends and family.
Sweet Potato Cake With Maple Icing Substitutions & Variations
If you’re looking to switch things up with your Sweet Potato Cake and Maple Icing, there are plenty of delicious substitutions and variations to contemplate.
You can replace the vegetable oil with applesauce for a lighter version or swap in whole wheat flour for added nutrition. Instead of pecans, try walnuts or even chocolate chips for a different twist.
If you want a vegan option, substitute the eggs with flaxseed meal and use a dairy-free butter alternative.
For the icing, consider using honey instead of maple extract for a unique flavor.
Get creative and make it your own!
What to Serve with Sweet Potato Cake With Maple Icing
After exploring some fun substitutions and variations for your Sweet Potato Cake With Maple Icing, it’s time to think about what to serve alongside this delightful dessert.
I love pairing it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to enhance its flavors. A warm cup of spiced chai or coffee also complements the cake beautifully.
If you’re hosting, consider adding a side of caramelized apples or a light fruit salad for a revitalizing contrast. Each of these options brings out the cake’s sweetness while adding a nice balance to your dessert table.
Enjoy!
Additional Tips & Notes
While baking your Sweet Potato Cake, remember that using freshly grated sweet potatoes can greatly enhance the flavor and texture.
I also recommend letting the cake cool completely before icing it; this prevents the icing from melting. If you prefer a little extra sweetness, feel free to add more maple extract to the icing.
For a delightful twist, consider incorporating toasted coconut or swapping out cranberries for raisins.
Finally, storing the cake in an airtight container will keep it moist for days.
Enjoy sharing this delicious treat with friends and family—it’s sure to impress!