Why You’ll Love this Sweet Potato Cake With Cream Cheese Icing Recipe
If you’re looking for a dessert that’s both delicious and unique, you’ll love this Sweet Potato Cake with Cream Cheese Icing.
It’s a delightful twist on traditional cake, blending the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes with warm spices. The moist texture is irresistible, and the cream cheese icing adds a rich, tangy contrast that elevates the whole experience.
I adore how it’s perfect for any occasion, from casual gatherings to festive celebrations. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in some veggies!
Trust me, once you try it, you’ll want to share the joy with everyone you know.
Ingredients of Sweet Potato Cake With Cream Cheese Icing
When it comes to baking, the ingredients you choose can make all the difference, especially for a cake as delightful as Sweet Potato Cake with Cream Cheese Icing. This cake is a wonderful blend of flavors, and trust me, you’ll want to gather these ingredients before you start mixing. So, roll up your sleeves and let’s immerse ourselves in what you need for this delicious treat.
Ingredients:
- 1 box white cake mix
- 1 (3 1/2 ounce) box vanilla instant pudding mix
- 1 1/4 cups water
- 1 cup mashed sweet potatoes (you can use fresh or canned; if fresh, make sure they’re cooked soft)
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon clove
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup chopped nuts (like walnuts or pecans; feel free to reduce to 1/2 cup if you prefer)
- 1 cup shredded coconut
- 1 can ready-to-spread vanilla frosting
- 3 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract (for the icing)
Now, let’s talk about a few other considerations regarding these ingredients. The sweet potatoes add a lovely moisture to the cake, and they’re packed with vitamins—so, you know, a little health boost while indulging.
If you’re using fresh sweet potatoes, don’t forget to cook them until they’re nice and soft before mashing; nobody wants a chunky cake.
And the spices? Oh, they’re not just for show. They bring warmth and depth, making your kitchen smell like a cozy autumn day.
Now, if you’re not a fan of nuts or coconut, you can totally skip them or switch them out for something you love. After all, this cake should reflect your taste—just like that pair of socks you wear every Sunday while binge-watching your favorite shows.
How to Make Sweet Potato Cake With Cream Cheese Icing
Making Sweet Potato Cake with Cream Cheese Icing is a delightful journey that transforms simple ingredients into a cozy dessert worthy of any gathering.
First things first, let’s talk about that 1 box of white cake mix. Grab a large mixing bowl and pour it in. Next, add in the 3 1/2 ounces of vanilla instant pudding mix because who doesn’t love a little extra sweetness? Now, you’re going to want to measure out 1 1/4 cups of water and pour that right in too. It’s like the cake mix and pudding are having a little party, but they need a little more life. Enter the star of the show: 1 cup of mashed sweet potatoes. Whether you’ve used fresh or canned, just make sure they’re nice and smooth.
Once you have those ingredients in your bowl, it’s time to bring out the whisk. Add in 1/4 cup of vegetable oil and 2 large eggs, followed by 2 teaspoons of cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon of nutmeg, 1/2 teaspoon of clove, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Now, you might think this is a lot of flavor, but trust me—it’s going to make your kitchen smell heavenly.
Mix everything at low speed until it’s just moistened, and then crank it up to high speed for about 3 minutes. This is where the magic happens, turning that mixture into a fluffy batter. If you’re feeling adventurous, fold in 1 cup of chopped nuts (like walnuts or pecans) and 1 cup of shredded coconut. This is optional, of course, but why not add some texture?
Once your batter is ready, pour it into a prepared 13×9 pan—don’t forget to spray your pan with cooking spray so nothing gets stuck. Bake it in the oven preheated to 350°F for about 40 to 50 minutes. While you wait, your house will start to smell like autumn, and you might even start to feel a little bit like a baking wizard. Just make sure to test the cake with a toothpick or a knife to see if it comes out clean before you pull it out.
After letting the cake cool, it’s time for the icing. In a separate bowl, mix together 1 can of ready-to-spread vanilla frosting and 3 ounces of softened cream cheese, along with 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract until it’s smooth. Frost your cake generously, and if you’re feeling fancy, sprinkle a bit of coconut or nuts on top for a touch of flair.
And there you have it! A sweet potato cake that’s not only a feast for the eyes but also a treat for the taste buds. Enjoy!
Sweet Potato Cake With Cream Cheese Icing Substitutions & Variations
Swapping ingredients can really elevate your Sweet Potato Cake with Cream Cheese Icing, allowing you to tailor it to your taste or dietary needs.
For a gluten-free option, try using a gluten-free cake mix. If you want to reduce sugar, substitute the vanilla frosting with a lighter whipped cream or yogurt-based icing.
You can also experiment with other spices, like ginger or allspice, to give it a unique flavor. If you’re nut-free, simply omit the nuts or replace them with seeds.
Finally, adding dried fruit like raisins or cranberries can introduce a delightful texture and sweetness!
What to Serve with Sweet Potato Cake With Cream Cheese Icing
After experimenting with various substitutions and variations for your Sweet Potato Cake with Cream Cheese 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 balance the cake’s rich flavors. Fresh fruit, like sliced strawberries or a fruit salad, adds a revitalizing contrast.
For a cozy touch, serve it with warm spiced tea or coffee. If you’re feeling adventurous, a drizzle of caramel sauce enhances the sweetness beautifully.
Each option complements the cake perfectly, making your dessert experience even better!
Additional Tips & Notes
While baking your Sweet Potato Cake, keep in mind a few handy tips to elevate your dessert.
Using fresh sweet potatoes gives a richer flavor, but canned works perfectly too. Don’t skip the spices; they really enhance the cake’s depth.
If you love texture, try adding finely chopped nuts or even raisins for a surprise. Let the cake cool completely before frosting to prevent melting.
When mixing the cream cheese icing, make certain it’s well-blended for a smooth finish.
Finally, feel free to experiment with toppings—shredded coconut or crushed nuts make for a beautiful garnish.
Enjoy your baking!