
Sweet Potato Butter Cake is one of those recipes that feels like a warm hug in dessert form.Think of roasted sweet potatoes melting into creamy butter, kissed with vanilla and gentle spices. The cake emerges from the oven soft, moist, and full of irresistible flavor. Whether you serve it for Sunday family gatherings or during the holidays, this recipe promises comfort and joy with every bite. Trust me, once you make this, it might just become your signature dessert.
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Why Make This Recipe
If you’re craving a dessert that’s both homestyle and elegant, this Sweet Potato Butter Cake is perfect. It uses everyday ingredients but delivers bakery quality results. The texture is incredibly moist thanks to the sweet potatoes, while the butter gives it richness. Plus, it’s versatile great for brunch, afternoon tea, or as the star of your holiday dessert table.
How to Make Sweet Potato Butter Cake
Baking this cake is easier than you think. Start by roasting or boiling sweet potatoes until tender, then mash them until smooth Cream butter and sugar until fluffy, add the eggs, then fold in the mashed sweet potatoes with vanilla. Add the dry ingredients in parts, alternating with buttermilk, and mix just until smooth., to create a smooth batter. Bake until golden and fragrant. The result? A cake that’s soft, moist, and packed with sweet potato goodness.

Ingredients:
- 1 cup butter, softened
- 2 cups sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 2 cups mashed cooked sweet potatoes
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup buttermilk
Directions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
- In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each.
- Stir in mashed sweet potatoes and vanilla.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
- Alternate adding dry mixture and buttermilk to the wet mixture, starting and ending with dry. Mix until just combined.
- Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth the top.
- Bake for 35–40 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let cake cool slightly before slicing.
How to Serve Sweet Potato Butter Cake
This cake is delightful warm or at room temperature. You can serve it plain, dusted with powdered sugar, or topped with cream cheese frosting for extra richness. For a cozy touch, add a drizzle of caramel or a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side.
How to Store Sweet Potato Butter Cake
To keep your cake fresh, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or pop it into an airtight container. It will stay soft at room temperature for 2 days, or you can refrigerate it for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze slices individually and reheat when needed.
Tips to Make Sweet Potato Butter Cake
- Use roasted sweet potatoes for deeper flavor.
- Gently mix in the dry ingredients, alternating with splashes of buttermilk, until you have a silky, smooth batte
- A pinch of cloves or ginger can add extra warmth.
Variation
Nutty Twist: Add ½ cup of chopped pecans or walnuts to the batter for extra crunch and flavor.
Cream Cheese Swirl: Drop spoonfuls of sweetened cream cheese into the batter before baking and swirl gently for a cheesecake-style cake.
Glazed Finish: Drizzle with a simple vanilla glaze or cream cheese frosting once cooled to make it even more indulgent.
Spiced Up: Try adding a pinch of ginger or cloves for a deeper autumn spice profile.
Mini Cakes: Pour the batter into muffin tins for perfectly portioned Sweet Potato Butter Cake cupcakes
Suggested Internal Links:
- Smoked Baked Potatoes: A great savory link relating to sweet potatoes and baked dishes
- Jalapeño Popper Soup : A comforting, flavor-rich recipe that complements your dessert focus
FAQs
What is the difference between a butter cake and a regular cake?
Butter cake owes its rich flavor and tender crumb to a higher ratio of butter to flour. Unlike sponge or chiffon cakes that depend on whipped eggs for structure, butter cakes are denser, moist, and buttery, built on a base of creamed butter and sugar.
Can I make a cake with sweet potatoes?
Yes! Sweet potatoes add natural sweetness, moisture, and a beautiful texture to cakes. They also bring extra nutrients like fiber and vitamin A, making your dessert a little more wholesome while keeping it soft and flavorful.
Why do they call it butter cake?
They call it butter cake for a reason: butter takes center stage in every bite. The recipe starts with creaming butter and sugar, which creates the base for a moist, fluffy texture. This method is what sets butter cakes apart from oil-based cakes.
What can I make with sweet potato butter?
Sweet potato butter is a smooth, spiced spread made from cooked sweet potatoes. You can use it on toast, swirl it into oatmeal, spread it over pancakes, spoon it onto biscuits, or even use it as a filling for cakes and pastries. Its versatility shines, lending a comforting fall flavor to nearly anything
Final Thoughts
Sweet Potato Butter Cake is more than just a dessert it’s a slice of comfort. With its moist texture, warm spices, and buttery flavor, it’s the kind of cake you’ll want to bake again and again. Whether for holidays, potlucks, or just a cozy weekend treat, this recipe is a keeper.
PrintThe Best Sweet Potato butter Cake
A moist and comforting Sweet Potato Butter Cake with warm spices, mashed sweet potatoes, and buttery richness. Perfect for family gatherings, holidays, or whenever you want a slice of cozy sweetness.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
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1 cup butter, softened
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2 cups sugar
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4 large eggs
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2 cups mashed cooked sweet potatoes
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2 teaspoons vanilla extract
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2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
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2 teaspoons baking powder
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½ teaspoon baking soda
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1 teaspoon cinnamon
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½ teaspoon nutmeg
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½ teaspoon salt
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1 cup buttermilk
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
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In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
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Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
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Stir in mashed sweet potatoes and vanilla extract.
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In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
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Alternate adding dry mixture and buttermilk to the wet mixture, starting and ending with the dry mix. Mix gently until just combined.
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Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
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Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
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Let the cake cool slightly before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Roast your sweet potatoes instead of boiling them for a richer flavor.
- Add ½ cup pecans or walnuts for a nutty crunch.
- A cream cheese frosting takes this cake to the next level!
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 43 g
- Calories: 325 kcal
- Sugar: 24 g
- Sodium: 185 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 70 mg
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 5 g