Handwritten recipe for Sweet Potato Cake
by: salvagedrecipes

Southern Sweet Potato Layer Cake with Warm Spices

Sweet Potato Cake
Sweet Potato Cake is a beloved Southern-inspired dessert that highlights the natural sweetness and moist texture of mashed sweet potatoes. Infused with warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, this cake carries flavors reminiscent of autumn gatherings and holiday traditions. Its tender crumb is achieved through the combination of oil, whipped egg whites, and grated raw sweet potatoes, creating a light yet rich texture. The addition of chopped nuts adds a rustic crunch, making it perfect for potlucks, Sunday dinners, and festive tables. This cake is often enjoyed plain, dusted with powdered sugar, or paired with cream cheese frosting for an indulgent finish.
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Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine Southern
Servings 12
Calories 340 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1½ cups cooking oil
  • 2 cups sugar
  • 4 tbsp hot water
  • 4 eggs (separated)
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2½ cups sifted flour
  • 3 tsp baking powder
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • 1 tsp nutmeg
  • 1½ cups sweet potatoes (grated, raw )
  • 1 cup nuts (chopped, pecans or walnuts recommended)

Instructions
 

Step 1: Prepare Base Mixture

  • Combine cooking oil, sugar, hot water, egg yolks, and vanilla. Mix well until smooth.

Step 2: Add Dry Ingredients

  • Sift together flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Gradually add to wet mixture, mixing until fully combined.

Step 3: Incorporate Sweet Potatoes and Nuts

  • Stir in grated raw sweet potatoes and chopped nuts.

Step 4: Whip Egg Whites

  • Beat egg whites until stiff peaks form. Gently fold into the batter.

Step 5: Bake

  • Pour into 3 greased loaf pans or cake pans.
  • Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Tips

  • Use fresh raw grated sweet potatoes as written for best texture and color.
  • Toast the chopped nuts (pecans or walnuts are classic) for deeper flavor.
  • Add raisins or chopped dates for extra sweetness and moisture.
  • Frost traditionally with cream cheese frosting or a simple vanilla buttercream.
  • Line cake pans with parchment circles for easy layer removal.
  • Spices may be increased slightly for a more pronounced “warm spice” flavor.
  • Substitute part of the oil with applesauce if you prefer a lighter cake.
  • Ensure egg whites are beaten to soft peaks before folding for a lighter crumb.
  • Let layers cool completely before frosting to prevent melting.

Nutrition

Calories: 340kcalCarbohydrates: 42gProtein: 5gFat: 35gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 12gMonounsaturated Fat: 19gCholesterol: 55mgSodium: 120mgPotassium: 210mgFiber: 2gSugar: 27gVitamin A: 7500IUVitamin C: 3mgCalcium: 50mgIron: 2mg
Keyword cinnamon, classic cake, from scratch, heirloom recipe, holiday baking, layered cake, nutmeg, southern dessert, sweet potato cake, vintage
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