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Potato Cake
Potato Cake is a traditional American dessert known for its moist texture, rich flavor, and surprising main ingredient: mashed potatoes. Originally created as a thrifty solution to use up leftover potatoes, this cake has a dense, almost brownie-like crumb enriched with chocolate, cinnamon, and nuts. It’s sweet but balanced, with a soft interior and tender bite that stays moist for days. Often served plain or with a dusting of powdered sugar, it’s a comfort food classic that surprises and delights anyone who tries it.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 12
Calories 330 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • ⅔ cup butter (1 stick)
  • ½ cup milk
  • 4 eggs (well beaten)
  • 1 cup hot mashed potatoes
  • 1 cup walnuts (chopped )
  • 2 oz baking chocolate (melted)
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • 1 tsp cloves
  • 2½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 tsp baking powder

Instructions
 

Step 1: Cream Butter and Sugar

  • In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.

Step 2: Add Milk, eggs and Potatoes

  • Mix in the milk, eggs, and the mashed potatoes until well combined.

Step 3: Add Chocolate and Spices

  • Stir in melted chocolate, cinnamon, and cloves.

Step 4: Add Walnuts

  • Fold in the chopped walnuts.

Step 5: Combine Dry Ingredients

  • In a separate bowl, sift together flour and baking powder.

Step 6: Combine Wet and Dry

  • Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until smooth.

Step 7: Bake

  • Pour into a greased 9x13-inch baking pan. Bake in a moderate oven (350°F / 175°C) for 35–40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

Tips

  • Swap walnuts for pecans or leave them out for a nut-free version
  • Add ½ tsp nutmeg for a more spiced profile
  • Use leftover mashed potatoes, but make sure they’re plain (no garlic or butter)
  • Frost with chocolate or vanilla buttercream if desired
  • Substitute ¼ cup of flour with cocoa powder for deeper chocolate flavor
  • For added richness, mix in ½ cup sour cream

Nutrition

Calories: 330kcalCarbohydrates: 48gProtein: 4gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 4gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 30mgSodium: 90mgPotassium: 220mgFiber: 2gSugar: 28gVitamin A: 290IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 45mgIron: 1.6mg
Keyword chocolate potato cake, comfort food, from-scratch baking, heirloom recipe, retro cake, vintage dessert
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