If you adore the warm, comforting flavors of cinnamon rolls but want a delightful twist, this Sweet Potato Cinnamon Roll Cake Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. It brings together the creamy sweetness of mashed sweet potatoes and the nostalgic swirl of cinnamon sugar, baked into a cake that feels like a big, cozy hug. Imagine a dessert that’s got the fluffy texture of your favorite cake combined with the irresistible aroma of cinnamon, nutmeg, and buttery sugar – it’s perfect for cozy fall mornings, holiday gatherings, or anytime you want a touch of sweetness with a hint of soul-warming spice.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting started with this Sweet Potato Cinnamon Roll Cake Recipe is straightforward because the ingredients are straightforward yet magical. Each one plays a key role: the sweet potato adds moisture and natural sweetness, spices bring that signature warmth, and the swirl creates the beautiful cinnamon roll effect in cake form.
- 1 cup mashed sweet potato: Use roasted or canned, unsweetened for natural sweetness and moisture that keeps the cake soft.
- ½ cup unsalted butter (softened): Provides richness and a tender crumb.
- ¾ cup granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with cake structure.
- ½ cup brown sugar (packed): Brings a deep, molasses note that enhances the cinnamon swirl.
- 2 large eggs: Binds everything together and contributes to the cake’s fluffy texture.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the sweet and spicy flavors.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The base that gives the cake its structure.
- 2 teaspoons baking powder: Leavens the cake for a light texture.
- ½ teaspoon baking soda: Supports rise and reacts with the buttermilk for tenderness.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and enhances all other flavors.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: The star spice for that signature warm, cozy flavor.
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg: Adds subtle earthy depth to the spice mix.
- ½ cup milk or buttermilk: Moistens the batter and tenderizes the crumb.
- For the cinnamon swirl: ½ cup brown sugar, 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon, 3 tablespoons melted unsalted butter – these combine to create the irresistible cinnamon roll swirl in the cake.
- For the glaze: 1 cup powdered sugar, 1–2 tablespoons milk or cream, and ½ teaspoon vanilla extract – to drizzle a sweet, luscious finish over the cake.
How to Make Sweet Potato Cinnamon Roll Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Grease and dust a 9×13-inch baking dish with flour to ensure the cake bakes evenly and comes out perfectly without sticking. This setup lays the foundation for that soft, golden cake we’re dreaming of.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This step is key to incorporating air into the batter, which helps make the cake wonderfully tender and lifts the flavors.
Step 3: Add Eggs, Vanilla, and Sweet Potato
Beat in the eggs one at a time to fully combine and build structure. Then stir in the vanilla extract and creamy mashed sweet potato until the mixture is smooth and luscious. The sweet potato adds moisture and a subtle earthy sweetness that’s simply irresistible.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. These spices and leavening agents work their magic to give the cake its rise and warm flavor, making it the perfect balance of sweet and spicy.
Step 5: Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients Alternately
Add the dry ingredients gradually to the wet mixture, alternating with milk or buttermilk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix gently until just combined to avoid overworking the batter, which helps keep the cake tender and moist.
Step 6: Add the Cinnamon Swirl
Pour the batter into your prepared baking dish and smooth the top evenly. In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter for the warm swirl. Drop spoonfuls of this mixture over the batter, then gently swirl it in with a knife to create that gorgeous cinnamon roll pattern throughout the cake.
Step 7: Bake and Glaze
Bake the cake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Once out of the oven, let the cake cool for 10 to 15 minutes. Meanwhile, whisk together powdered sugar, milk or cream, and vanilla extract to make the glaze. Drizzle it over the warm or cooled cake to add a sweet finishing touch that makes every bite feel special.
How to Serve Sweet Potato Cinnamon Roll Cake Recipe
Garnishes
A simple dusting of cinnamon or a sprinkling of chopped toasted pecans on top adds an extra burst of flavor and texture. Fresh whipped cream or a dollop of cream cheese frosting can elevate this cake into an indulgent treat that makes it feel just like a homemade bakery delight.
Side Dishes
Pair your Sweet Potato Cinnamon Roll Cake Recipe with a hot cup of chai tea or freshly brewed coffee. For brunch, serve alongside scrambled eggs or fresh fruit for a lovely balance of sweet and savory that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.
Creative Ways to Present
Try cutting the cake into squares and stacking them as little mini cake stacks, drizzling additional glaze between layers. You can also turn leftovers into French toast for a fabulous next-day breakfast that keeps the cinnamon roll vibes alive.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. This helps keep the texture moist while preserving all that cinnamon-sweet potato goodness.
Freezing
You can freeze the cake either whole or sliced. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn, then store for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before enjoying the same delightful taste as freshly baked.
Reheating
To reheat, pop individual slices into the microwave for about 20-30 seconds or warm in the oven at 325°F until heated through. The glaze softens beautifully with reheating, making every bite taste fresh and cozy.
FAQs
Can I use canned sweet potato for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure it’s unsweetened and drained well. Canned sweet potato is a convenient shortcut that works wonderfully for this Sweet Potato Cinnamon Roll Cake Recipe.
Can I substitute buttermilk with regular milk?
Yes, you can use regular milk, though buttermilk adds a slight tang and tenderness that enrich the cake. If you don’t have buttermilk, you can stir a teaspoon of lemon juice or vinegar into milk and let it sit for 5 minutes before using as a substitute.
Is this cake vegan-friendly?
This particular recipe isn’t vegan because it includes butter, eggs, and milk. However, you could experiment by using plant-based substitutes like flax eggs and vegan butter to try creating a vegan version.
Can I add nuts or other mix-ins?
Definitely! Chopped pecans or walnuts make fantastic additions for crunch and complement the warm spices beautifully. You could also stir in a pinch of ground ginger for extra depth or fold in mini chocolate chips if you’re feeling indulgent.
How thick should the cinnamon swirl be?
The swirl should be enough to create visible ribbons of cinnamon sugar throughout the cake but not so thick that it sinks. Dropping spoonfuls of the cinnamon mixture and gently swirling with a knife helps distribute it evenly for that classic cinnamon roll effect.
Final Thoughts
This Sweet Potato Cinnamon Roll Cake Recipe is a heartwarming twist on two beloved favorites, blending comfort and creativity in every bite. Give it a try and you’ll have a new go-to dessert that’s perfect for lingering mornings, holiday celebrations, or any time you want a slice of cozy happiness. Trust me, once you make this cake, it’ll become a staple you’ll look forward to baking again and again.
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Sweet Potato Cinnamon Roll Cake Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A cozy and flavorful Sweet Potato Cinnamon Roll Cake that combines the warm spices of a cinnamon roll with the natural sweetness and moisture of mashed sweet potatoes. Perfect for fall, holidays, or brunch, this cake features a cinnamon sugar swirl and a sweet vanilla glaze, creating a deliciously comforting dessert that serves up to 12.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 1 cup mashed sweet potato (from roasted or canned, unsweetened)
- ½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar (packed)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ cup milk or buttermilk
For the Cinnamon Swirl:
- ½ cup brown sugar (packed)
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1–2 tablespoons milk or cream
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease then flour a 9×13-inch baking dish to ensure the cake doesn’t stick.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, which creates a smooth texture for your cake batter.
- Add Eggs, Vanilla, and Sweet Potato: Beat in the eggs one at a time for even incorporation. Then add vanilla extract and mashed sweet potato, mixing until the batter is smooth and consistent.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg to evenly distribute the leavening agents and spices.
- Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients: Alternately add the dry ingredients and milk (or buttermilk) to the wet mixture, beginning and ending with dry ingredients. Mix gently until just combined to avoid overworking the batter.
- Prepare Batter in Pan: Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and smooth the top with a spatula for even baking.
- Create Cinnamon Swirl: In a small bowl, mix together brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and melted butter for the swirl. Drop spoonfuls over the batter and gently swirl into the batter with a knife to create a marbled effect.
- Bake the Cake: Bake in the preheated oven for 35 to 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean, indicating it is fully cooked.
- Cool Slightly: Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool for 10 to 15 minutes in the pan to set before glazing.
- Prepare and Apply Glaze: Whisk together powdered sugar, milk or cream, and vanilla extract until smooth. Drizzle the glaze over the warm or cooled cake for a sweet finishing touch.
- Serve: Slice the cake into 12 servings and enjoy this comforting cinnamon roll-inspired dessert.
Notes
- This cozy dessert offers all the classic flavors of a cinnamon roll with the rich moisture of sweet potato, perfect for autumn and holiday celebrations.
- For added texture and flavor, consider stirring chopped pecans or a pinch of ground ginger into the batter before baking.
- The glaze can be adjusted in consistency by adding more milk or powdered sugar according to your preference.
- Make sure not to overmix the batter to keep the cake light and tender.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
