Sweet Potato Cinnamon Roll Cake Recipe

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If you love the cozy warmth of cinnamon rolls but want to enjoy something a little different and utterly delightful, this Sweet Potato Cinnamon Roll Cake Recipe is going to become your new favorite treat. Imagine a soft, moist cake packed with the natural sweetness and vibrant color of mashed sweet potatoes, intertwined with that mouthwatering swirl of cinnamon sugar, all topped off with a silky vanilla glaze that makes every bite feel like a celebration. It’s a comforting twist on a classic favorite that feels like a warm hug in dessert form.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Sweet Potato Cinnamon Roll Cake Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a vital role, from the creamy mashed sweet potatoes adding moisture and color, to the blend of cinnamon and nutmeg creating that signature warm spice, and the buttermilk ensuring the cake stays tender and light.

• Mashed sweet potatoes: Use about 1 cup of smooth mashed sweet potato for natural sweetness and beautiful orange hue.
• Granulated sugar: Balances the earthiness of the sweet potatoes with the right amount of sweetness.
• Eggs: Provide structure and richness to the cake batter.
• Unsalted butter, melted: Adds moistness and a rich, buttery flavor.
• Vanilla extract: Enhances all the flavors with a lovely aromatic touch.
• All-purpose flour: The base that gives the cake its structure and softness.
• Baking powder & baking soda: Work together for perfect rise and fluffy texture.
• Salt: Sharpens the sweetness, enhancing overall flavor depth.
• Ground cinnamon & nutmeg: The stars of the spice show, delivering warmth and nostalgic charm.
• Buttermilk: Tenderizes and adds a subtle tang that balances the sweetness.
• Brown sugar: For the cinnamon sugar swirl, giving rich molasses undertones.
• Additional melted butter (for the swirl): Helps create a luscious cinnamon sugar ribbon through the cake.
• Powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract: Combine for the glossy glaze that finishes the cake beautifully.

How to Make Sweet Potato Cinnamon Roll Cake Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Pan

First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Greasing your 9-inch baking dish well is key so the cake releases easily after baking and keeps its lovely shape. Whether you use a round or square pan, just make sure it’s ready to welcome the batter.

Step 2: Make the Cake Batter

In a large bowl, whisk together the smooth mashed sweet potatoes, granulated sugar, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract until you get a silky, homogenous mixture. This is where the sweet potato’s natural creaminess starts to shine and promises a moist cake.

Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, mix all your dry ingredients: the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. This balanced blend of leaveners and spices sets the foundation for that tender crumb and warming flavor you crave.

Step 4: Bring It All Together

Now for the fun part — add the dry mixture to your wet ingredients gradually, alternating with the tangy buttermilk. Start and finish with the dry ingredients, folding gently to keep things light and airy without overmixing.

Step 5: Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar Swirl

In a small bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter until smooth. This mixture will create those signature ribboned swirls of cinnamon sugar that make this cake feel like a cinnamon roll in disguise.

Step 6: Assemble and Swirl

Pour the cake batter into your prepared pan, then drizzle the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over the top. Grab a knife or skewer and swirl it through the batter, creating beautiful marbled patterns that promise cinnamon bursts in every bite.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Pop the cake into the oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Once baked, allow it to rest for about 10 minutes in the pan, giving the flavors a chance to settle.

Step 8: Whip Up the Glaze

While the cake cools, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and pourable. This glaze is the crowning glory, adding a sweet, creamy finish that ties all the flavors together beautifully.

Step 9: Glaze and Serve

Drizzle the glaze evenly over the warm Sweet Potato Cinnamon Roll Cake Recipe, watching it cascade over the swirls and soak in deliciously. Slice it up and enjoy warm or at room temperature — either way, it’s a slice of comfort you won’t soon forget.

How to Serve Sweet Potato Cinnamon Roll Cake Recipe

Garnishes

A sprinkle of chopped pecans or a pinch of extra cinnamon on top adds a lovely texture contrast and deepens the cozy spice vibe. You can also dust with a little powdered sugar for that picture-perfect finish.

Side Dishes

This cake pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream, especially on cooler days. For breakfast or brunch, serving it alongside fresh fruit or a warm cup of coffee creates a delightfully balanced spread.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, try serving individual slices with a drizzle of warm caramel sauce or a smear of cream cheese frosting. You can also cut the cake into squares and serve it as decadent mini bites for a party, making it easy to share the love effortlessly.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers of the Sweet Potato Cinnamon Roll Cake Recipe keep wonderfully at room temperature in an airtight container for up to two days. For longer freshness, store it in the refrigerator where it will stay moist for about five days.

Freezing

You can freeze this cake either whole or in individual slices. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap followed by foil to prevent freezer burn. When properly stored, it lasts up to three months, making it a great make-ahead treat for busy days.

Reheating

To enjoy the cake after chilling or freezing, warm slices gently in the microwave for about 20 seconds or in a low oven until just heated through. This revives the cake’s moist texture and brings back that freshly-baked charm.

FAQs

Can I substitute regular potatoes for sweet potatoes in this recipe?

While regular potatoes can be used, they lack the natural sweetness and vibrant color sweet potatoes bring, which are essential to the character of this Sweet Potato Cinnamon Roll Cake Recipe. Using sweet potatoes is highly recommended for the best flavor.

Is it necessary to use buttermilk?

Buttermilk adds a subtle tang and helps tenderize the cake. If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a quick substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to 1/2 cup of milk and letting it sit for 5 minutes.

Can I make this cake vegan?

With a few adjustments, yes! Swap the eggs with flax eggs or other egg replacers, use plant-based milk combined with a vinegar for buttermilk, and replace butter with a vegan alternative. The texture and flavor will still be delightful.

How do I achieve the swirl effect without overmixing?

After pouring the cinnamon sugar mixture on top of the batter, gently swirl using a knife or skewer with slow, controlled motions. Avoid vigorous mixing to keep the distinct marbled look and not blend the swirl completely.

What is the best way to serve the cake warm?

The best way is to slice it and gently warm pieces in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or in a warm oven for a few minutes. This enhances the gooey swirl and makes the glaze melt slightly, mimicking the classic cinnamon roll experience.

Final Thoughts

This Sweet Potato Cinnamon Roll Cake Recipe is a wonderful way to combine the comforting flavors you love with an easy cake that feels both special and homey. Whether you’re baking for a holiday, a weekend brunch, or just because, it’s sure to bring smiles and maybe even requests for seconds. Give it a try—you might just find yourself reaching for it time and time again!

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