Delightful Sweet Potato Cake
Ingredients:
For the Cake:
1 1/2 cups cooked sweet potatoes, mashed (about 2 medium sweet potatoes)
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup milk or buttermilk
For the Frosting:
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
3 cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 tablespoon milk (if needed, for consistency)
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional, for flavor)
Instructions:
1. Preheat Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans or a 9×13-inch pan.
2. Prepare the Cake Batter:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt.
In a large bowl, beat the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until light and fluffy.
Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract and mashed sweet potatoes.
3. Combine Ingredients:
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the milk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined (do not overmix).
4. Bake the Cake:
Pour the batter evenly into the prepared cake pans and smooth the tops.
Bake for 25-30 minutes (for round pans) or 35-40 minutes (for a 9×13 pan), or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
5. Cool:
Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
6. Make the Frosting:
In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter together until smooth.
Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating until light and fluffy.
Mix in the vanilla extract and, if using, cinnamon for added flavor.
If the frosting is too thick, add a tablespoon of milk to reach your desired consistency.
7. Assemble the Cake:
Once the cake layers have cooled, spread frosting on top of the first layer (if making a layer cake), then place the second layer on top and frost the entire cake.
8. Serve:
Slice and serve this Delightful Sweet Potato Cake, and enjoy the warm, spiced flavors!