Go Back

Sweet Potato Pound Cake

A moist and spiced sweet potato pound cake with a delightful maple glaze that embodies comfort food.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Servings: 12 servings
Course: Brunch, Dessert
Cuisine: Southern
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

For the Cake
  • 3 large large sweet potatoes, rinsed, peeled, and cut into 2-inch pieces Opt for fresh, organic sweet potatoes for best flavor.
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature Use unsalted butter for better control of salt.
  • 4 large eggs, brought to room temperature Room temperature eggs blend better.
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
  • 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
For the Glaze
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter For melting into the glaze.
  • 3 tablespoons pure maple syrup
  • 3 tablespoons heavy whipping cream
  • 1/2 cup confectioners sugar, sifted
  • 3 tablespoons finely chopped pecans (optional) For topping, if desired.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Boil Sweet Potatoes: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the sweet potatoes and cook for 15-20 minutes until fork-tender. Drain and mash them until smooth, then set aside to cool.
  2. Preheat Oven: While the sweet potatoes cool, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 10-inch Bundt pan by spraying it with nonstick cooking spray.
  3. Mix Sugar and Butter: In a stand mixer, beat the sugar and softened butter until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
  4. Combine with Sweet Potatoes: Mix in the mashed sweet potatoes and vanilla extract until well combined.
  5. Add Eggs: Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition until fully incorporated.
  6. Whisk Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, baking soda, nutmeg, allspice, and salt.
  7. Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the sweet potato mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to over-mix—the batter should be thick but smooth.
  8. Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared Bundt pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for 55-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  9. Cool the Cake: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 20 minutes before carefully inverting it onto a serving plate. Let it cool completely before glazing.
Make the Glaze
  1. Prepare the Glaze: For the glaze, melt the remaining butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir in maple syrup and heavy cream, bringing it to a gentle boil for 1 minute.
  2. Finish the Glaze: Remove it from the heat and whisk in the sifted confectioners sugar until smooth. Let it cool until it thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon. Drizzle generously over the cooled cake and sprinkle with chopped pecans, if desired.

Notes

To check if your cake is done, it should spring back when gently pressed in the center and pull away slightly from the sides of the pan. Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days.