This Sweet Potato Butter Cake is a cozy, moist, and spiced-sweet treat that brings the warmth of Grandma’s kitchen straight to your table. Made with real mashed sweet potatoes, sour cream, and a blend of cinnamon and nutmeg—it’s rich, tender, and full of fall flavor.
Perfect for holidays, family gatherings, or anytime you need a little comfort in cake form!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- 🍠 Real Sweet Potato Base: Adds natural sweetness, moisture, and color without being overly heavy.
- 🧈 Buttery Richness: Softened butter and sour cream create a silky crumb that melts in your mouth.
- 🌿 Warm Spices: Cinnamon and nutmeg bring classic Southern warmth in every bite.
- ⏱️ Easy Mixing Method: No fancy tools needed—just mix, pour, and bake.
- 🥧 Great for Gifting: Wrap slices in cellophane for holiday treats or afternoon tea.
Ingredients (Serves 12–15 if using 9×13-inch pan / 8–10 if using bundt pan):
For the Cake:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter , softened
- 1½ cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup mashed sweet potatoes (about 1 large cooked and peeled sweet potato)
- ½ cup sour cream (room temperature works best)
- ¼ cup milk (whole or 2%)
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
Optional Glaze:
- 4 tbsp (½ stick) unsalted butter , melted
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1–2 tbsp milk
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
Instructions:
Step 1: Preheat Oven & Prep Pan
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) .
Grease and flour:
- A 9×13-inch baking dish (for sheet cake)
- Or a bundt pan (for dramatic presentation)
Set aside while preparing the batter.
Step 2: Cream Butter & Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat together:
- Butter
- Sugar
until light and fluffy—about 2–3 minutes with an electric mixer.
Scrape down the sides as needed for even mixing.
Step 3: Add Eggs & Sweet Potato Mixture
Beat in eggs one at a time , making sure each is fully incorporated before adding the next.
Stir in:
- Mashed sweet potatoes
- Sour cream
- Milk
- Vanilla extract
Mix until smooth and well combined. The mixture will be thick but creamy.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together:
- Flour
- Baking powder
- Baking soda
- Salt
- Cinnamon
- Nutmeg
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently just until combined.
Tip: Don’t overmix! Stop as soon as no streaks remain for best texture.
Step 5: Bake Until Moist
Pour the thick batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
Bake for:
- 9×13-inch pan: 40–45 minutes
- Bundt pan: 50–60 minutes
or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Let cool in the pan for 15 minutes , then carefully turn out onto a wire rack.
Step 6: Make the Optional Glaze
In a small saucepan, melt:
- Butter
Add:
- Powdered sugar
- Milk
- Vanilla extract
Whisk until smooth and drizzle over the cooled cake.
Step 7: Cool & Serve
Let the cake cool completely before slicing for cleaner cuts.
Serve warm or at room temperature—ideal with coffee, milk, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Tips for Success:
- 🥄 Use Fresh Sweet Potatoes: Steamed or baked whole, then mashed for the best flavor.
- 🧈 Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensures a smoother batter and better rise.
- 🐾 Add Pecans: Sprinkle chopped pecans on top before baking for extra crunch.
- 🧁 Glaze Variations: Try maple glaze, brown sugar frosting, or a dusting of powdered sugar.
- ❄️ Make Ahead Magic: Keeps well in fridge or freezer—wrap tightly to preserve freshness.
Serving Suggestions:
- Pair with whipped cream or Greek yogurt for breakfast or brunch.
- Great alongside a mug of hot cider or black tea.
- Perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or Sunday dessert trays.
Nutritional Information (per slice, makes 12 servings – without glaze):
(Sheet cake version – approximate)
- Calories: ~250 kcal
- Protein: ~5g
- Carbohydrates: ~25g
- Fat: ~15g
- Fiber: ~1g
- Sugar: ~12g
This Grandma’s Sweet Potato Butter Cake is more than just a dessert—it’s a memory wrapped in spice and sweetness. With its soft, buttery texture and deep autumn flavors—it’s the kind of cake that makes you feel like you’re home again.
So go ahead and make this today… because once you taste it—you’ll understand why it became famous!
