Why You’ll Love This Sweet Potato Coffee Cake
Imagine pulling a warm, spiced cake from the oven that fills your kitchen with the coziest aromas, y’all! This sweet potato coffee cake is a delightful twist on a classic, bringing together simple ingredients for something truly special. Not only is it easy to whip up, but it also packs in health benefits from sweet potatoes, making it a treat you can feel good about enjoying.
Picture this: the recipe is straightforward and perfect for busy folks who want a comforting dessert without spending hours in the kitchen. You’ll love how sweet potatoes add fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants, turning this into a wholesome choice for your family. Plus, it’s versatile enough to tweak for any dietary needs, so everyone at the table can dive in with joy.
One bite, and you’re hooked on that unique flavor from earthy sweet potatoes mixed with warm spices. It’s a recipe that feels like a hug on a plate, ideal for breakfast or an afternoon snack. Whether you’re a baking newbie or a pro, this cake will quickly become your go-to favorite. For more baking inspiration, check out our Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread recipe that pairs wonderfully with this one.
Jump To
- 1. Why You’ll Love This Sweet Potato Coffee Cake
- 2. Essential Ingredients for Sweet Potato Coffee Cake
- 3. How to Prepare the Perfect Sweet Potato Coffee Cake: Step-by-Step Guide
- 4. Dietary Substitutions to Customize Your Sweet Potato Coffee Cake
- 5. Mastering Sweet Potato Coffee Cake: Advanced Tips and Variations
- 6. How to Store Sweet Potato Coffee Cake: Best Practices
- 7. FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About Sweet Potato Coffee Cake
- 8. Sweet Potato Coffee Cake
Essential Ingredients for Sweet Potato Coffee Cake
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to baking success, and this sweet potato coffee cake shines with its spiced streusel topping and vanilla bean glaze. Let’s break down everything you need to create this delicious treat. I’ll list them out clearly so you can follow along without any fuss.
Streusel Topping Ingredients
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Cake Batter Ingredients
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon instant espresso powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 cup sweet potato puree
- 1/2 cup evaporated milk or milk of choice
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil or neutral oil
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste or 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Vanilla Bean Glaze Ingredients
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons evaporated milk or milk of choice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste
- A pinch of kosher salt
These ingredients come together to make one scrumptious 9-inch cake that serves up warmth and flavor in every slice. Remember, you can swap all-purpose flour for gluten-free baking flour if that’s your preference, keeping things flexible for your kitchen adventures!
How to Prepare the Perfect Sweet Potato Coffee Cake: Step-by-Step Guide
Let’s get down to the fun part, y’all baking this sweet potato coffee cake from scratch! Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a 9-inch pan; lining it with parchment paper makes cleanup a breeze. Gather all your ingredients first, like peeling and mashing those sweet potatoes, to keep things moving smoothly.
In a large bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: flour, baking powder, cinnamon, salt, espresso powder, nutmeg, and cardamom. This step ensures everything mixes evenly for that perfect spiced flavor. Next, in another bowl, beat the eggs and brown sugar until fluffy, then stir in the sweet potato puree, milk, oil, melted butter, and vanilla bean paste for a rich, moist batter.
Fold the dry mix into the wet ingredients gently, just until combined overmixing can make the cake tough, and we want it tender! Pour the batter into your prepared pan and sprinkle on that crumbly streusel topping. Pop it in the oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Once done, let it cool for about 10 minutes, then whip up the glaze by whisking powdered sugar, milk, vanilla bean paste, and a pinch of salt until smooth and drizzle it over the top.
Serve it sliced and warm; it’s pure comfort on a plate. If you’re looking for more easy breakfast ideas, try our Blueberry Cottage Cheese Breakfast Bake, which is another simple favorite around here.
Dietary Substitutions to Customize Your Sweet Potato Coffee Cake
Making this sweet potato coffee cake work for your needs is as easy as pie, folks! If you’re watching your diet, swap out ingredients to fit your lifestyle without losing that yummy taste. For instance, replace mashed sweet potatoes with pumpkin puree for a seasonal twist that keeps the moisture intact.
Switch vegetable oil with melted coconut oil or avocado oil to add healthy fats and a subtle flavor boost. When it comes to spices, feel free to toss in nutmeg, ginger, or cardamom to amp up the warmth. For natural sweetness, use maple syrup or honey in place of brown sugar, and opt for dairy-free milks like almond or oat milk to keep it creamy and delicious for everyone.
| Substitution Type | Original Ingredient | Alternative |
|---|---|---|
| Flour | All-purpose flour | Gluten-free flour blend |
| Milk | Evaporated milk | Almond milk |
| Sweetener | Brown sugar | Maple syrup |
This table helps you see swaps at a glance, making your baking even more fun and adaptable!
Mastering Sweet Potato Coffee Cake: Advanced Tips and Variations
Once you’ve nailed the basic recipe, let’s level up your sweet potato coffee cake game! Use room temperature ingredients for a smoother batter and better texture it’s a little trick that makes all the difference. For a lighter feel, fold in whipped egg whites to add some airiness to your cake.
Play with flavors by mixing in orange zest or crystallized ginger to complement the sweet potato’s earthiness. Don’t forget that streusel topping for a satisfying crunch on top. When it comes to presenting your creation, dust it with powdered sugar or drizzle on a simple glaze for a pretty finish, and serve with whipped cream for extra indulgence.
Make-ahead magic is real here; prepare the batter the night before and let it chill in the fridge to deepen those flavors. Bake it fresh in the morning for a breakfast treat, or freeze the cooled cake for up to three months just wrap it tightly. Oh, and for more variation ideas, think about adding nuts or dried fruits to make it your own signature dish.
How to Store Sweet Potato Coffee Cake: Best Practices
Keeping your sweet potato coffee cake fresh is key to enjoying it later, so let’s talk storage smarts! Pop it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days to lock in that moisture. If you’re freezing, wrap it snugly in plastic wrap and foil, and it can last up to three months without losing its charm.
To reheat, warm slices in the microwave for 20-30 seconds or in a 325°F oven for 10-15 minutes it’s like bringing it back from the oven fresh! For meal prep, bake in smaller pans for easy portions, perfect for busy mornings or snacks on the go. This way, you always have a slice ready when the craving hits.
FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About Sweet Potato Coffee Cake
What ingredients do I need to make a sweet potato coffee cake?
To make a sweet potato coffee cake, you will need cooked and mashed sweet potatoes, all-purpose flour, sugar (both granulated and brown sugar), baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, eggs, vanilla extract, butter, and sour cream or yogurt. For the crumb topping, use brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, and cold butter. These ingredients combine to create a moist cake with a spiced crumb topping, perfect for breakfast or dessert.
How do I prepare the sweet potatoes for the coffee cake?
Begin by peeling and cutting sweet potatoes into chunks, then boil or steam them until tender, usually about 15-20 minutes. Drain and mash the sweet potatoes until smooth. Make sure they are cool or at room temperature before adding them to the cake batter, as this helps maintain the right texture. Using cooked sweet potatoes gives the cake moisture and a subtle natural sweetness.
Can I make sweet potato coffee cake ahead of time, and how should I store it?
Yes, sweet potato coffee cake can be made ahead and stored properly. After baking, allow the cake to cool completely. Store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, keep it in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze it for up to 3 months. When freezing, wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. Reheat gently before serving.
What variations can I try to customize sweet potato coffee cake?
You can customize sweet potato coffee cake by adding chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for extra crunch, incorporating raisins or dried cranberries for added sweetness, or swapping some of the flour for whole wheat for a nuttier flavor. For a cream cheese swirl, blend softened cream cheese with sugar and vanilla and layer it into the batter before baking. Adjust spices by adding ginger, cloves, or allspice according to your taste.
Why is sour cream or yogurt often used in sweet potato coffee cake recipes?
Sour cream or yogurt is used in sweet potato coffee cake recipes to add moisture and tenderness to the batter, preventing the cake from becoming dry. Their slight acidity also reacts with baking soda and baking powder to help the cake rise properly, resulting in a light and fluffy texture. Additionally, they contribute a subtle tang that balances the sweetness of the cake and complements the spices.
Sweet Potato Coffee Cake
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: One 9-inch cake
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
🥧 This Sweet Potato Coffee Cake is bursting with warm spices and a crunchy streusel topping, offering comforting flavors perfect for any coffee break.
🍠 The addition of sweet potato puree adds moisture and a subtle natural sweetness, making each bite delightful and satisfying.
Ingredients
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/3 cup packed brown sugar
– 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
– 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
– 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
– 1 teaspoon kosher salt
– 1 teaspoon instant espresso powder
– 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
– 2 large eggs
– 1 cup packed brown sugar
– 1 cup sweet potato puree
– 1/2 cup evaporated milk or milk of choice
– 1/4 cup vegetable oil or neutral oil
– 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
– 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste or 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
– 1/2 cup powdered sugar
– 2 tablespoons evaporated milk or milk of choice
– 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste
– A pinch of kosher salt
Instructions
1-Let’s get down to the fun part, y’all baking this sweet potato coffee cake from scratch! Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a 9-inch pan; lining it with parchment paper makes cleanup a breeze. Gather all your ingredients first, like peeling and mashing those sweet potatoes, to keep things moving smoothly.
2-In a large bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: flour, baking powder, cinnamon, salt, espresso powder, nutmeg, and cardamom. This step ensures everything mixes evenly for that perfect spiced flavor. Next, in another bowl, beat the eggs and brown sugar until fluffy, then stir in the sweet potato puree, milk, oil, melted butter, and vanilla bean paste for a rich, moist batter.
3-Fold the dry mix into the wet ingredients gently, just until combined overmixing can make the cake tough, and we want it tender! Pour the batter into your prepared pan and sprinkle on that crumbly streusel topping. Pop it in the oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Once done, let it cool for about 10 minutes, then whip up the glaze by whisking powdered sugar, milk, vanilla bean paste, and a pinch of salt until smooth and drizzle it over the top.
4-Serve it sliced and warm; it’s pure comfort on a plate. If you’re looking for more easy breakfast ideas, try our Blueberry Cottage Cheese Breakfast Bake, which is another simple favorite around here.
Notes
🧁 Substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free baking flour for a gluten-free version.
☕ Instant espresso powder enhances the coffee flavor but can be omitted or substituted.
🥛 Use evaporated milk for richness or switch to whole milk, 2% milk, or almond milk according to preference.
🍠 Make homemade sweet potato puree by boiling and blending peeled sweet potatoes for freshness.
❄️ Store cooled cake wrapped tightly in the refrigerator for up to a week, or at room temperature for up to three days. Warm slices before serving for best taste.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Baking Time: 50 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 320 calories
- Sugar: 30 grams
- Sodium: 220 mg
- Fat: 14 grams
- Saturated Fat: 7 grams
- Carbohydrates: 45 grams
- Fiber: 3 grams
- Protein: 4 grams
- Cholesterol: 55 mg
Keywords: Sweet Potato Cake, Coffee Cake, Spiced Cake, Streusel Topping