Moist Sweet Potato Rum Cake with Spiced Butter Rum Glaze

Benefits and Advantages of Sweet Potato Rum Tres Leches

The sweet potato rum tres leches recipe stands out due to its unique combination of rich flavors and ease of preparation. This dessert skillfully marries the natural sweetness and creamy texture of mashed sweet potatoes with the indulgent, moist characteristics of a traditional tres leches cake infused with rum. It appeals to dessert enthusiasts seeking both flavor and nutritional value in a single dish.

Sweet potatoes contribute dietary fiber, antioxidants, and essential vitamins such as vitamin A, enhancing the health profile of this delicious dessert. The rum adds a subtle complexity with an aromatic warmth that does not overpower but complements the cake’s flavors beautifully.

Thanks to its straightforward recipe, the sweet potato rum tres leches is accessible to home cooks of all skill levels. Its versatility allows easy adaptation for various dietary preferences, including gluten-free and vegan options.

This dessert offers a comforting and flavorful experience, combining the wholesome goodness of sweet potatoes with a luxurious rum-infused milk soak.

Perfect for fall gatherings, holidays, or whenever a unique, moist cake is desired, it brings an elegant twist to classic tres leches, satisfying both cravings and nutritional considerations.

Essential Ingredients for Sweet Potato Rum Tres Leches

This recipe is built on a foundation of simple yet complementary ingredients. Below is a comprehensive list of all components needed to create the cake, milk soak, and topping.

• For the Cake:
• 1 cup mashed sweet potatoes (about 1 medium sweet potato)
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup sugar
• ½ cup vegetable oil
• 3 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ cup milk
• For the Milk Soak:
• ½ cup sweetened condensed milk
• ½ cup evaporated milk
• ¼ cup dark rum
• For the Topping:
• Freshly made whipped cream
• Ground cinnamon for garnish

Each ingredient plays a crucial role: sweet potatoes provide natural moisture and a subtle sweetness; the dairy and rum milk soak infuses the cake with a luscious, pudding-like texture; and freshly whipped cream balances the flavors with its light, creamy finish.

Dietary Substitutions to Customize Your Sweet Potato Rum Tres Leches

The sweet potato rum tres leches recipe adapts well to meet a variety of dietary needs without sacrificing flavor or texture. Consider these substitutions:

These substitutions provide flexibility to accommodate preferences or sensitivities, making the sweet potato rum tres leches an inclusive dessert option for a wide audience.

How to Prepare the Perfect Sweet Potato Rum Tres Leches: Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Prepare Oven and Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×9-inch baking pan to prevent the cake from sticking.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking powder, ½ teaspoon baking soda, and ¼ teaspoon salt. Mixing the dry ingredients ensures that leavening agents are evenly distributed.

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients and Sweet Potatoes

In a large bowl, beat 1 cup mashed sweet potatoes with ½ cup sugar and ½ cup vegetable oil until smooth. Add 3 eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition, then stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.

Step 4: Incorporate Dry Ingredients and Milk

Alternately fold in the flour mixture and ½ cup milk into the sweet potato mixture, starting and ending with the flour. Fold gently until no dry streaks remain to maintain a tender texture.

Step 5: Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 6: Prepare the Rum Milk Soak

While the cake bakes, whisk together ½ cup sweetened condensed milk, ½ cup evaporated milk, and ¼ cup dark rum in a small bowl.

Step 7: Soak the Cake

Allow the cake to cool slightly. Use a fork to poke holes all over the cake surface, then slowly pour the milk and rum mixture evenly on top. Let the cake absorb the liquid gradually.

Step 8: Chill

Refrigerate the cake for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, to develop a moist, pudding-like texture.

Step 9: Add the Topping

Before serving, spread freshly made whipped cream over the cake and garnish with a sprinkle of ground cinnamon.

Additional Preparation Notes:

• Roasting the sweet potatoes ahead of time enhances their flavor and texture.
• Using room-temperature eggs and milk creates a smoother batter.
• Stabilizing whipped cream with a teaspoon of cornstarch can help if preparing in advance.

Following these steps carefully results in a moist, flavorful sweet potato rum tres leches cake, perfect for cozy gatherings or special occasions.

For more dessert inspiration featuring creamy textures, consider trying the Caramel Apple Cheesecake Cake recipe.

Advanced Tips and Variations

For a more intense and complex flavor in your sweet potato rum tres leches, try roasting the sweet potatoes instead of microwaving them. Roasting caramelizes the natural sugars and provides a deeper sweetness and earthier aroma that enhances the cake. When choosing rum, experimenting with spiced or aged rum varieties can impart unique aromatics and a warm spice note to the milk soak, adding character to the dessert. For those who prefer alcohol-free options, substitute the rum with apple juice combined with rum extract to mimic the flavor without alcohol.

Adding warming spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom into the milk soak or sprinkled over the whipped cream topping can complement the sweet potato’s warmth and add aromatic depth. For texture contrasts, chopped praline pecans or toasted nuts sprinkled on top add a delightful crunch that pairs beautifully with the creamy layers.

To create an elegant presentation, consider portioning the cake into individual serving dishes like small jars or ramekins. This not only simplifies serving but also intensifies flavor absorption due to less surface area exposure.

Balancing moisture and structure is crucial; if you tweak liquids or flours, adjust carefully to maintain the cake’s luscious texture without becoming soggy.

These variations allow you to tailor the sweet potato rum tres leches cake to your taste and occasion while keeping the rich, moist, and aromatic qualities that make this recipe so special.

How to Store Sweet Potato Rum Tres Leches: Best Practices

Proper storage preserves the moist, pudding-like texture and delicate flavors of sweet potato rum tres leches. Refrigeration is vital; cover the cake tightly with plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container to prevent it from drying out and to protect it from absorbing other odors in the fridge.

This cake will stay fresh and delicious for up to 4 days when stored properly in the refrigerator. For longer periods, you can freeze the cake. Wrap it carefully with multiple layers of plastic wrap and aluminum foil to protect it from freezer burn and moisture loss. Frozen tres leches cakes keep well for up to 30 days.

When ready to enjoy, thaw the cake overnight in the refrigerator. While serving, it is best enjoyed chilled. If preferred, allow it to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving. Avoid reheating in the microwave, as this can negatively affect the texture of the soaked cake.

Correct storage maintains the cake’s signature balance of moistness and rich flavors with every slice served.

Nutritional Value of Sweet Potato Rum Tres Leches

The sweet potato rum tres leches cake harmonizes indulgent dessert qualities with the nutritional benefits of its wholesome ingredients. Sweet potatoes provide complex carbohydrates, dietary fiber, and are rich sources of vitamin A, vitamin C, and antioxidants which support overall health. The milk mixture supplies essential protein and calcium, contributing to bone strength and muscle function.

The rum adds a subtle flavor dimension with minimal calories. By choosing low-fat or plant-based milk alternatives and moderating sweeteners, you can adjust the cake’s calorie and fat content to suit your dietary goals.

FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About Sweet Potato Rum Tres Leches

Moist Sweet Potato Rum Cake with Spiced Butter Rum Glaze

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• Author: Isabella Hayes
• Total Time: 5 hours
• Yield: 9 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

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Description

🍠 Experience the rich, natural sweetness and creaminess of sweet potatoes in a moist, flavorful cake.
🥃 Enjoy the subtle warmth of rum combined with a luscious spiced butter rum glaze for an unforgettable dessert.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

1 cup mashed sweet potatoes (about 1 medium sweet potato)
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup vegetable oil
3 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup milk

For the Milk Soak:
1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk
1/2 cup evaporated milk
1/4 cup dark rum

For the Topping:
Whipped cream (freshly made)
Ground cinnamon for garnish

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×9-inch baking pan.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, beat the mashed sweet potatoes, sugar, and vegetable oil until smooth.
4. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, then stir in the vanilla extract.
5. Alternately fold in the flour mixture and milk to the sweet potato mixture, starting and ending with the flour, mixing gently until no dry streaks remain.
6. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
7. While the cake bakes, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk, and dark rum.
8. Once the cake is cooled slightly, use a fork to poke holes all over the surface and slowly pour the milk mixture over the cake. Allow it to absorb gradually.
9. Refrigerate the cake for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, to achieve a moist, pudding-like texture.
10. Before serving, top with freshly whipped cream and sprinkle ground cinnamon.

Notes

🍠 Roasting sweet potatoes before mashing intensifies their flavor.
🥄 Use room temperature eggs and milk for a smoother batter.
💡 Stabilize whipped cream with a teaspoon of cornstarch if preparing in advance.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Chilling time: 4 hours
• Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 slice
• Calories: 360
• Sugar: 30g
• Sodium: 150mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 5g
• Cholesterol: 85mg

Keywords: Moist, Sweet Potato, Rum, Cake