If you’ve ever wished you could enjoy the comforting warmth of a cinnamon roll and the rich, smooth taste of sweet potato in one irresistible treat, then the Sweet Potato Cinnamon Roll Cake Recipe is your new best friend. This cake perfectly marries the soft, moist texture of sweet potato cake with the classic cinnamon-sugar swirls you love from a cinnamon roll. Finished with a velvety cream cheese glaze, it’s a bake sure to bring cozy vibes to any occasion and leave everyone coming back for more.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Sweet Potato Cinnamon Roll Cake Recipe lies in its simple yet thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each one plays a vital role: from the natural sweetness and moisture of mashed sweet potatoes to the warm spices that create those signature cinnamon roll swirls, everything combines to make one unforgettable cake.
- 1 cup mashed sweet potatoes: Adds moisture, natural sweetness, and beautiful color to the cake base.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened): Provides richness and tender crumb structure.
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar: Balances flavors with bright sweetness.
- 1/4 cup brown sugar (packed): Adds depth and caramel notes to the sweetness.
- 2 large eggs: Binds ingredients and contributes to fluffy texture.
- 1/2 cup sour cream: Gives a slight tang and extra moistness to the cake.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Elevates overall flavor with a warm, fragrant background.
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation of the cake’s structure.
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder: Helps the cake rise perfectly, light and tender.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda: Works with sour cream to create lift and softness.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances and balances sweetness.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: The star spice driving the unforgettable cinnamon swirl.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg: Adds subtle warmth and complexity.
- For the cinnamon swirl: 1/2 cup brown sugar, 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon, 3 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted) — this trio creates the signature cinnamon roll layers.
- For the cream cheese glaze: 4 ounces cream cheese (softened), 1 cup powdered sugar, 2–3 tablespoons milk, 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract — smooth, sweet, and tangy finish to the cake.
How to Make Sweet Potato Cinnamon Roll Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and generously grease a 9×9-inch baking pan. This ensures your cake bakes evenly and releases easily once done, setting you up perfectly for the steps ahead.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This aeration helps create a tender, airy cake, and the blend of sugars balances sweetness with a touch of molasses flavor.
Step 3: Incorporate Eggs and Wet Ingredients
Mix in the eggs one at a time, blending thoroughly after each addition. Then add the mashed sweet potatoes, sour cream, and vanilla extract. Stir until the batter becomes smooth, ensuring all moisture and flavor combines beautifully.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. This mix of leavening agents and warm spices is the backbone of your cake’s rise and spiced character.
Step 5: Bring It All Together
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until combined. Overmixing can make the cake tough, so a gentle hand keeps the crumb tender and soft.
Step 6: Layer the Batter and Cinnamon Swirl
Spread half of the batter evenly into your prepared pan. In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter to create your swirl. Drizzle half of this cinnamon mixture over the batter, then lightly swirl it with a knife for those signature ribbons of cinnamon magic.
Step 7: Repeat and Bake
Pour the remaining batter over the cinnamon layer and repeat the swirling process with the rest of the cinnamon mixture. Pop the pan into the oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Step 8: Cool and Glaze
Allow the cake to cool slightly while you prepare the luscious cream cheese glaze. Beat together the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until perfectly smooth. Drizzle this over the warm cake for that irresistible finishing touch.
How to Serve Sweet Potato Cinnamon Roll Cake Recipe
Garnishes
For a delightful extra touch, sprinkle chopped pecans or toasted walnuts on top of the cream cheese glaze. A light dusting of cinnamon or a few fresh orange zest shavings also bring vibrant flavor highlights that brighten every bite.
Side Dishes
This Sweet Potato Cinnamon Roll Cake Recipe pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to elevate it from fantastic to truly indulgent. For a cozy beverage, a hot cup of chai tea or spiced coffee complements the spices perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your cake in rustic individual ramekins layered with extra swirl and glaze, or cut into squares and arrange on a platter with fresh fruit like sliced apples or pears for a charming presentation that will impress every guest.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store your leftover Sweet Potato Cinnamon Roll Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days, or refrigerate for up to a week. Keeping it covered seals in moisture so it stays tender and flavorful.
Freezing
This cake freezes wonderfully. Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil before placing them in a freezer bag. Frozen cake slices can last up to three months, making this a perfect make-ahead dessert for busy days.
Reheating
To enjoy leftovers, simply warm a slice in the microwave for 20 to 30 seconds or in a toaster oven until the glaze is slightly melty and the cake is warmed through. This gentle reheating recreates that just-baked feeling with ease.
FAQs
Can I use canned sweet potato puree instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Canned sweet potato puree is a great shortcut and works perfectly in this recipe without compromising flavor or texture.
Is this cake suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, the Sweet Potato Cinnamon Roll Cake Recipe is vegetarian-friendly, using no meat products and relying on traditional baking ingredients.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, but make sure it contains a binding agent to keep the cake tender and moist.
How spicy is this cake?
The cinnamon and nutmeg provide a warm, cozy spice without being overpowering, perfect for those who love gently spiced desserts.
Can I add nuts to the batter?
Definitely! Adding chopped pecans or walnuts into the batter adds a lovely crunch and nutty flavor that complements the sweet potato beautifully.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a dessert that feels like a warm hug in cake form, this Sweet Potato Cinnamon Roll Cake Recipe is your answer. Its charming blend of flavors and textures makes it a memorable treat any time of the year, especially when you want to impress friends or simply indulge yourself. I can’t wait for you to try it and discover just how delightful cozy comfort food can be.
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Sweet Potato Cinnamon Roll Cake Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 9 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Sweet Potato Cinnamon Roll Cake blends the rich, warm spices of cinnamon rolls with the moist, dense texture of sweet potato cake. Layered with cinnamon-sugar swirls and topped with a smooth, tangy cream cheese glaze, it’s a perfect cozy dessert ideal for fall gatherings or anytime you crave a comforting treat.
Ingredients
Cake Batter
- 1 cup mashed sweet potatoes (about 1 large sweet potato, cooked and mashed)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Cinnamon Swirl
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Cream Cheese Glaze
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×9-inch baking pan thoroughly to prevent sticking.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter with granulated sugar and brown sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, which usually takes a few minutes. This step helps to incorporate air, making the cake tender.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then stir in the mashed sweet potatoes, sour cream, and vanilla extract until you have a smooth batter without lumps.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg to ensure even distribution of the leavening agents and spices.
- Mix Dry into Wet: Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined to avoid overmixing, which can make the cake tough.
- Layer Batter and Swirl: Spread half of the batter evenly into the prepared pan. In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter for the cinnamon swirl. Drizzle half of this mixture over the batter and gently swirl it with a knife to create a marbled effect.
- Complete Layering: Pour the remaining batter over the swirled layer. Then drizzle the remaining cinnamon swirl mixture on top and swirl again lightly.
- Bake: Bake the cake in the preheated oven for 35 to 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. This ensures the cake is fully cooked and set.
- Cool: Allow the cake to cool slightly in the pan, making it easier to apply the glaze without melting it completely.
- Prepare Glaze: While the cake cools, beat together the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy to form the glaze.
- Glaze and Serve: Drizzle the cream cheese glaze over the warm cake evenly. Slice into 9 servings and enjoy the moist, spiced layers with the luscious topping.
Notes
- You can substitute canned sweet potato purée if you’re short on time for cooking and mashing fresh sweet potatoes.
- Adding chopped pecans to the batter or sprinkling them on top before baking adds a delightful crunch and nutty flavor.
- For a more intense cinnamon flavor, sprinkle extra cinnamon over the batter before baking.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
