Grandma’s Famous Sweet Potato Butter Cake Recipe

If you’re looking to impress with a show-stopper dessert that feels like a warm hug, look no further than Grandma’s Famous Sweet Potato Butter Cake. This recipe has been handed down through generations in my family, and every bite of its buttery, spiced crumb is a joyful celebration of comfort and tradition. The sweet potato adds natural sweetness and beautiful moisture, while a buttery glaze seeps into every crevice, making the cake irresistibly tender and flavorful. It’s a treat that always disappears first at gatherings, and I promise you’ll get requests for the recipe every single time.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Grandma’s Famous Sweet Potato Butter Cake comes from humble ingredients, each bringing something special to the table. From the sweetness of the sweet potatoes to the rich, buttery finish, every element is essential for building those unforgettable flavors and textures.

• Sweet Potatoes: Provide the cake’s signature moisture, subtle sweetness, and gorgeous golden hue; be sure to use fresh, well-cooked potatoes for the dreamiest texture.
• Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and that classic, melt-in-your-mouth quality—don’t skimp on the butter, as it’s the foundation of both the cake and the glaze!
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens and helps form the lovely, crisp edges as the cake bakes; you’ll use some for both the batter and the irresistible buttery glaze.
• Eggs: Bind everything together and give the cake its tender structure, while adding a touch of richness.
• Vanilla Extract: Infuses the cake and glaze with warm, cozy notes; real vanilla makes all the difference here.
• All-Purpose Flour: Forms the backbone of the cake’s structure, supporting all the other ingredients with a light, fluffy crumb.
• Baking Powder & Baking Soda: Create lift for a perfectly airy bite; using both ensures a lofty, well-risen cake.
• Salt: Enhances flavors and balances out the sweetness—don’t skip it!
• Cinnamon & Nutmeg: Bring a gently spiced warmth that pairs beautifully with the sweet potatoes.
• Whole Milk or Buttermilk: Adds extra richness (and a slight tang if you use buttermilk) for superior tenderness.
• Water: Used in the glaze to help the sugar dissolve and blend smoothly with the butter.

How to Make Grandma’s Famous Sweet Potato Butter Cake

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C), and don’t forget to generously grease and flour your Bundt pan or 9×13-inch baking dish. It’s a little thing, but doing it well ensures your cake releases effortlessly—and looks as gorgeous as it tastes. Set your pan aside while you jump into the batter.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, beat the softened butter with granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step takes a few minutes but is absolutely worth it for a tender crumb. Once it’s pale and creamy, add the eggs one at a time, mixing well between each. Finish this step by stirring in the vanilla extract—your kitchen will smell divine already!

Step 3: Mix in Sweet Potatoes

Add your mashed, cooked sweet potatoes to the butter mixture. Take a moment to blend everything until smooth. This is where the cake gets its gorgeous color and delicate sweetness—don’t worry if it’s a little bit rustic, it just adds to the homemade magic.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. This spiced mixture will not only add structure but also infuse every bite with warmth and subtle complexity.

Step 5: Bring It All Together

Add the dry ingredients to your sweet potato mixture in three additions, alternating with the milk (or buttermilk). Start and end with the flour mixture, mixing gently just until everything is combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake, so a gentle hand is key for a light, tender crumb.

Step 6: Fill the Pan

Pour the batter into your prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Don’t worry if it looks a tad thick—that just means it’ll bake up moist and rich. Give the pan a gentle tap on the counter to release any air bubbles.

Step 7: Bake

Slide the cake into your preheated oven and bake for 50–60 minutes. The kitchen will fill with the dreamy scent of cinnamon, butter, and sweet potatoes. Test for doneness with a toothpick—when it comes out clean, you’re set!

Step 8: Make the Glaze

While the cake bakes, melt butter, sugar, and water gently in a saucepan, bringing it up to a boil. Simmer for 2–3 minutes (stirring constantly), then remove from heat and stir in vanilla. This buttery syrup is what puts Grandma’s Famous Sweet Potato Butter Cake over the top!

Step 9: Glaze the Warm Cake

While the cake is still warm, use a skewer or toothpick to poke holes all over the top. Slowly pour the hot glaze evenly over the cake, letting it soak in. This step transforms the crumb into something decadent and unforgettable.

Step 10: Cool and Serve

Let the cake cool in the pan, which allows it to soak up every drop of glaze. If you baked in a Bundt pan, invert it onto a plate; if you used a baking dish, you can slice and serve straight from the pan. Either way, it’s pure comfort on a plate!

How to Serve Grandma’s Famous Sweet Potato Butter Cake

Garnishes

A dusting of powdered sugar, a handful of toasted pecans, or a dollop of whipped cream makes each slice of Grandma’s Famous Sweet Potato Butter Cake even more inviting. For a holiday touch, a few candied ginger bits or orange zest make a lovely garnish that complements the cake’s warm flavors.

Side Dishes

While this cake is a star on its own, try pairing it with a big mug of hot coffee or spiced chai for the ultimate cozy treat. If serving for dessert after a meal, a scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream alongside each slice is sheer perfection.

Creative Ways to Present

To wow a crowd, cut the cake into cubes and layer them in parfait glasses with whipped cream for a sweet potato trifle. Or, if you’re gifting, wrap individual slices in parchment and tie with twine—homemade gifts don’t get sweeter than Grandma’s Famous Sweet Potato Butter Cake.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover cake well-wrapped in foil or an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. Thanks to the buttery glaze and sweet potatoes, it actually becomes even more moist and flavorful after sitting overnight.

Freezing

This cake freezes beautifully! Slice it or freeze it whole—just wrap tightly in plastic and then foil to lock in all that moisture. Thaw overnight in the fridge or several hours at room temperature before serving.

Reheating

If you want that just-baked tenderness, warm individual slices in the microwave for 10–20 seconds. The glaze gets all gooey again, making reheated pieces nearly as irresistible as the day they were baked.

FAQs

Can I use canned sweet potatoes instead of fresh?

Yes, canned sweet potatoes will work in a pinch—just make sure they’re drained well and mashed until smooth. The flavor is a little less fresh, but with all those lovely spices and the buttery glaze, the cake will still be wonderful.

What size Bundt pan should I use?

A standard 10–12 cup Bundt pan is just right for Grandma’s Famous Sweet Potato Butter Cake. If you’re unsure, err on the larger side to prevent any overflow while baking.

Can I make this cake gluten-free?

You can substitute a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for the all-purpose flour. The cake may be a touch more delicate, but the flavor and moistness will stay true to the original recipe.

How do I know when the cake is done?

Insert a toothpick or cake tester into the center—if it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, the cake is ready! Rely on your senses too; it should have a golden color and the kitchen will smell incredible.

Why poke holes before glazing?

Poking holes allows the warm butter glaze to really soak into the cake, creating pockets of sweetness and ensuring every slice of Grandma’s Famous Sweet Potato Butter Cake is fantastically moist and flavorful.

Final Thoughts

If you love comfort baking as much as I do, you’re going to fall in love with Grandma’s Famous Sweet Potato Butter Cake. It’s easy to make, filled with cozy spices, and so delicious it turns any day into a celebration. Gather your ingredients and treat yourself (and your favorite people) to a slice of family tradition—you won’t regret it!

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