Sweet Potato Cake
My Sweet Potato Cake recipe is a delightful treat that combines the rich flavors of chocolate with creamy sweet potato puree. This cake is incredibly moist and satisfying, perfect for various occasions, from birthday celebrations to cozy family gatherings. It stands out not only for its unique flavor but also for being naturally dairy and gluten-free. You’ll love how easy it is to whip up this delicious dessert using just a food processor!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: With only one kitchen appliance required, making this cake is a breeze.
- Rich Flavor: The combination of cocoa powder and sweet potatoes creates a unique, indulgent taste that everyone will enjoy.
- Healthy Ingredients: This cake uses wholesome ingredients like coconut flour and maple syrup, making it a guilt-free dessert option.
- Versatile Dessert: Perfect for any occasion—birthdays, holidays, or just a sweet treat at home!
- Dairy and Gluten-Free: Suitable for those with dietary restrictions, allowing more people to enjoy this tasty cake.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into the baking process, gather the necessary tools to make your Sweet Potato Cake effortlessly.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Food processor
- Baking pan (9 or 10-inch)
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Rubber spatula
Importance of Each Tool
- Food processor: This tool makes blending the ingredients quick and easy, ensuring a smooth cake batter without any lumps.
- Baking pan: A good quality pan ensures even baking and helps achieve that perfect rise in your cake.
- Rubber spatula: Great for scraping down the sides of the processor or mixing bowl to ensure all ingredients are well combined.
Ingredients
My sweet potato cake recipe uses creamy sweet potato puree to make a rich and moist chocolate cake! It’s made with only a food processor. Naturally dairy AND gluten-free!
For the Cake
- 1/4 cup coconut flour
- 1 cup cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups mashed sweet potato (3-4 large sweet potatoes)
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup maple syrup
- 1/2 cup coconut oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Frosting
- 1 cup chocolate frosting
How to Make Sweet Potato Cake
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
First, preheat your oven to 180C/350F. Grease a 9 or 10-inch cake pan with coconut oil or non-stick spray to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Blend the Ingredients
In your food processor, add the following ingredients:
1. Coconut flour
2. Cocoa powder
3. Sugar
4. Baking powder
5. Salt
6. Mashed sweet potato
7. Eggs
8. Maple syrup
9. Coconut oil
10. Vanilla extract
Pulse until everything is smooth and well combined.
Step 3: Bake the Cake
Pour the prepared batter into your greased cake pan. Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes or until a skewer inserted in the center comes out clean.
Step 4: Cool and Frost
Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool completely in the pan before transferring it onto a wire rack. After cooling, frost with your favorite chocolate frosting for an extra touch of sweetness!
How to Serve Sweet Potato Cake
Serving your Sweet Potato Cake can elevate its deliciousness and make it a memorable treat. Here are some delightful suggestions to enhance your dessert experience.
Pair with Fresh Fruits
- Berries: Strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries add a refreshing burst of flavor.
- Banana Slices: The creamy texture complements the cake’s richness beautifully.
Drizzle with Syrup
- Maple Syrup: A light drizzle brings out the natural sweetness of the cake.
- Chocolate Sauce: For chocolate lovers, this adds an extra layer of indulgence.
Add Whipped Cream
- Coconut Whipped Cream: A dairy-free option that pairs perfectly with the cake.
- Regular Whipped Cream: For a classic touch, serve with a dollop on top.
Serve Warm
- Warm Slice: Enjoying the cake slightly warm enhances its moist texture and flavor.
Ice Cream Accompaniment
- Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream creates a delightful contrast to the cake’s rich chocolate flavor.
- Coconut Ice Cream: This option keeps it dairy-free while adding tropical flair.

How to Perfect Sweet Potato Cake
To achieve the perfect Sweet Potato Cake, follow these tips for a flawless result every time.
- Use Fresh Sweet Potatoes: Freshly mashed sweet potatoes provide better flavor and moisture than canned versions.
- Measure Ingredients Accurately: Precision in measuring dry ingredients ensures a balanced batter.
- Blend Thoroughly: Ensure all ingredients are well combined for an even texture throughout the cake.
- Cool Completely Before Frosting: This prevents the frosting from melting and keeps your presentation intact.
- Store Properly: Keep any leftovers in an airtight container to maintain freshness for longer.
Best Side Dishes for Sweet Potato Cake
Sweet Potato Cake pairs well with various side dishes that complement its rich flavors. Consider these tasty options:
- Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits provides a refreshing contrast to the cake’s richness.
- Chai Tea: The warm spices of chai enhance the flavors in the sweet potato cake beautifully.
- Nuts and Seeds Mix: A crunchy nut mix adds texture and balances out the softness of the cake.
- Cheese Platter: Soft cheeses, like brie or goat cheese, pair wonderfully with sweet desserts.
- Yogurt Parfait: Layered yogurt with granola and berries makes for a delightful addition.
- Spiced Nuts: Roasted spiced nuts offer a savory element that complements sweetness nicely.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making a sweet potato cake can be easy, but there are common pitfalls to watch out for. Here are some mistakes to avoid while baking.
- Using Incorrect Measurements: Always measure your ingredients properly. Using too much or too little of a key ingredient like cocoa powder can alter the texture and flavor.
- Skipping the Cooling Time: Allow your sweet potato cake to cool completely before frosting. Frosting a warm cake can lead to a melted mess and uneven coverage.
- Overmixing the Batter: Mix just until combined. Overmixing can make the cake dense instead of light and fluffy.
- Not Testing for Doneness: Check if your cake is done by inserting a skewer into the center. If it comes out clean, it’s ready; otherwise, bake for a few more minutes.
- Substituting Ingredients Improperly: Be cautious with substitutions. For example, replacing coconut flour with regular flour without adjusting quantities can ruin the cake’s consistency.

Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover sweet potato cake in an airtight container.
- It can last up to 5 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Sweet Potato Cake
- Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer-safe container.
- The cake can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating Sweet Potato Cake
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm for about 10-15 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat on medium power for 20-30 seconds or until warmed through.
- Stovetop: Place a slice in a skillet over low heat, cover, and warm for about 5 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making sweet potato cake that might help you out.
What is Sweet Potato Cake?
Sweet potato cake is a rich dessert made primarily from sweet potato puree, cocoa powder, and other simple ingredients. It’s naturally gluten-free and dairy-free.
Can I Use Canned Sweet Potatoes Instead?
Yes, you can use canned sweet potatoes. Just ensure they are well-drained and mashed before using them in your recipe.
How Can I Customize My Sweet Potato Cake?
You can add nuts, chocolate chips, or spices such as cinnamon or nutmeg to enhance the flavor of your sweet potato cake.
Is Sweet Potato Cake Healthy?
While it is still a dessert, this sweet potato cake offers nutritional benefits from sweet potatoes like fiber and vitamins compared to traditional cakes.
Can I Make This Recipe Vegan?
Yes! To make it vegan, replace eggs with flax eggs or applesauce and use a plant-based frosting.
Final Thoughts
This sweet potato cake recipe is not only delicious but also versatile. You can easily customize it to suit your taste preferences, whether by adding nuts or spices. It’s perfect for any occasion, so try it out and enjoy its rich flavors!

Sweet Potato Cake
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 8
Description
Indulge in the rich flavors of my Sweet Potato Cake, a delightful dessert that seamlessly blends creamy sweet potato puree with decadent cocoa. This moist and satisfying cake is perfect for any occasion, from birthday celebrations to cozy family gatherings. Plus, it’s naturally gluten-free and dairy-free, making it accessible for those with dietary restrictions. Using just a food processor, you can whip up this easy-to-make cake in no time, ensuring everyone can enjoy a slice of this unique treat.
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup coconut flour
- 1 cup cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups mashed sweet potato (from about 3–4 large sweet potatoes)
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup maple syrup
- 1/2 cup coconut oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and grease a 9 or 10-inch cake pan.
- In a food processor, combine coconut flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, salt, mashed sweet potato, eggs, maple syrup, coconut oil, and vanilla extract. Pulse until smooth.
- Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and bake for 45-50 minutes or until a skewer comes out clean.
- Allow the cake to cool completely before frosting with your favorite chocolate frosting.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 40mg