Sweet Potato Cake with Maple Pecan Glaze Recipe: Fall’s Finest Treat

Baking a delectable sweet potato cake with maple pecan glaze brings warmth to any gathering.

Russet-hued potatoes meld seamlessly into a tender, moist crumb that whispers autumn comfort.

Nutty pecans and rich maple syrup create a luxurious glaze that dances across each slice.

Fragrant spices like cinnamon and nutmeg weave through the batter, promising deep, complex flavors.

Kitchen experiments rarely yield such delightful surprises as this unexpected dessert masterpiece.

Subtle sweetness and complex textures make this cake a conversation starter at any table.

Grab a fork and savor every decadent bite – pure magic awaits you.

Why Sweet Potato Cake With Maple Pecan Glaze Shines

• Craft a Comforting Dessert: Perfect for satisfying sweet cravings with minimal kitchen skills required.
• Maximize Seasonal Ingredients: Transform humble sweet potatoes into a delectable cake that celebrates autumn's rich flavors and nutritional goodness.
• Quick and Adaptable Baking: Create a delightful dessert that comes together smoothly, allowing home bakers of all levels to achieve professional-looking results without stress.
• Crowd-Pleasing Showstopper: Impress family and friends with a stunning cake that balances rustic charm and gourmet appeal, making it ideal for potlucks, gatherings, and special celebrations.

Sweet Potato Cake With Maple Pecan Glaze Ingredients

• All-Purpose Flour: A staple ingredient that provides the structural foundation for the sweet potato cake.
• Sweet Potatoes: Mashed sweet potatoes add moisture, natural sweetness, and a rich orange color to the cake.
• Granulated Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps create a tender cake texture.
• Vegetable Oil: Ensures the cake remains moist and soft throughout.
• Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and contribute to the cake's structure.

• Ground Cinnamon, Ground Nutmeg: Warm spices that complement the sweet potato's natural flavor.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor profile of the cake.
• Baking Powder, Baking Soda: Leavening agents that help the cake rise and become light and fluffy.

• Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and enhances the cake's aromatic qualities.
• Unsalted Butter: Creates a rich and smooth base for the maple glaze.
• Maple Syrup: Provides a distinct sweet and complex flavor to the glaze.
• Powdered Sugar: Helps thicken and sweeten the maple glaze.
• Pecans: Offer a crunchy texture and nutty flavor to the cake topping.

How To Bake Sweet Potato Cake With Maple Pecan Glaze

Step 1: Prepare Oven and Baking Pan

Warm up your oven to 350°F and generously coat a 9×13-inch baking pan with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

• All-purpose flour
• Ground cinnamon
• Ground nutmeg
• Salt
• Baking powder
• Baking soda

Whisk these ingredients together until they’re perfectly blended and airy.

Step 3: Blend Wet Ingredients

• Granulated sugar
• Mashed sweet potatoes
• Vegetable oil
• Eggs
• Vanilla extract

Blend these components until they create a smooth, consistent mixture.

Step 4: Combine Ingredients

Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring carefully to avoid overmixing. The goal is a well-integrated batter with no lumps.

Step 5: Fill Baking Pan

Transfer the cake batter into the prepared pan, using a spatula to spread it evenly across the surface.

Step 6: Bake the Cake

Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should come out clean with just a few crumbs.

Step 7: Cool the Cake

Remove the cake from the oven and let it rest in the pan for about an hour, allowing it to cool completely.

Step 8: Create Maple Pecan Glaze

• Maple syrup
• Powdered sugar

Stir until the glaze becomes silky and smooth.

Step 9: Add Glaze and Garnish

Drizzle the warm glaze over the cooled cake, then immediately sprinkle chopped pecans on top for a delightful crunch.

Step 10: Serve and Enjoy

Allow the glaze to set for 15-20 minutes, then slice and serve this delectable sweet potato cake.

Tips For Sweet Potato Cake With Maple Pecan Glaze

• Prevent Overmixing: Gently fold dry ingredients into wet mixture to maintain a tender, light cake texture without developing tough gluten strands.
• Check Cake Doneness: Use the toothpick test by inserting it into the center – if it comes out with minimal crumbs, the cake is perfectly baked.
• Optimize Sweet Potato Flavor: Use freshly mashed sweet potatoes at room temperature for the most vibrant and rich flavor profile.
• Enhance Glaze Consistency: Whisk maple glaze ingredients while warm to achieve a smooth, silky texture that drizzles beautifully over the cake.
• Store Smartly: Keep the cake covered at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for extended freshness without compromising its soft texture.

Fun Flavor Swaps For Sweet Potato Cake With Maple Pecan Glaze

• Gluten-Free Option: Replace all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blend, ensuring the same texture and taste for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Vegan Version: Substitute eggs with mashed banana or flax eggs, use coconut oil instead of vegetable oil, and swap maple syrup with agave nectar for a plant-based alternative.
• Nut-Free Alternative: Skip pecans in the glaze, using toasted pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds for crunch, perfect for those with nut allergies.
• Low-Sugar Adaptation: Use monk fruit sweetener instead of granulated sugar, and replace maple syrup with sugar-free maple-flavored syrup to reduce overall sugar content.

Great Pairings For Sweet Potato Cake With Maple Pecan Glaze

• Elevate Sweet Potato Cake Experience: Perfect Pairings
• Brew Warm Spiced Chai Latte: Complement the cake's cinnamon and nutmeg notes with a creamy, aromatic chai that highlights the dessert's warm spices and creates a cozy flavor harmony.
• Select Bourbon Vanilla Cream: Drizzle a smooth bourbon-infused vanilla cream alongside each slice, enhancing the cake's richness and providing a luxurious adult twist to the dessert.
• Match Caramel Pecan Coffee: Serve a robust coffee with caramel undertones and toasted pecan hints that mirror the cake's glaze and nutty toppings, creating a delightful sensory experience.

How To Store Sweet Potato Cake With Maple Pecan Glaze

• Store leftover cake in an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, ensuring the cake remains moist and fresh.
• Wrap individual cake slices tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container, where they'll stay delicious for 2-3 months.
• Keep cake covered at room temperature for 1-2 days if you plan to enjoy it soon, away from direct sunlight or heat sources.
• Warm refrigerated cake slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or in a preheated oven at 300°F for 5-7 minutes to restore its soft, delectable texture.

FAQs For Sweet Potato Cake With Maple Pecan Glaze

• What makes sweet potatoes a great ingredient for baking?

Sweet potatoes provide natural moisture, rich flavor, and added nutrients like vitamin A and fiber to baked goods, creating a more tender and flavorful cake.

• Can I use canned sweet potatoes instead of fresh?

Yes, canned sweet potatoes work perfectly. Just drain and mash them thoroughly before adding to the cake batter. Make sure to use plain sweet potatoes without added sugars or seasonings.

• How do I know when the sweet potato cake is fully baked?

Check the cake’s doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, the cake is ready. Avoid overbaking to maintain moisture.

Sweet Potato Cake With Maple Pecan Glaze Recipe

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4.7 from 23 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 35-60 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Indulgent sweet potato cake with maple pecan glaze celebrates Southern comfort baking with rustic charm. Warm spices and nutty maple notes create a delectable dessert that connects tradition and innovation, inviting you to savor each delightful slice.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups sweet potatoes, mashed
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil

Spices and Flavor Enhancers:

• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda

Maple Pecan Glaze:

• 1/2 cup maple syrup
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1/2 cup chopped pecans

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and thoroughly grease a 9×13-inch baking pan to ensure easy cake removal.
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, salt, baking powder, and baking soda until perfectly combined and aerated.
3. In a separate bowl, cream together granulated sugar, mashed sweet potatoes, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until the mixture becomes smooth and homogeneous.
4. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring gently until just incorporated, being careful not to overmix the batter.
5. Pour the cake batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula to create a uniform surface.
6. Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean with minimal crumbs.
7. Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool completely in the pan for approximately 1 hour.
8. For the maple pecan glaze, melt unsalted butter in a saucepan over medium heat, then whisk in maple syrup and powdered sugar until silky and smooth.
9. Once the cake has cooled, drizzle the warm glaze evenly over the surface, immediately sprinkling chopped pecans on top for added texture and flavor.
10. Let the glaze set for 15-20 minutes before slicing and serving the sweet potato cake.

Notes

• Always use room temperature ingredients to ensure smooth mixing and consistent texture throughout the cake.
• Grate or mash sweet potatoes finely to prevent chunky bits that might disrupt the cake’s delicate crumb.
• Swap all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blend for a celiac-friendly version, maintaining the same measurements.
• Reduce sugar by 25% and use alternative sweeteners like coconut sugar or monk fruit for a lower-glycemic option that still delivers rich flavor.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 366 kcal
• Sugar: 37 g
• Sodium: 156 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 55 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 64 mg