Details: Created by:
pasfotopas | Prep: 20m | Cook: 1h 0m | Ready: 1h 20m | Feeds: 10 |
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Ingredients
2
medium sweet potatos
2
cups all-purpose flour
1
1 / 2
cups granulated sugar
1 / 2
cups vegetable oil
2
large eggs
1
teaspoon vanilla extract
1
teaspoon baking soda
1
tablespoon ground cinnamon
1 / 2
teaspoons ground nutmeg
1 / 2
teaspoons salt
1 / 2
cups, chopped pecans
1
cup powdered sugar
2
tablespoons heavy cream
1 / 2
teaspoons maple extract
Steps
Step 1
Peel and cube your sweet potatoes. Boil them until fork-tender (about 15–20 minutes). Drain and mash them until completely smooth. Let them cool slightly before using.
Step 2
In a large bowl, whisk together the mashed sweet potatoes, sugar, oil, eggs, and vanilla until well combined.
Step 3
In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
Step 4
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Stir until just combined—do not overmix, or the bread will be tough. Fold in the nuts if using.
Step 5
Pour the batter into a greased 9x5-inch loaf pan (for bread) or an 8-inch square pan (for cake). Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 55–65 minutes. Insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
Step 6
Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then move to a wire rack. Whisk the glaze ingredients together and drizzle over the top while the cake is still slightly warm.
Footnote
For a deeper, more "honey-like" flavor, roast the sweet potatoes in their skins at 400°F until they ooze syrup, then peel and mash them.
The "Day Two" Rule: This cake is significantly better the next day. Wrap it tightly in foil or plastic wrap overnight to let the moisture redistribute.
What makes this dish special?
This dish is a centerpiece of Southern "soul food" tradition. It’s special because it transforms a humble root vegetable into a sophisticated dessert. Unlike many cakes that rely purely on sugar for flavor, this recipe uses the sweet potato's natural sugars and starches to create a moist texture that actually improves after a day of sitting, as the spices (cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger) meld together.
