Sweet Potato Cinnamon Roll Cake

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I have a deep love for cinnamon rolls, but sometimes I crave the warmth and earthiness of sweet potatoes too. This Sweet Potato Cinnamon Roll Cake was born out of a moment where I couldn’t decide between the two. It’s a hybrid of cozy comfort and rich flavor, all wrapped into a single dessert that has quickly become a household favorite.

When I first tested this cake, I had no idea it would come out so incredibly tender and moist. The sweet potato brings such a velvety texture, while the cinnamon swirl and glaze infuse it with that nostalgic, sweet-spiced taste of traditional cinnamon rolls. Honestly, I made it as an experiment but ended up creating something that rivals even my most cherished desserts.

One of my favorite things about this cake is how well it pairs with a lazy Sunday or holiday morning. It’s satisfying enough to stand in for breakfast or a brunch treat, but sweet enough to end a meal on a high note. And if you love rich spiced desserts, you’re going to adore every single bite.

Try pairing this recipe with other cozy comfort dishes like Creamy Garlic Chicken Breasts or follow it with a warm drink and a slice of Cinnamon Donut Bread. And if you’re in the mood for bite-sized bliss, Irresistible Pecan Pie Bites will complement this dessert beautifully.

Why You’ll Love This Sweet Potato Cinnamon Roll Cake

This cake combines the soul-soothing elements of a classic cinnamon roll with the nutrition and richness of sweet potatoes. It’s moist, tender, and loaded with flavor. You’ll love how easy it is to make, especially since it doesn’t require any yeast or rise time. It bakes up beautifully with swirls of brown sugar and cinnamon, and the icing drizzle finishes it off with a gooey, bakery-style touch. Whether for brunch, dessert, or a seasonal treat, this cake has a way of making any moment a bit more indulgent.

Ingredients

Sweet Potatoes: The heart of this recipe, mashed sweet potatoes bring a natural sweetness and ultra-moist texture that makes this cake unforgettable.

All-Purpose Flour: Provides the structure and holds all the delicious elements together.

Baking Powder and Baking Soda: These give the cake its rise and ensure it’s light and fluffy.

Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.

Brown Sugar: Used in both the batter and the cinnamon swirl, it adds depth and a caramel-like sweetness.

Granulated Sugar: Helps sweeten the cake without overpowering the sweet potato flavor.

Eggs: Essential for binding the ingredients and adding richness.

Milk: Adds moisture and helps dissolve the sugar and incorporate the dry ingredients.

Butter: Both in the batter and the swirl, it adds richness and that classic cinnamon roll taste.

Vanilla Extract: Rounds out the flavor and enhances the sweetness.

Ground Cinnamon: The star spice that delivers the signature cinnamon roll warmth.

Powdered Sugar and Milk (for glaze): Combined to make a smooth, sweet drizzle that finishes the cake.

How to Make Sweet Potato Cinnamon Roll Cake

Step 1: Prepare the Batter

In a large mixing bowl, combine mashed sweet potatoes, brown sugar, granulated sugar, eggs, milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.

Step 2: Swirl It Up

In a small bowl, prepare the cinnamon swirl by mixing melted butter, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon until it forms a thick paste. Pour half the batter into a greased baking pan, then dollop half of the cinnamon mixture and swirl it through with a knife. Repeat with the remaining batter and swirl.

Step 3: Bake to Perfection

Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes.

Step 4: Glaze and Serve

While the cake cools, whisk together powdered sugar and milk until smooth. Drizzle over the slightly warm cake. Slice and serve warm or at room temperature for a decadent treat.

Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions

You can swap out sweet potatoes for canned pumpkin if that’s what you have on hand. The texture and sweetness will be slightly different, but still delicious. For a nutty twist, fold in chopped pecans or walnuts into the batter. If you prefer a dairy-free option, substitute almond milk or oat milk for the regular milk, and use vegan butter instead of traditional butter.

For a spiced kick, consider adding nutmeg or cloves alongside the cinnamon. You can also reduce the sugars slightly if you prefer a less sweet cake, especially since the glaze adds sweetness on top.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

Serve a warm slice of this cake for breakfast or brunch alongside a cup of strong coffee or chai latte. It also pairs wonderfully with fresh whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream if you’re leaning into dessert mode.

Try it with savory dishes to balance out a meal—think something like herby roasted chicken or a creamy soup. The sweet notes of the cake act as a comforting counterpoint to bold or salty main courses.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Store leftover Sweet Potato Cinnamon Roll Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you need to keep it longer, refrigerate it for up to 5 days.

To reheat, pop individual slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds until just warm. If you want to refresh the entire cake, cover it with foil and warm it in a 300°F oven for 10-15 minutes.

FAQs

Can I make Sweet Potato Cinnamon Roll Cake ahead of time?

Yes! This cake keeps well for a few days, making it perfect to prepare in advance for brunch or dessert. Just store it covered, and glaze it shortly before serving.

Can I freeze Sweet Potato Cinnamon Roll Cake?

Absolutely. Wrap individual slices or the whole cake tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and warm as desired.

What type of sweet potatoes should I use for Sweet Potato Cinnamon Roll Cake?

Use orange-fleshed sweet potatoes like Beauregard or Jewel varieties. They provide the perfect creamy texture and natural sweetness.

How do I know when Sweet Potato Cinnamon Roll Cake is done baking?

Insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, the cake is done. Avoid overbaking to keep it tender.

Related Recipe You’ll Like

If you’re craving even more warm and inviting desserts, be sure to check out the Cinnamon Donut Bread. It’s quick to make, loaded with cinnamon flavor, and pairs perfectly with a cup of coffee or tea. Another delightful treat is the Irresistible Pecan Pie Bites that offer rich, nutty indulgence in every bite.

Save and Share This Sweet Potato Cinnamon Roll Cake for Later

Don’t forget to pin this Sweet Potato Cinnamon Roll Cake to your favorite Pinterest board so you can find it anytime you need a comforting dessert. Share the love by sending the link to friends and family—whether by text, email, or social media. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that everyone will be asking about!

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