Looking for a delightful dessert that embodies the warmth and coziness of fall? Look no further than this heavenly Sweet Potato Cake with Maple Pecan Glaze. Bursting with the flavors of sweet potatoes, cinnamon, maple, and pecans, this cake is sure to become a new favorite in your recipe collection. Plus, it’s easy to make and perfect for sharing with family and friends. Let’s dive into the recipe!
Ingredients:
Cake:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup sugar
- 4 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 2 cups cooked sweet potatoes, peeled and mashed
- 1 ½ cups milk
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- ½ cup (1 stick) butter, melted
Crumble Topping:
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- ½ cup (1 stick) butter, softened
Glaze:
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 3 tablespoons milk
- 3 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ cup pecans, chopped (optional)
Directions:
- Preparation: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, nutmeg, and salt. Set aside.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, mix the mashed sweet potatoes and milk until smooth. Then, add in the beaten eggs and vanilla extract, stirring until well combined.
- Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Pour the wet mixture into the dry mixture and stir until just combined. Add the melted butter and fold it in until fully incorporated.
- Prepare Crumble Topping: In a separate bowl, combine brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon. Cut in the softened butter until the mixture forms coarse crumbs.
- Assemble the Cake: Pour the cake batter into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the batter, gently swirling it with a knife to incorporate it partially into the batter.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Make the Glaze: While the cake is baking, prepare the glaze by combining powdered sugar, milk, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon in a bowl. Mix until smooth.
- Finish: Once the cake is baked, remove it from the oven and immediately pour the glaze over the warm cake. Optionally, sprinkle chopped pecans over the glazed cake for an extra crunch and flavor.
- Serve: Allow the cake to cool slightly before slicing and serving. Enjoy it warm or at room temperature with a cup of your favorite hot beverage.
Nutritional Information:
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Servings: 12
- Calories per serving: (Calorie count may vary based on specific ingredients and serving sizes)
Serving and Storage Tips:
1. Serving Suggestions:
- Serve the Sweet Potato Cake with Maple Pecan Glaze as a delightful dessert after dinner.
- Pair slices of the cake with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.
- Drizzle additional maple syrup over individual servings for added sweetness, if desired.
- Garnish each slice with a sprinkle of ground cinnamon or a dusting of powdered sugar for a decorative touch.
2. Storage Instructions:
- Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
- For longer storage, refrigerate the cake for up to 5 days. Make sure to cover it well to prevent it from drying out.
- If storing the cake in the refrigerator, allow it to come to room temperature before serving to restore its soft texture.
- You can also freeze individual slices of the cake for up to 1 month. Wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil before placing them in a freezer-safe bag or container.
- When ready to enjoy frozen slices, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator or at room temperature for a few hours. Reheat in the microwave for a warm, comforting treat.
3. Refreshing Leftovers:
- To refresh leftover slices of cake, simply warm them in the microwave for a few seconds before serving.
- For a crispy crumble topping, briefly toast individual slices under the broiler for a minute or two until golden brown and fragrant.
- If the glaze has hardened, gently warm it in the microwave for a few seconds or in a saucepan over low heat until it becomes pourable again.
By following these serving and storage tips, you can ensure that your Sweet Potato Cake with Maple Pecan Glaze stays fresh, flavorful, and ready to enjoy whenever cravings strike. Whether you’re serving it for a special occasion or savoring it as a weekday treat, this delectable dessert is sure to delight your taste buds!
Variations:
- Nut-Free Option:
- Omit the pecans from both the crumble topping and optional garnish for a nut-free version of the cake. You can replace the pecans with an alternative topping such as shredded coconut or oats for added texture.
- Gluten-Free Version:
- Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make the cake gluten-free. Ensure that all other ingredients used are certified gluten-free to avoid cross-contamination.
- Vegan Alternative:
- Replace the eggs with flax or chia eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed or chia seeds mixed with 3 tablespoons water per egg) to make the cake vegan-friendly. Additionally, use plant-based milk and dairy-free butter in the recipe.
- Spice Infusion:
- Enhance the flavor profile of the cake by adding additional warm spices such as cloves, ginger, or allspice to the batter. Adjust the quantities according to your taste preferences for a spicier kick.
- Fruit Additions:
- Incorporate diced apples, mashed bananas, or shredded carrots into the cake batter for added moisture and natural sweetness. Fold the fruit into the batter before pouring it into the baking dish.
- Maple Cream Cheese Frosting:
- Instead of the maple pecan glaze, top the cooled cake with a luscious maple cream cheese frosting. Mix softened cream cheese with powdered sugar, maple syrup, and a hint of vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Spread the frosting over the cake and sprinkle with chopped pecans for decoration.
- Layered Cake Option:
- Transform the recipe into a layered cake by dividing the batter between two round cake pans instead of using a single baking dish. After baking and cooling, stack the cake layers with maple buttercream frosting between them for a stunning presentation.
- Mini Sweet Potato Cupcakes:
- For bite-sized treats, scoop the batter into mini muffin tins lined with paper liners. Bake until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Top each mini cupcake with a drizzle of maple glaze and a sprinkle of chopped pecans for irresistible bite-sized indulgence.
Experiment with these variations to customize the Sweet Potato Cake with Maple Pecan Glaze according to your preferences and dietary needs. Whether you’re catering to special dietary requirements or simply craving a new twist on a classic recipe, these options are sure to inspire delicious creations!
Frequently Askedrequently Questions (FAQs) :
- Can I use canned sweet potatoes instead of fresh ones?
- Yes, you can use canned sweet potatoes as a convenient alternative. Simply drain and mash them before incorporating them into the cake batter.
- How can I tell if the cake is done baking?
- Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake; if it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs clinging to it, the cake is done. Avoid overbaking to prevent the cake from drying out.
- Can I make the cake ahead of time?
- Yes, you can prepare the cake in advance and store it in an airtight container. However, it’s best to glaze the cake just before serving to maintain its freshness and texture.
- Can I omit the crumble topping?
- Certainly! The crumble topping adds a delightful crunch and flavor, but you can skip it if desired. The cake will still be delicious with just the maple pecan glaze.
Indulge in the irresistible flavors of fall with this Sweet Potato Cake with Maple Pecan Glaze. Whether it’s for a special occasion or a cozy evening at home, this dessert is sure to impress. Try it out today and treat yourself to a slice of autumn bliss!
