Sweet Potato Sheet Cake Recipe

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Ingredients:

Cake:

• Cooking spray
• 1 (15.25 ounce) yellow cake mix
• 1 (15 ounce) can sweet potatoes, drained and mashed
• 3 large eggs, at room temperature
• 3/4 cup buttermilk, at room temperature
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 3/4 cup chopped nuts

Frosting:

• 6 ounces Neufchtel cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup butter, softened
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup chopped nuts

Directions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350F (180C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking pan with nonstick cooking spray and set it aside.
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the yellow cake mix, mashed sweet potatoes, eggs, buttermilk, and vegetable oil until smooth.
3. Fold in the chopped nuts (3/4 cup) and mix until evenly distributed.
4. Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it out evenly with a spatula.
5. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean.
6. Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool completely on a wire rack.
7. For the frosting, beat together the softened Neufchtel cheese, butter, and vanilla extract in a bowl using an electric mixer until smooth and creamy.
8. Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating until the frosting is well combined and fluffy.
9. Once the cake is fully cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top.
10. Sprinkle the remaining 1/4 cup of chopped nuts on top of the frosting for added crunch and decoration.

Cooks Note: You can substitute regular cream cheese for Neufchtel cheese if desired.

Nutrition Facts (per serving):

Calories	543
Total Fat	29g
Saturated Fat	10g
Cholesterol	78mg
Sodium	517mg
Total Carbohydrate	65g
Dietary Fiber	2g
Total Sugars	41g
Protein	8g
Vitamin C	7mg
Calcium	163mg
Iron	2mg
Potassium	325mg

Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Sweet Potato Sheet Cake is a unique dessert that combines the earthy, sweet flavor of sweet potatoes with the fluffy texture of cake. This recipe is popular in the Southern United States but has gained attention across the country due to its moistness and versatility. The cake is topped with a creamy Neufchtel cheese frosting and sprinkled with chopped nuts, creating a dessert thats both rich and satisfying. But whats the history behind this delicious treat? Lets explore the origins, regional differences, and why this cake stands out from other similar desserts.

Origin of Sweet Potato Sheet Cake

The sweet potato is a staple in Southern cuisine, where it has been cultivated for centuries. The origin of the Sweet Potato Sheet Cake likely stems from the use of sweet potatoes in traditional desserts, particularly during the fall harvest. Southern cooks have long embraced the sweet potato for its versatility and ability to add moisture to cakes and pies. The sheet cake version of this dessert gained popularity in the 20th century, as boxed cake mixes became widely available, allowing home bakers to prepare the cake with ease. The addition of mashed sweet potatoes gives the cake a rich flavor and moist crumb, making it a beloved option for family gatherings and special occasions.

Regional Variations

While Sweet Potato Sheet Cake is commonly associated with the Southern United States, different regions have put their own spin on the classic recipe. In some variations, the cake is made with brown sugar or molasses to enhance the deep, caramelized flavor of the sweet potatoes. In other cases, the frosting may include cream cheese instead of Neufchtel cheese, resulting in a slightly tangier flavor. Additionally, some bakers include spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg, or ginger in the cake batter to complement the sweetness of the potatoes. Although these regional variations exist, the basic concept of using sweet potatoes in cake form remains a unifying element across different versions.

How It Differs from Similar Cakes

Sweet Potato Sheet Cake stands apart from other traditional cakes in several key ways. Firstly, the inclusion of mashed sweet potatoes in the batter gives it a distinct moistness and natural sweetness, unlike cakes that rely solely on sugar for moisture. This cake is also denser than a typical light and fluffy sponge cake, which makes it particularly satisfying. Unlike pumpkin or carrot cakes, which also use vegetables for moisture, sweet potato cake offers a richer, slightly earthy flavor, which pairs beautifully with the sweet, creamy frosting. Additionally, the chopped nuts sprinkled on top add a crunch that contrasts with the soft texture of the cake and frosting, creating a delightful combination of flavors and textures.

Where It's Typically Served

Sweet Potato Sheet Cake is often served during fall and winter holidays, especially Thanksgiving and Christmas. It is a popular dessert for family gatherings, potlucks, and other community events. The cakes ease of preparation makes it a favorite for busy home bakers who want to create a delicious treat without spending too much time in the kitchen. The cakes large size and easy-to-cut shape make it ideal for serving a crowd, and its sweet, comforting flavor makes it perfect for any occasion that calls for a festive dessert.

Interesting Facts

• Sweet potatoes are native to Central and South America, but they became a staple food in the Southern United States due to their adaptability and long shelf life.
• The combination of sweet potatoes and cake in this recipe is not only delicious but also provides a boost of nutrients. Sweet potatoes are rich in vitamins A and C, as well as fiber, making them a healthier alternative to some other cake ingredients.
• Sweet Potato Sheet Cake is sometimes called a fall cake because of its association with autumn flavors like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, though its enjoyed year-round.
• While this cake is often made with sweet potatoes from a can, using freshly roasted sweet potatoes can take the flavor to another level, adding a smoky depth to the cake.

Conclusion

Sweet Potato Sheet Cake is more than just a dessertit's a celebration of Southern culinary traditions and the versatility of the humble sweet potato. Whether you're enjoying it as part of a holiday feast or simply because you want a delicious, comforting treat, this cake brings warmth and joy to every occasion. So, why not try your hand at baking this easy, yet impressive, dessert next time youre craving something sweet and satisfying?

FAQ about Sweet Potato Sheet Cake Recipe