Use What You Have
Sweet Potato Dump Cake Recipe
This sweet potato dump cake is the perfect dessert for any holiday gathering or potluck. With its warm spices, creamy sweet potatoes, and crumbly cake topping, its sure to be a hit. Heres how you can make it:
Ingredients:
- 2 (15-ounce) cans of sweet potatoes in light syrup, drained
- 1/2 cup salted butter, melted
- 1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice
- 1 (2-layer) package spice cake mix or yellow cake mix
- 1/2 cup salted butter, cold, cut into small pieces
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans (optional)
- Whipped cream or vanilla ice cream, for serving (optional)
Instructions:
Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350F (180C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking pan and set it aside.
Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the drained sweet potatoes, melted butter, sweetened condensed milk, vanilla extract, and pumpkin pie spice. Use an electric mixer to beat the mixture until it is almost smooth. Its okay if a few small chunks of sweet potato remain.
Step 3: Spread the sweet potato mixture evenly into the prepared baking pan.
Step 4: Sprinkle the cake mix evenly over the sweet potato mixture.
Step 5: Place the cold butter pieces on top of the cake mix in an even layer.
Step 6: If youre using pecans, sprinkle them over the top of the cake mix for added crunch and flavor.
Step 7: Bake the cake in the preheated oven for about 45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the cake is set.
Step 8: Allow the cake to cool for at least 20 minutes before serving. This helps the cake set completely.
Step 9: Serve warm, topped with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream if desired.
Cooks Notes:
If you want a slightly less sweet cake, you can substitute three cups of canned sweet potato puree for the drained sweet potatoes.
You can also use fresh sweet potatoes instead of canned. To cook fresh sweet potatoes, peel and cut them into 1-inch cubes. Boil them for 12-15 minutes, or until they are very tender, then drain. Three medium sweet potatoes will yield approximately three cups of puree.
For a fun twist, add mini marshmallows to the top in the last 5 minutes of baking or sprinkle shredded coconut on top before baking for added texture and flavor.
Storage Tips:
Once the cake has cooled completely, cover it tightly and store it in the refrigerator for up to five days. It can be enjoyed cold or reheated.
Nutrition Facts (per serving):
- Calories: 556
- Total Fat: 21g (27% Daily Value)
- Saturated Fat: 13g (65% Daily Value)
- Cholesterol: 56mg (19% Daily Value)
- Sodium: 510mg (22% Daily Value)
- Total Carbohydrate: 87g (32% Daily Value)
- Dietary Fiber: 4g (13% Daily Value)
- Total Sugars: 47g
- Protein: 7g (13% Daily Value)
- Vitamin C: 12mg (13% Daily Value)
- Calcium: 240mg (18% Daily Value)
- Iron: 2mg (8% Daily Value)
- Potassium: 715mg (15% Daily Value)
Enjoy your delicious sweet potato dump cake!
The Story Behind Sweet Potato Dump Cake
Sweet potato dump cake is a modern twist on traditional Southern desserts, blending the rich, creamy texture of sweet potato casserole with the convenience of a boxed cake mix. Its origins can be traced back to mid-20th century America, when homemakers sought easy, time-saving recipes that still delivered comforting, homemade flavor. The term dump cake comes from the straightforward method of dumping ingredients into a pan without extensive preparation, making it a staple for busy households.
Regional Variations
This dessert is most popular in the Southern United States, particularly during fall and winter holidays such as Thanksgiving and Christmas. In different regions, minor variations appear: some Southern cooks prefer a spice cake mix for a warmer flavor, while others favor yellow cake mix to keep the dessert lighter. Toppings vary as well, with pecans, coconut, or even mini marshmallows adding regional flair.
Distinguishing It From Similar Desserts
Unlike a traditional sweet potato casserole, which often features a smooth custard-like base topped with marshmallows or streusel, the dump cake is characterized by its crumbly, buttery cake layer on top. This contrasts with pies, which have a firm crust and a uniform filling. The convenience and texture combination of moist sweet potatoes and a crisp cake topping make dump cakes uniquely appealing compared to other sweet potato desserts.
Where Its Typically Served
Sweet potato dump cake is a favorite at family gatherings, potlucks, and holiday dinners. Its ease of preparation makes it ideal for feeding large groups, and it pairs perfectly with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream. In addition, many Southern restaurants feature it as a seasonal dessert, especially in the autumn months when sweet potatoes are in peak season.
Fun and Interesting Facts
- The concept of dump cakes became widely popular in the 1960s when boxed cake mixes became household staples, offering a shortcut for busy cooks.
- Sweet potato dump cake is often mistaken for pumpkin-based desserts due to its similar color and seasonal spices, but it uses sweet potatoes, giving it a subtly sweeter and denser texture.
- Some cooks experiment by adding chocolate chips or caramel drizzle, demonstrating the recipes flexibility and modern adaptations.
- Despite its simplicity, this dessert embodies the essence of Southern comfort food, combining ease, sweetness, and nostalgic flavors in every bite.
- The dishs popularity continues to grow beyond the South, with many food bloggers and home cooks across the U.S. embracing it as a quick, crowd-pleasing dessert.
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FAQ about Sweet Potato Dump Cake Recipe
Comments
Rebecca Baker
03/14/2023 01:53:31 AM
I prepared this dish for Thanksgiving and it was a hit with my family. I plan on making it again next year, but I will follow your suggestion to use fresh roasted sweet potatoes to dial down the sweetness slightly.
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