Sweet Potato Pound Cake with vanilla glaze on rustic table

Sweet Potato Pound Cake: A Comforting Southern Classic

by

Growing up, the arrival of autumn meant one thing: sweet potatoes everywhere
My grandmother, whose Southern roots ran deep, would always have a batch of sweet potato pound cake baking in the oven. The rich scent of spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla would fill the entire house. It was our ultimate comfort food — warm, sweet, and a little rustic — perfect for cozy family gatherings around the big wooden table.

Today, I’m thrilled to share this cherished Sweet Potato Pound Cake recipe with you, bringing a little Southern soul and a lot of flavor to your kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Sweet Potato Pound Cake

  • Incredibly moist and flavorful
  • Made with real sweet potatoes
  • Perfect for holidays or cozy weekends
  • A delicious twist on a classic pound cake

Whether you’re serving it at Thanksgiving or just craving a cozy dessert, this sweet potato pound cake is about to become a family favorite.

Ingredients for Sweet Potato Pound Cake

Sweet Potato Pound Cake ingredients on a kitchen counter

Here’s what you’ll need to make this heavenly cake:

Dry Ingredients:

  • 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • ¼ teaspoon ground ginger

Wet Ingredients:

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1 cup cooked, mashed sweet potatoes (fresh or canned)
  • ½ cup sour cream
  • ¼ cup milk

Step-by-Step Instructions

Sweet Potato Pound Cake batter being mixed

1. Prepare the Ingredients

Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (163°C). Grease and flour a 10-inch bundt or tube pan generously.

Tip: For best results, use freshly baked sweet potatoes for a richer flavor, but canned will work beautifully in a pinch!

2. Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together:

  • Flour
  • Baking powder
  • Baking soda
  • Salt
  • Cinnamon
  • Nutmeg
  • Ginger

Set aside.

3. Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together until the mixture becomes light and fluffy (about 3–5 minutes).
Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.

4. Add the Sweet Potatoes

Mix in the mashed sweet potatoes until fully incorporated. Your batter will start looking deliciously orange and velvety!

5. Combine Wet and Dry

Alternate adding the dry ingredients and the sour cream to the batter, mixing just until combined. Finally, stir in the milk to smooth everything out.

6. Bake the Cake

Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula.

Bake for 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Cool the cake in the pan for about 15 minutes before turning it out onto a wire rack to cool completely.

Optional: Sweet Vanilla Glaze

Take your Sweet Potato Pound Cake to the next level with a simple glaze:

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 2–3 tablespoons milk
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

Freshly baked Sweet Potato Pound Cake cooling on a wire rack

Whisk all the ingredients together until smooth and drizzle over the cooled cake. Let it set before slicing.

Tips for the Best Sweet Potato Pound Cake

  • Don’t overmix your batter! It can make the cake tough instead of tender.
  • Use room temperature ingredients to ensure a smooth batter.
  • Bake sweet potatoes instead of boiling to preserve their natural sweetness.
  • Wrap tightly in plastic wrap to store. This cake actually gets even better the next day!

How to Store and Freeze

  • Store: Keep your cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days.
  • Freeze: Wrap slices individually and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature and enjoy!

Sweet Potato Pound Cake Variations

Want to make it your own? Try these ideas:

  • Add pecans or walnuts for crunch.
  • Stir in mini chocolate chips for a fun twist.
  • Swap sour cream for Greek yogurt for a slightly tangier flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Slice of Sweet Potato Pound Cake with whipped cream
  • Top with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon.
  • Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
  • Enjoy a slice with a cup of hot coffee for an afternoon pick-me-up.

Conclusion: A Sweet Southern Tradition You’ll Love

There’s something so nostalgic and heartwarming about baking a Sweet Potato Pound Cake from scratch. It’s a recipe that carries warmth, family memories, and a touch of Southern charm in every bite.