Sweet Potato Cinnamon Roll Cake Recipe
Craving the cozy warmth of a cinnamon roll but want something a little heartier and more unique? This Sweet Potato Cinnamon Roll Cake is the perfect solution. It’s a soft, spiced cake made with real sweet potato, swirled with brown sugar and cinnamon, and finished with a luscious vanilla glaze and crunchy pecans.
Whether you’re baking for a fall brunch, holiday gathering, or a comforting weekend treat, this recipe hits all the right notes.
Why I Love This Recipe
This cake combines the texture of a moist coffee cake with the indulgent swirl of a cinnamon roll. The sweet potato gives the cake natural moisture and a subtle earthiness that pairs perfectly with cinnamon and nutmeg. The swirl melts into gooey ribbons of sugar and spice, and the glaze? It’s the icing on the cake—literally.
Plus, it’s made in a simple square pan—no rolling or yeast dough involved!
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 1½ cups (180g) all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 cup (240g) mashed sweet potato (about 1 large sweet potato)
- ½ cup (120g) sugar
- ¼ cup (60g) unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup (120ml) whole milk
For the Cinnamon Sugar Swirl:
- ½ cup (100g) brown sugar, packed
- 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup (120g) powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp (30ml) heavy cream
- 1 tbsp (15g) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ¼ cup (35g) chopped pecans (optional)
Instructions
1. Prepare the Cake
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×9-inch square baking pan.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
In a separate large bowl, beat together the mashed sweet potato, sugar, butter, eggs, and vanilla until smooth. Gradually mix in the dry ingredients, alternating with the milk, and stir until just combined—don’t overmix.
2. Make the Cinnamon Sugar Swirl
In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar and cinnamon. Set aside.
Pour half the cake batter into the pan and spread it evenly. Sprinkle with half the cinnamon sugar mix, then pour in the remaining batter and smooth the top. Sprinkle the rest of the cinnamon sugar mix on top and swirl with a knife for that signature marbled effect.
3. Bake the Cake
Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
4. Make the Glaze
Whisk together the powdered sugar, heavy cream, melted butter, and vanilla until smooth. Drizzle over the cooled cake and top with chopped pecans if using.
Tips for Success
- Use real mashed sweet potato (not canned puree) for best texture. Roast or microwave it, then mash until smooth.
- Don’t skip the swirl! Swirling the cinnamon sugar helps it caramelize beautifully in the cake.
- Let it cool slightly before glazing to avoid the icing melting off too quickly.
- Serve warm with coffee or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert!
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
This cozy cake is ideal for:
- Fall brunch tables
- Holiday mornings
- Afternoon coffee breaks
- Anytime dessert cravings
Pair it with:
- Pumpkin Spice Muffins for a full fall spread
- Banana Pudding if you’re hosting a dessert party
- Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Brownie Bombs for a rich finish
- Neiman Marcus Cookies for your cookie fans
- Caramel Apple Pie Cookies to bring that cinnamon-apple vibe
Storage & Reheating
- Room Temp: Keep covered for up to 3 days.
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Freeze: Wrap slices individually and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temp or microwave to warm.
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Final Thoughts
This Sweet Potato Cinnamon Roll Cake delivers all the nostalgia and warmth of a cinnamon roll, with the ease of a one-bowl cake and a healthy boost from real sweet potatoes. Whether you’re serving it for breakfast, dessert, or anything in between, it’s a moist, spiced masterpiece that everyone will want a second slice of.
Tried it? Tag us and show us your swirls! And be sure to follow ChefManiac.com for more cozy, crowd-pleasing bakes.
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