Grandma’s Famous Sweet Potato Butter Cake – The Ultimate Fall Comfort Dessert
There’s something magical about a recipe passed down through generations—especially when it smells like cinnamon, nutmeg, and warm butter filling the kitchen. This sweet potato butter cake is the ultimate cozy dessert: incredibly moist, rich in flavor, and perfectly spiced. Whether you're craving a comforting slice with your afternoon tea or serving it as a holiday dessert, this cake delivers on all fronts.
Equipment You’ll Need
- 9x13 inch baking pan
- Large mixing bowl
- Electric mixer or hand whisk
- Medium mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Rubber spatula
- Wire cooling rack
- Toothpick (for testing doneness)
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich, buttery texture that melts in your mouth
- Naturally sweet from mashed sweet potatoes—great for blood sugar stability
- Spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg for that classic fall warmth
- Perfect for Thanksgiving, potlucks, and Sunday dinners
- High-protein and fiber-rich ingredients like eggs and sweet potatoes help keep you satisfied
Pro Tips
- Don’t overmix once you add flour—this keeps the crumb tender
- Use room-temperature eggs and butter for the fluffiest results
- Want a glaze? Mix 1 cup powdered sugar + 1 tbsp milk + ¼ tsp vanilla extract and drizzle over cooled cake
Optional Variations
- Add pecans or walnuts for extra crunch
- Top with cream cheese frosting for a decadent twist
- Spice it up with a dash of ginger or allspice
- Make it gluten-free by using a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend
FAQs
Can I use canned sweet potatoes?
Yes, just make sure they’re unsweetened and drained well before mashing.
How do I store it?
Keep covered at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to 1 week.
Can I freeze it?
Absolutely! Wrap individual slices and freeze for up to 2 months.
Is it good for brunch?
Totally! This cake pairs perfectly with coffee or chai tea and makes a great morning treat.
There’s a reason this sweet potato butter cake is famous. It’s nostalgic, deeply satisfying, and has the kind of home-baked charm that turns any moment into a special one. From the very first bite, you’ll understand why this dessert is a treasured favorite.

Grandma’s Sweet Potato Butter Cake
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13 inch pan.
- In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in eggs one at a time.
- Stir in mashed sweet potatoes and vanilla extract until smooth.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
- Add dry ingredients and buttermilk alternately to the sweet potato mixture, beginning and ending with flour mixture. Mix just until combined.
- Pour batter into prepared pan, smooth top.
- Bake for 30–35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool in pan 10 minutes, then transfer to wire rack.
- Serve warm or at room temperature. Optional: top with whipped cream or vanilla glaze.
Notes
Ready to bake a slice of comfort? Go preheat that oven—you won’t regret it!