Name: Grandma’s Famous Sweet Potato Butter Cake
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 55 min
Total time: 1 h 25 min
Yield: 12 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups cooked and mashed sweet potatoes; 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 ½ cups granulated sugar; 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 4 large eggs; ½ cup whole milk; 2 teaspoons baking powder; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; ½ teaspoon salt

Hey y'all! If you're searching for a show-stopping dessert that brings back warm memories and big smiles, Grandma’s Famous Sweet Potato Butter Cake is just the treat for you. This moist, buttery cake is perfectly spiced and delivers all the nostalgia of home—ideal for Thanksgiving, potlucks, or any time you crave a little extra sweetness in your life. Let's get cooking!

Why You'll Love This Grandma’s Famous Sweet Potato Butter Cake

Unbelievably moist and rich texture that melts in your mouth.
Packed with cozy flavors from sweet potatoes, butter, and warm spices.
Easy-to-find ingredients and simple steps—perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
Makes a stunning centerpiece for holidays, family dinners, or parties.
Tastes even better the next day—if it lasts that long!

Grandma’s Famous Sweet Potato Butter Cake Ingredients

2 cups cooked, mashed sweet potatoes (about 2 large sweet potatoes)
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 cups granulated sugar
4 large eggs, room temperature
2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
1 ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
½ teaspoon ground allspice
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
¾ cup whole milk

How to Make Grandma’s Famous Sweet Potato Butter Cake

Step 1: Prep the Sweet Potatoes

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). If you haven't already, pierce the sweet potatoes with a fork and bake for 1 hour until fork-tender. Cool, peel, and mash until smooth. You can learn more about how to properly bake sweet potatoes here.

Step 2: Prepare the Pan

Generously grease and flour a 10-inch bundt or tube pan to ensure your cake releases cleanly and beautifully.

Step 3: Cream Butter & Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together on medium speed for 3-4 minutes, until light and fluffy.

Step 4: Add Eggs & Sweet Potatoes

Add eggs one at a time, beating after each addition. Mix in the mashed sweet potatoes and vanilla until well combined.

Step 5: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice. Alternate adding the dry ingredients and milk into the wet mixture, starting and ending with the flour. Mix just until combined; don’t over-beat.

Grandma’s Famous Sweet Potato Butter Cake

Step 6: Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into your prepared pan, smoothing the top. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 55–65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 7: Cool & Serve

Cool the cake in the pan for 20 minutes, then gently turn it out onto a wire rack to cool completely. Dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with vanilla glaze if desired.

Notes for Perfect Grandma’s Famous Sweet Potato Butter Cake

Use room temperature ingredients for the fluffiest crumb.
Don’t overmix once you combine wet and dry ingredients—it keeps your cake tender.
For more baking basics, check out this comprehensive baking guide.

Grandma’s Famous Sweet Potato Butter Cake Variations

Nutty Delight: Stir in 1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts for crunch.
Coconut Twist: Swap ½ cup flour for unsweetened coconut flakes for tropical flavor.
Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour.

Required Equipment for Grandma’s Famous Sweet Potato Butter Cake

Mixing bowls (large and medium)
Electric mixer or stand mixer
10-inch bundt or tube pan
Wire rack for cooling
Measuring cups and spoons
Whisk and spatula

How to Store Grandma’s Famous Sweet Potato Butter Cake

Wrap cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap or place in an airtight container. Store at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to 1 week. To freeze, wrap slices individually and freeze for up to 2 months; thaw at room temperature before serving.

Suggested Pairings & Serving Grandma’s Famous Sweet Potato Butter Cake

Serve with a dollop of fresh whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Enjoy alongside hot coffee or spiced chai for a cozy treat.
Dress it up with a warm caramel sauce or maple glaze for special occasions.

Pro Tips for Grandma’s Famous Sweet Potato Butter Cake

For extra flavor, roast your sweet potatoes rather than boiling to intensify their sweetness—you’ll notice the difference!
Allow the cake to cool completely before slicing to maintain its structure and keep it extra moist.
For buttery richness in every bite, avoid overbaking by starting to check for doneness at 55 minutes. Read about knowing when cake is done.

Grandma’s Famous Sweet Potato Butter Cake FAQ

Can I use canned sweet potatoes? Yes, just be sure to drain and mash well—avoid those packed in syrup for best results.
Can I make this cake ahead? Absolutely! This cake gets even more flavorful after a day, so it’s great for making ahead of time.
What if I don’t have a bundt pan? You can use two standard loaf pans or a 9x13-inch baking dish—just adjust the baking time and watch for doneness.

Prep time: 20 minutes
Total time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Yield: 12 servings

Grandma’s Famous Sweet Potato Butter Cake