Moist sweet potato cake: traditional recipe and version with sweet potato flour
When autumn arrives and the days grow shorter, it feels good to turn on the oven and fill the house with comforting aromas. Sweet potato cake is one of those recipes that hugs you from the very first bite: moist, naturally sweet, and perfect for both breakfast and afternoon snacks. In this article, we’ll show you how to make it in two ways: with cooked sweet potato and with our Sweetba sweet potato flour, a gluten-free, flavor-packed option that is transforming healthy baking in Spain.
Why make sweet potato cake at home?
A natural, healthy, gluten-free alternative
Sweet potato adds natural sweetness that helps reduce the amount of sugar needed in the recipe. Plus, its creamy texture makes the cake tender without requiring large amounts of fat.
Perfect for autumn, but delicious all year round
Although it’s an especially autumnal recipe, thanks to the year-round availability of sweet potatoes today, you can enjoy this cake in any season.
Sweet potato properties in baking
Natural sweetness and a moist texture
Sweet potatoes have a lower glycemic index than other tubers, making them a great ally for those who want to take care of their diet without giving up pleasure. Their fiber and natural moisture help cakes turn out soft, moist and incredibly tasty.
Nutritional value of sweet potato and its flour
In addition to being a slow-release energy source, sweet potatoes are rich in vitamin A, antioxidants and minerals. Our sweet potato flour preserves all these properties, making it an ideal option for people who can’t, or don’t want to consume gluten.
Basic ingredients for a perfect sweet potato cake
Options to make it gluten-free, lactose-free or sugar-free
This recipe allows for plenty of adaptations. You can use plant-based drinks instead of milk, replace sugar with dates or erythritol, and use sweet potato flour or almond flour if you need it to be gluten-free. It’s a very forgiving recipe that easily adapts to different lifestyles.
How to make sweet potato cake step by step (with cooked sweet potato)
Ingredients
- 300 g cooked, peeled sweet potato
- 3 organic eggs
- 100 g brown sugar or panela
- 100 ml mild olive oil or coconut oil
- 150 g oat flour (or a gluten-free blend)
- 1 sachet baking powder
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- Orange zest (optional)
Step-by-step instructions
- Steam or bake the sweet potato until tender. Mash or blend until you get a smooth purée.
- In a bowl, beat the eggs with the sugar until the mixture becomes pale.
- Add the sweet potato purée and the oil, and mix well.
- Fold in the flour, baking powder and cinnamon.
- Pour the batter into a greased pan and bake at 180ºC for about 40–45 minutes.
- Check doneness with a toothpick, let it cool… and enjoy!
Tips to make it even moister and more aromatic
- Add one tablespoon of plant-based yogurt for extra moisture.
- Use coconut oil if you want a more exotic touch.
- Spices like nutmeg or ginger pair beautifully with it.
How to store it and how many days it stays tender
This cake stays moist for 3 to 4 days if you keep it in an airtight container or wrap it in baking paper. You can also freeze it in portions.
Sweet potato flour cake recipe (gluten-free)
Ingredients for the sweet potato flour version
- 150 g sweet potato flour
- 3 free-range eggs
- 100 g coconut sugar or brown sugar
- 120 ml plant-based drink or milk
- 80 ml mild olive oil
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 10 g baking powder (gluten-free)
Step-by-step instructions with sweet potato flour
- Preheat the oven to 180ºC.
- Beat the eggs with the sugar until foamy.
- Add the oil and the plant-based drink, mixing gently.
- Add the sifted sweet potato flour along with the baking powder and cinnamon.
- Mix until you get a smooth batter.
- Pour into a lined pan and bake for 35–40 minutes.
- Let cool before unmolding.
Benefits of using sweet potato flour over other flours
Sweet potato flour adds sweetness, color and a moist texture without needing butter or refined starches. Plus, since it’s natural and gluten-free, it’s ideal for people with celiac disease or those with sensitive digestion.
How to get a moist, fluffy texture without using wheat
The secret is not to overmix the batter and to respect baking times. If you want it even more tender, you can add a mashed ripe banana or a bit of applesauce.
Delicious variations to customize your cake
With orange or mandarin
Citrus zest and juice pair beautifully with sweet potato’s natural sweetness.
With chocolate or pure cocoa
A tablespoon of cocoa powder or a handful of dark chocolate chips creates a delicious contrast.
With nuts or autumn spices
Walnuts, hazelnuts, cinnamon, ginger… sweet potato cake welcomes endless combinations.
Frequently asked questions about sweet potato cake
Can you freeze sweet potato cake?
Yes. Slice it into portions, wrap each piece in baking paper, and freeze in an airtight bag. It keeps perfectly for up to 2 months.
What type of sweet potato is best for baking?
Yellow-fleshed sweet potatoes are the sweetest and creamiest, making them ideal for this kind of recipe. At Sweetba, we work with locally sourced sweet potatoes grown in Lanzarote, with a unique flavor.
How to adapt the recipe for kids or people with intolerances?
You can remove the sugar and use ripe banana or dates instead. You can also use plant-based drinks, gluten-free flours and organic eggs for an even healthier version.
Sweet potato cake is much more than a seasonal recipe. It’s a way of cooking with real, natural, life-filled ingredients. At Sweetba, we encourage you to try both versions—the traditional one and the one made with our Lanzarote sweet potato flour—and to experiment with the flavors you love most. You’ll see how such a simple cake can become one of your favorites. 💛