The Best Sweet Potato Cinnamon Roll Cake Recipe for Fall Mornings

Craving a delightful sweet potato cinnamon roll cake that blends comfort and innovation?

Soft, pillowy layers promise a magical dessert experience.

Warm spices dance through each tender bite, creating an irresistible aroma.

Childhood memories of grandma’s kitchen mingle with modern baking techniques.

Rustic ingredients transform into an elegant dessert you can’t resist.

Swirls of cinnamon and sweet potato promise a unique twist on traditional treats.

This recipe will become your new weekend baking obsession.

Flavorful Variations on Sweet Potato Cinnamon Rolls

  • Autumn Harvest Cake: Replace sweet potatoes with roasted pumpkin puree, add extra warming spices like ginger and cloves for a seasonal comfort dessert.
  • Tropical Paradise Edition: Substitute sweet potatoes with mashed ripe bananas, incorporate shredded coconut into the batter, and add a hint of rum extract for a Caribbean-inspired version.
  • Nutty Crunch Variation: Mix chopped pecans or walnuts into the cinnamon swirl layer, sprinkle additional nuts on top of the glaze for extra texture and rich flavor profile.
  • Chocolate Lover's Dream: Fold cocoa powder into half the cake batter, creating a marbled chocolate-cinnamon cake with chocolate cream cheese glaze for decadent chocolate enthusiasts.

Pairing Ideas for Sweet Potato Cinnamon Roll Cake

  • Brew Bold Coffee: Match the cake's warm spices with a robust medium-dark roast coffee that complements the sweet potato's richness and cuts through the creamy glaze.
  • Pour Caramel Chai Latte: Enhance the cake's cinnamon notes with a spiced chai latte, creating a harmonious blend of warming flavors that elevate the dessert's comforting profile.
  • Serve Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: Add a scoop of cold, creamy vanilla bean ice cream alongside the cake to create a delightful temperature and texture contrast while balancing the cake's sweetness.

Storing Sweet Potato Cinnamon Roll Cake Properly

Store the cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent drying out.

Wrap the cake securely in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

Warm individual slices for 15-20 seconds on medium power. Check temperature and add more time if needed, being careful not to overheat.

Warm the cake at 325F for 10-15 minutes, covering with foil to prevent excessive browning. Add a splash of milk to maintain moisture if desired.

FAQs

  • Can I use canned sweet potatoes instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use canned sweet potatoes. Just drain and mash them thoroughly before using in the recipe.

  • How do I know when the cake is fully baked?

Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean with no wet batter, the cake is done.

  • Is it okay to skip the cream cheese glaze?

Absolutely! The cake is delicious on its own, but the glaze adds extra sweetness and richness if you choose to include it.

  • Can I make this cake ahead of time?

You can prepare the cake a day in advance and store it covered at room temperature. Add the glaze just before serving for the best texture.

Sweet Potato Cinnamon Roll Cake That Amazes

  • Craft Comfort Dessert: A heartwarming sweet potato cake that transforms traditional cinnamon rolls into a delightful, shareable treat perfect for family gatherings and potlucks.
  • Master Seasonal Baking: Combines classic fall spices like cinnamon and nutmeg with creamy sweet potato, creating a rich, aromatic dessert that celebrates seasonal flavors.
  • Customize with Ease: Adaptable recipe allows simple variations like adding nuts, adjusting spice levels, or experimenting with different glazes to match personal taste preferences.
  • One-Pan Wonder: Minimal dishes required, with straightforward mixing and baking steps that make this cake accessible for bakers of all skill levels, from beginners to experienced home cooks.

What You Need for Sweet Potato Cinnamon Roll Cake

For the Cake Base:
  • Sweet Potatoes: A moist and nutritious vegetable that adds rich flavor and natural sweetness to the cake.
  • Flour: The primary structure builder that helps create a soft and tender cake texture.
  • Buttermilk: Provides tenderness and helps activate the leavening agents for a light cake.
For the Sweeteners:
  • Granulated Sugar, Brown Sugar: Add sweetness and help create a caramelized flavor profile in the cake.
For the Spices and Seasonings:
  • Cinnamon, Nutmeg: Warm spices that enhance the sweet potato flavor and create a cozy, aromatic taste.
  • Salt: Balances and enhances the overall flavor of the cake.
For the Leavening Agents:
  • Baking Powder, Baking Soda: Help the cake rise and create a light, fluffy texture.
For the Binding and Moisture:
  • Eggs, Vanilla Extract: Provide structure, moisture, and depth of flavor to the cake.
  • Butter: Adds richness and helps create a tender crumb.
For the Cinnamon Swirl:
  • Brown Sugar, Cinnamon, Butter: Create a sweet and spicy swirl that adds texture and flavor throughout the cake.
For the Cream Cheese Glaze:
  • Cream Cheese, Butter: Provide a rich and creamy base for the glaze.
  • Powdered Sugar, Vanilla Extract, Milk: Create a smooth, sweet topping that complements the cake's flavors.

How to Bake Sweet Potato Cinnamon Roll Cake

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Prepare your oven by heating it to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Coat a 9×13-inch baking pan generously with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create Creamy Base

In a large mixing bowl, blend these ingredients until silky smooth:
  • Mashed sweet potatoes
  • Granulated sugar
  • Brown sugar
  • Softened butter

Add eggs and vanilla extract, continuing to mix until everything combines perfectly.

Step 3: Develop Dry Mixture

Grab another bowl and whisk together:
  • All-purpose flour
  • Baking powder
  • Baking soda
  • Salt
  • Ground cinnamon
  • Nutmeg

Step 4: Merge Wet and Dry Ingredients

Slowly incorporate dry ingredients into wet mixture, alternating with buttermilk.

Stir gently until just combined, avoiding overmixing.

Step 5: Create Cinnamon Swirl Filling

In a small bowl, combine:
  • Brown sugar
  • Ground cinnamon
  • Softened butter

Mix until the texture becomes consistent and spreadable.

Step 6: Layer the Cake

Pour half the cake batter into prepared pan. Spread cinnamon mixture evenly across the surface.

Top with remaining batter, smoothing the top carefully.

Step 7: Design Marbled Pattern

Use a knife or toothpick to gently drag through the batter, creating beautiful swirled patterns.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Place cake in preheated oven. Bake for 30-35 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean when inserted in the center.

Let cake rest in pan for 10 minutes after removing from oven.

Step 9: Whip Up Creamy Glaze

In a mixing bowl, beat:
  • Softened cream cheese
  • Butter

Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract.

Incorporate milk as needed to reach desired drizzling consistency.

Step 10: Finish and Serve

Drizzle luxurious glaze over cooled cake.

Slice and enjoy the delightful sweet potato cinnamon goodness!

Tips to Achieve Perfect Sweet Potato Cinnamon Rolls

  • Microwave or steam sweet potatoes until tender, then mash while warm for smoother, more consistent texture.
  • Do not overmix batter, which can create tough cake texture; stir just until ingredients are combined.
  • Use figure-eight motion with knife when creating cinnamon swirl for more intricate marbling effect.
  • Add milk gradually to cream cheese glaze, testing thickness to ensure smooth, pourable topping.
  • Allow eggs, butter, and cream cheese to sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before mixing for better integration.
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Sweet Potato Cinnamon Roll Cake Recipe


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4.7 from 29 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Comfort meets indulgence in this sweet potato cinnamon roll cake, blending Southern warmth with irresistible spiced flavors. Creamy sweet potatoes and swirls of cinnamon promise a delightful dessert that brings family and friends together around the table.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 cup mashed sweet potatoes
  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter
  • 1/2 cup buttermilk

Sweeteners and Spices:

  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

Cinnamon Swirl and Glaze Ingredients:

  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 4 ounces cream cheese
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 12 tablespoons milk

Instructions

  1. Prepare the oven by heating to 350F (175C) and coating a 9×13-inch baking dish with grease for optimal cake release.
  2. Combine sweet potatoes, sugars, and butter in a large bowl, creating a smooth, uniform mixture. Incorporate eggs and vanilla extract until fully integrated.
  3. Sift together flour, leavening agents, salt, and warm spices in a separate container, ensuring even distribution of dry ingredients.
  4. Gently fold dry ingredients into the sweet potato mixture, alternating with buttermilk to maintain a silky, lump-free batter.
  5. Create a decadent cinnamon swirl by blending brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and softened butter until thoroughly mixed.
  6. Distribute half the cake batter into the prepared pan, spreading the cinnamon mixture evenly across the surface. Cover with remaining batter, smoothing the top.
  7. Use a knife to delicately marble the cinnamon swirl throughout the batter, creating an intricate pattern.
  8. Bake for 30-35 minutes, checking doneness with a toothpick that should emerge clean when inserted into the cake’s center. Rest for 10 minutes after removing from oven.
  9. Whip cream cheese and butter until fluffy, gradually adding powdered sugar and vanilla. Adjust consistency with milk to achieve desired glaze texture.
  10. Generously drizzle the creamy glaze over the cooled cake, serving immediately to showcase its rich, swirled presentation.

Notes

  • Swap sweet potatoes with pumpkin puree for a seasonal twist that adds rich, autumnal flavor to the cake.
  • Use gluten-free flour blend to make this recipe completely gluten-free without compromising texture or taste.
  • Reduce sugar content by substituting half the granulated sugar with a natural sweetener like monk fruit or stevia for a healthier version.
  • Create dairy-free adaptation by using coconut cream instead of buttermilk and plant-based butter alternatives in both cake and glaze components.
  • Prep Time: 25 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 320 kcal
  • Sugar: 28 g
  • Sodium: 180 mg
  • Fat: 16 g
  • Saturated Fat: 9 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.3 g
  • Carbohydrates: 41 g
  • Fiber: 2.5 g
  • Protein: 4.5 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg
Ethan Caldwell

Ethan Caldwell

Founder & Culinary Innovator

Expertise

Farm-to-table cooking, Seasonal recipe creation, Culinary storytelling, Food photography and styling​

Education

The Chef’s Academy (Indianapolis, IN)

  • Program: Associate Degree in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Focused on sustainable cooking practices, regional American cuisine, and recipe development.​

Ethan didn’t just fall in love with food, he grew into it, surrounded by fields, farmers’ markets, and family meals that told a story.
After sharpening his skills at The Chef’s Academy, he took his passion straight into the farm-to-table movement, working side-by-side with local growers and seasonal flavors.
He believes every recipe should feel like a walk through a summer market: colorful, fresh, and full of possibility.
Outside the kitchen, Ethan’s idea of a perfect day is hiking mountain trails, digging into heirloom vegetables, and hosting casual dinners where seconds are always encouraged.

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