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Grandma’s Southern Sweet Potato Pound Cake

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Total Time 40 minutes
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • For the Cake:
  • 2 cups mashed sweet potatoes about 2–3 medium sweet potatoes
  • 1 cup unsalted butter softened
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves optional
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup whole milk or buttermilk
  • Optional Glaze:
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 2 –3 tablespoons milk
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Method
 

  1. Step 1: Prepare the Sweet Potatoes
  2. Peel and cut the sweet potatoes into chunks. Boil or bake them until soft, then mash until smooth. Let them cool completely before using.
  3. Step 2: Preheat the Oven
  4. Preheat your oven to 165°C (325°F). Grease and flour a bundt or loaf pan to prevent sticking.
  5. Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
  6. In a large bowl, beat the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until light and fluffy. This step is key for a soft texture.
  7. Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla
  8. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
  9. Step 5: Combine Dry Ingredients
  10. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt.
  11. Step 6: Mix Everything Together
  12. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with milk. Mix until just combined—do not overmix.
  13. Step 7: Add Sweet Potatoes
  14. Fold in the mashed sweet potatoes until evenly incorporated. The batter will be thick and creamy.
  15. Step 8: Bake the Cake
  16. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 70–80 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
  17. Step 9: Cool the Cake
  18. Let the cake cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
  19. Step 10: Add Glaze (Optional)
  20. Mix powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla to create a smooth glaze. Drizzle over the cooled cake.