Sweet Potato Layer Cake with Marshmallow Frosting is a delightful creation that celebrates the comforting flavors of fall. Imagine the earthiness of sweet potatoes combined with the sweet, creamy goodness of marshmallow frosting—it’s the perfect dessert for welcoming the autumn season. This cake is not only beautiful and delicious but also easy enough to make for any gathering, whether it’s a cozy family dinner or an outdoor fall festival. Dive into this guide as we meticulously walk through each step, ensuring you end up with a heavenly dessert to impress your friends and family.
Detailed Ingredients
For the cake, you’ll need pantry staples and fall spices to bring the warm flavors to life. Gather 2 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour, 2 teaspoons of baking powder, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt to start. These ingredients provide structure and lift to your cake. The spices are just as crucial; 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon of ground nutmeg, and 1/2 teaspoon of ground ginger are perfectly warming spices that complement the sweet potatoes.
The rich, moist texture comes from 1 cup of unsalted butter at room temperature, and 2 cups of granulated sugar for sweetness. You’ll also need 4 large eggs, which lend richness and moisture, along with 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract for that classic sweet flavor profile. The star of the show, sweet potatoes, should be cooked, mashed, and measured to 1 cup. Finally, 1/4 cup of milk helps smooth the batter to achieve the desired consistency.
For the marshmallow frosting, prepare 3 large egg whites, 3/4 cup granulated sugar, 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. These ingredients create a fluffy, glossy frosting reminiscent of your favorite marshmallow treats.
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Expect to invest about 20 minutes in preparing your ingredients and batter. Cooking time is approximately 30 minutes allowing your cake layers to bake to perfection. In total, this recipe requires around 1 hour from start to finish. As a result, you’ll have a cake that can generously serve up to 12 individuals, making it ideal for gatherings.
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare two 9-inch round cake pans by greasing and flouring them for an easy release after baking. In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. This blend of dry ingredients sets the foundation for the aromatic experience of your cake.
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy—a process taking about 3-5 minutes using either a stand mixer or a hand-held electric mixer. Add the eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Mix in the vanilla extract for that extra layer of flavor depth.
Next, introduce the cooked and mashed sweet potatoes to the batter, stirring them until well combined. You’ll then alternate adding the dry ingredients with milk, beginning and ending with the dry mixture. This alternating technique helps ensure an even distribution of moisture and ingredients, resulting in a perfectly mixed batter. Be careful not to over mix, as this can lead to a dense cake.
Divide the batter equally between your prepared cake pans. Smooth the tops with a spatula and place them on the middle rack of your preheated oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes, checking for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of each cake. If the toothpick comes out clean, your cakes are ready! Allow them to cool in their pans for about 10 minutes before carefully transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
For the marshmallow frosting, combine the egg whites, granulated sugar, cream of tartar, and salt in a heatproof bowl. Place the bowl over a saucepan of simmering water, whisking continually until the sugar dissolves and the mixture reaches 160°F (71°C). This step ensures any bacteria in the egg whites are eliminated, creating a stable and safe frosting base.
Transfer the mixture to a mixing bowl, beating on high speed until stiff, glossy peaks form—a process that should take approximately 5-7 minutes. Once you achieve the perfect consistency, add the vanilla extract and briefly mix again to incorporate it into the frosting.
To assemble your cake, place one of the cooled cake layers on a serving plate. Spread a generous amount of marshmallow frosting over the top, using a spatula or knife to create a smooth layer. Add the second cake layer on top, pressing slightly to adhere. Frost the outside of the entire cake with the remaining marshmallow frosting.
For a delightful finish, consider using a kitchen torch to lightly toast the marshmallow frosting, giving it an irresistible campfire effect. This step is optional but adds both visual appeal and a subtle smoky flavor to the dessert.
Notes
Ensure that your sweet potatoes are thoroughly cooked and mashed to remove any lumps for a smooth cake texture. Room temperature ingredients, especially butter and eggs, help to achieve a uniform batter, improving the rise and texture of the cake. Always measure your ingredients precisely, as baking is a science with little room for error.
Cook techniques-FAQ
Why cook sweet potatoes instead of using canned puree? Cooking your sweet potatoes not only gives you control over the texture but also enhances the flavor. Canned products can sometimes alter the taste and moisture content of the cake.
Can I make this cake in advance? Absolutely, this cake can be made a day ahead. Simply bake, cool, and wrap the layers tightly in plastic wrap. Store at room temperature. Assemble and frost on the day of serving.
What if I don’t have a kitchen torch for toasting the frosting? If you don’t have access to a kitchen torch, you can skip this step or place the cake under a broiler for a few seconds, carefully watching to prevent the frosting from burning.
Conclusion
Sweet Potato Layer Cake with Marshmallow Frosting is truly a celebration of fall’s best flavors. With its combination of earthiness and sweetness, it’s a dessert that evokes warmth and comfort with every bite. Whether you’re serving it at a holiday dinner, a casual get-together, or simply indulging yourself, this cake promises to satisfy your taste buds and create lasting memories of autumn.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Once you’ve mastered this cake, consider experimenting by adding toasted pecans or walnuts between the layers for extra crunch. Or drizzle some salted caramel over the top for a more decadent experience. Pair this delightful cake with a spiced chai latte or a hot cup of apple cider to enhance the fall vibes further. If you love this cake, try your hand at a sweet potato pie or sweet potato muffins, bringing the cozy flavors to a variety of desserts this season.
