Sweet Potato Cinnamon Roll Cake Recipe

If you’re looking for a comforting dessert that combines the warm spices of cinnamon rolls with the sweet, earthy richness of sweet potatoes, then this Sweet Potato Cinnamon Roll Cake is exactly what you need. It’s tender, gooey, and beautifully swirled with spiced brown sugar — all balanced by a creamy glaze that melts into every bite.

This unique recipe brings together classic cinnamon roll flavors and elevates them with mashed sweet potato for a moist and flavorful cake. Whether you’re baking for the holidays, a family gathering, or just treating yourself to something special, this recipe is guaranteed to be a showstopper.

In this post, we’ll guide you through everything you need to know — from ingredients to instructions, expert tips, and frequently asked questions. So let’s dive into this delightful, crowd-pleasing cake!

Why You’ll Love This Sweet Potato Cinnamon Roll Cake

• Moist & Flavorful: The mashed sweet potatoes keep the cake soft and tender while adding natural sweetness and color.

• Warm & Spiced: The cinnamon-sugar swirl creates rich, buttery ribbons of spice that mimic classic cinnamon rolls.

• Easy Glaze: A simple, sweet glaze drizzled on top takes this dessert to the next level.

• Beautiful Presentation: Eye-catching swirls and a warm golden-orange hue make this cake a feast for the eyes.

• Perfect for Any Occasion: It’s festive enough for Thanksgiving, yet simple enough for a cozy weekend bake.

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Prep Time, Cook Time, and Nutritional Info

• Prep Time: 25 minutes

• Cook Time: 40–45 minutes

• Total Time: About 1 hour 10 minutes

• Category: Dessert

• Cuisine: American, Comfort Food

• Servings: 10–12 slices

• Calories: Approximately 380 per serving

Ingredients

For the Cake:

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour

• 1 cup mashed cooked sweet potato (about 1 large sweet potato)

• ½ cup granulated sugar

• ½ cup brown sugar

• 2 large eggs

• ⅓ cup whole milk

• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted

• 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder

• ½ teaspoon baking soda

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg

• ¼ teaspoon salt

For the Cinnamon Swirl:

• ½ cup brown sugar

• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened

For the Glaze:

• 1 cup powdered sugar

• 2 tablespoons milk

• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

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Read Also: Mini Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake Recipe

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Batter

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×9-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper.

2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.

3. In a separate bowl, beat together the mashed sweet potato, melted butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, milk, and vanilla until smooth.

4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Stir until just combined — don’t overmix.

Step 2: Make the Swirl

1. In a small bowl, mix together brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, and softened butter until crumbly.

2. Pour half the batter into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.

3. Sprinkle half of the cinnamon swirl mixture over the batter.

4. Pour the remaining batter on top and repeat the swirl layer.

5. Use a knife to gently swirl the layers for a marbled effect.

Step 3: Bake the Cake

Bake in the preheated oven for 40–45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Allow to cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes before adding the glaze.

Step 4: Glaze and Serve

In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.

Drizzle the glaze generously over the warm cake.

Let it set for a few minutes before slicing and serving.

Tips for Success

• Use fresh sweet potatoes: Roasted sweet potatoes bring more depth of flavor than canned or boiled versions.

• Don’t skip the swirl: It’s the magic that transforms this from a simple cake into a cinnamon roll dream.

• Let it cool slightly: The glaze sets better and creates a beautiful shiny finish when poured over a warm—not hot—cake.

• Want it extra gooey? Add a bit more glaze or double the swirl layer.

How to Store

• Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.

• Refrigerator: Keeps well for up to 5 days.

• Freezer: Slice and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw and warm slightly before serving for best texture.

12 FAQs About Sweet Potato Cinnamon Roll Cake

1. Can I use canned sweet potato puree?
   Yes, but ensure it’s 100% pure and not a pie filling, which contains added sugar and spices.

2. How do I mash sweet potatoes for this recipe?
   Bake or boil them until soft, then mash with a fork or blend until smooth.

3. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
   Yes, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend, but expect slightly different texture.

4. What’s the best way to swirl the cinnamon layer?
   Drag a knife gently through the batter in an “S” motion after layering to create a natural marbled effect.

5. Is it possible to make this cake vegan?
   Yes. Substitute eggs with flax eggs, butter with vegan margarine, and milk with plant-based milk.

6. Can I use almond milk instead of whole milk?
   Absolutely. Any milk will work — just note the flavor may vary slightly.

7. How do I know when the cake is done?
   Insert a toothpick into the center. It should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.

8. Can I skip the glaze?
   You can, but the glaze enhances flavor and keeps the cake moist.

9. Can I double this recipe?
   Yes! Use a 9×13 inch pan and adjust the baking time by an extra 10–15 minutes.

10. Can I add nuts or raisins?
    Yes, chopped pecans or raisins can be folded into the batter or sprinkled on top before baking.

11. What if I don’t have nutmeg?
    You can skip it or replace with pumpkin spice or allspice for a similar warmth.

12. How do I reheat leftovers?
    Warm slices in the microwave for 15–20 seconds to restore softness and gooey texture.

Final Thoughts

This Sweet Potato Cinnamon Roll Cake recipe is a delightful fusion of comfort and creativity. The soft texture, warm spices, and sweet glaze will make it an instant favorite among your friends and family. Plus, the sweet potato adds a healthy twist and vibrant color that’s perfect for your blog visuals.

If you loved this recipe, don’t forget to follow us on Pinterest for more unique, colorful, and flavorful desserts! Save, pin, and share this cake with your baking community — and let us know how yours turns out in the comments!