If you're dreaming of a dessert that tastes like warmth, comfort, and cherished family moments, Grandma’s Famous Sweet Potato Butter Cake is exactly what you need. From the very first bite, you’ll fall in love with its rich buttery texture, soft crumb, and the cozy scent of cinnamon and nutmeg filling your kitchen. This is the kind of cake that instantly brings back memories of holidays at Grandma’s house or slow weekend afternoons spent baking something special with the people you love.

I still remember the first time I made it on a rainy, chilly afternoon—craving a treat that felt like a hug. The sweet potatoes add an earthy sweetness and a silky softness that keep every slice incredibly tender. Best of all, the recipe is wonderfully straightforward, so even a beginner baker can bring a little nostalgia—and a whole lot of deliciousness—into their home. Whether you’re planning a holiday feast, hosting family dinner, or just treating yourself on a quiet day, this cake promises to make the moment unforgettable.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Rich and Buttery, Moist and Comforting

What truly makes this sweet potato butter cake stand out is its soft, luxurious texture. The combination of creamy butter and smooth sweet potato mash gives every slice a tender, melt-in-your-mouth feel that’s far more indulgent than a simple sponge cake. It’s dense in the most delightful way—moist, comforting, and satisfying without ever feeling heavy. One bite and you’ll taste the difference that real butter and homemade love can make!

Naturally Sweet Potato-Infused Flavor

Sweet potatoes bring a flavor that’s delicate yet full of character—slightly sweet, a little earthy, and beautifully balanced. They keep the cake moist for days, eliminating the need for overly sugary frostings. When mashed until smooth, they blend seamlessly into the batter, creating a silky texture and warm flavor that sets this cake far above anything store-bought.

Warm Spices Bring Seasonal Vibes

Just a hint of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves adds that classic cozy aroma we all adore—especially during the cooler months. These spices give the cake a little extra personality and depth, turning each slice into a comforting seasonal treat perfect for holidays, celebrations, or simply enjoying by the fireplace.

Nostalgic, Homestyle Comfort — A Cake That Feels Like Home

This is more than just a dessert… it’s a trip back to cherished family gatherings and traditions passed down through generations. Serving this cake feels like sharing a sweet piece of home — the kind of recipe that’s made with love, served with pride, and remembered forever.

Ingredients

Before we dive into mixing and baking, let’s take a moment to appreciate the simple, everyday ingredients that bring this cozy cake to life. Everything here works together to create a buttery, soft crumb with just the right amount of sweet, spiced goodness.

Full List of Ingredients

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 cups granulated sugar
4 large eggs
1 ½ cups mashed cooked sweet potatoes
2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon cinnamon
½ teaspoon nutmeg
¼ teaspoon cloves
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ cup whole milk

Role of Each Ingredient

Each ingredient plays a starring role, helping you achieve that irresistible homemade texture and flavor:

Unsalted butter — the heart of this cake, giving richness, softness, and amazing buttery flavor.
Granulated sugar — sweetens and helps the cake rise into a beautiful golden crumb.
Eggs — bind everything together while adding richness and lift.
Mashed sweet potatoes — bring natural sweetness, moisture, and a silky texture.
All-purpose flour — creates structure that holds the cake together.
Baking powder & baking soda — lighten the batter and help counter the density of the sweet potatoes.
Salt — enhances and balances every flavor.
Cinnamon, nutmeg & cloves — warm spices that cozy up this cake with seasonal aroma and depth.
Vanilla extract — adds sweetness and a lovely aromatic finish.
Whole milk — keeps the crumb tender and moist from the inside out.

How to Make Grandma’s Famous Sweet Potato Butter Cake

This recipe comes together smoothly, even if you’re not a frequent baker. Just follow these comforting, stress-free steps and your kitchen will soon smell like pure magic. ✨

Step-by-Step Instructions

1️⃣ Preheat & Prep the Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a bundt or loaf pan so nothing sticks — we want every delicious slice intact!

2️⃣ Cream Butter & Sugar
Beat the softened butter and sugar together until the mixture is pale and fluffy. This step adds tiny air pockets that help your cake bake light and beautifully.

3️⃣ Add Eggs, Sweet Potatoes & Vanilla
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each to keep the batter smooth.
Fold in the mashed sweet potatoes and vanilla — this is where the magic creaminess begins.

4️⃣ Combine Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and all the cozy spices. Make sure they’re well blended so the flavors are evenly distributed.

5️⃣ Mix Everything Together (Gently!)
Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture in three parts, alternating with the milk.
Tip: Stop mixing as soon as the flour disappears. Overmixing can make the cake tough — and we want tender!

6️⃣ Bake to Perfection
Pour the batter into your prepared pan and smooth the top.
Bake 55–65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
(Ovens vary — start checking around the 55-minute mark.)

7️⃣ Cool Before Slicing
Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. This helps the crumb set while staying beautifully moist.

What to Serve with This Recipe

This cozy cake is already amazing on its own, but pairing it with the right flavors can take it from delicious to unforgettable. Think warm, comforting, and perfectly complementary.

Suggested Pairings

Drinks:

A cozy mug of chai or spiced tea
A strong cup of dark roast coffee
Cold glass of creamy milk
A cinnamon–maple latte for extra autumn sweetness

Sweet finishing touches:

A scoop of vanilla or butter-pecan ice cream
A swirl of softly whipped cream
A drizzle of warm maple syrup or silky brown-butter glaze
A sprinkle of powdered sugar for a classic finish

Perfect occasions:

Thanksgiving or Christmas dessert tables
Fall and winter family gatherings
Weekend brunch
Potlucks and bake-and-share parties

Wherever it’s served, this cake brings smiles and a touch of home-baked love.

Variations & Substitutions

One of the best things about this recipe is how easily you can make it your own. Whether you want more sweetness, a different texture, or a dietary swap, these ideas will help you customize with confidence.

Add a Glaze or Frosting

If you want to dress it up a bit, try:

Brown butter glaze
Maple glaze
Cinnamon-honey buttercream
Even a drizzle of caramel

And for nut lovers — stir in toasted pecans or walnuts, or sprinkle on top before serving for a lovely crunch.

Cupcakes or Mini Loaves

If you’re baking for a crowd (or want perfect little giftable treats), divide the batter:

Bake in loaf pans, a cupcake tray, or mini loaf molds
Shorten bake time for smaller pans — start checking around 25–35 minutes

Ideal for holidays, bake sales, and sharing with neighbors.

Dietary Swaps & Adjustments

Lower sugar: Sweet potatoes already add natural sweetness — reduce sugar by ~25% if desired
Dairy-free option: Sub in plant-based milk and butter
Gluten-free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend (texture will be slightly more dense, but still delicious!)

These small changes keep the cake comforting and approachable for everyone.

Storage Instructions

This is one of those cakes that stays wonderfully moist for days — and only seems to taste better with time!

Room Temperature Storage

Store in an airtight container or wrapped securely in plastic wrap. It will stay fresh and soft for 2–3 days on the counter.

Refrigeration Tips

Keep the cake in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5–7 days.
Bring slices to room temp or give them a quick warm-up before serving — the softness returns beautifully.

Freezer-Friendly & Make-Ahead

Freeze whole or in slices — tightly wrapped in plastic wrap + foil
Lasts up to 2–3 months
Thaw at room temp and gently warm before serving
Perfect for holiday planning!

Recipe Tips & Tricks

A few simple baking secrets make all the difference:

Roast, don’t boil sweet potatoes for the best flavor — roasting enhances their natural sweetness
Room-temperature butter and eggs help everything blend smoothly
Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy for lift and softness
Don’t overmix! Once the flour goes in, mix just until combined
Measure flour carefully — spoon and level for accuracy
Check doneness early — ovens vary, so start testing around the 55-minute mark

These little steps help ensure your cake comes out tender and bakery-worthy every time.

Related Recipes

If you loved this Sweet Potato Butter Cake, you might also enjoy these delightful treats:

Soft Apple Cake: a cozy cinnamon-apple cake with tender crumb
Pineapple Heaven Cake: a tropical, moist cake with creamy topping
Easy Cream Puff Cake: a flaky and creamy dessert that’s light yet indulgent

FAQs

Can I use canned sweet potatoes?

Yes! Just make sure to drain them well and mash until smooth. Fresh roasted sweet potatoes still offer the deepest flavor, but canned works in a pinch.

Can I use salted butter instead?

You can — just reduce or omit the added salt to keep the balance right.

Why is my cake dense or gummy?

Most likely:

Overmixing the batter
Too much moisture in the sweet potatoes
Too much flour
Roasting sweet potatoes, measuring flour properly, and gentle mixing help avoid this.

Can I turn this recipe into cupcakes or mini loaves?

Absolutely — just shorten the baking time and check frequently so they stay beautifully moist.

Is this cake good for special occasions?

Definitely! Its cozy flavor and nostalgic charm make it a favorite for holidays, potlucks, or any time you want something comforting and unforgettable.

Conclusion

Grandma’s Famous Sweet Potato Butter Cake is the kind of recipe that feels like a warm hug from the inside out. Every slice delivers buttery richness, tender sweetness, and that wonderful hit of comforting spice. It’s the perfect treat to bake when you want to share joy — or simply treat yourself to something special.

Give this recipe a try and experience the delicious nostalgia for yourself! And when you do, I’d love to hear how it turned out for you — leave a comment, share a photo, or save it to Pinterest so more home bakers can fall in love with it too. ❤️🍰