Name: Sweet Potato Cake with Brown Butter Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups all purpose flour; 2 teaspoons baking powder; 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda; 1 1/2 teaspoons salt; 1 tablespoon cinnamon; 1 teaspoon ginger; 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg; 1/2 teaspoon cardamom; 1/2 teaspoon cloves; 2 cups mashed sweet potatoes; 3 eggs; 1/4 cup neutral oil (like avocado oil); 3/4 cup unsweetened applesauce; 1 cup dark brown sugar; 1 tablespoon vanilla extract; 8 oz cream cheese, softened to room temperature; 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature and diced; 3 cups confectioner’s sugar, plus more to taste; 1/2 teaspoon orange zest; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/4 teaspoon salt

Jump to Recipe· 4.4 from 1 review

If you’re craving a dessert that feels like a warm, cozy hug wrapped in cake form, look no further than this Sweet Potato Cake with Brown Butter Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe. It’s a luscious combination of moist, spiced sweet potato cake topped with a luxurious frosting that’s both creamy and nutty, thanks to the browned butter. Every bite bursts with deep autumn flavors and just the right amount of sweetness, making it a perfect centerpiece for gatherings or a special treat any day you want to indulge. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will quickly become a beloved classic in your baking repertoire.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A large white bowl filled with smooth, thick orange-brown batter being stirred by a wooden spoon, showing swirling texture in the center; near the bowl, two small white bowls hold loose bright orange and yellow spices, and the scene is set on a white marbled surface with a crumpled beige cloth on the side. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This recipe relies on straightforward, pantry-friendly ingredients that come together beautifully to deliver outstanding flavor and texture. Each component plays an essential part in making the cake moist, tender, and spiced to perfection, while the frosting steals the show with its rich, nutty brown butter undertones.

2 cups all purpose flour: Forms the structure, giving your cake that perfect crumb.
2 teaspoons baking powder: Helps the cake rise and stay light.
1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda: Works with the brown sugar to balance acidity and boost fluffiness.
1 1/2 teaspoons salt: Brings out and balances all the sweet and spicy flavors.
1 tablespoon cinnamon: Adds warmth and classic fall spice aroma.
1 teaspoon ginger: Introduces a gentle, spicy kick deepening the flavor.
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg: Offers a sweet nuttiness that partners perfectly with sweet potatoes.
1/2 teaspoon cardamom: Gives an exotic, citrusy hint to brighten the spice mix.
1/2 teaspoon cloves: Adds a pungent, almost smoky depth.
2 cups mashed sweet potatoes: The star ingredient creating moistness and natural sweetness.
3 eggs: Bind everything together and enrich the cake.
1/4 cup neutral oil (like avocado oil): Keeps the cake tender without overpowering flavors.
3/4 cup unsweetened applesauce: Adds moisture and a touch of fruity sweetness, making the cake extra soft.
1 cup dark brown sugar: Gives deep caramel notes and perfect sweetness.
1 tablespoon vanilla extract: Elevates overall flavor and adds warmth.
8 oz cream cheese, softened: For that luscious and slightly tangy frosting base.
6 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature and diced: Browned to bring out a nutty, complex flavor enhancing the frosting uniquely.
3 cups confectioner’s sugar, plus more to taste: Sweetens and thickens the frosting beautifully.
1/2 teaspoon orange zest: Adds a fresh citrus brightness cutting through the richness.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Blends harmoniously with the cream cheese and brown butter flavors.
1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and pulls all frosting notes together.

How to Make Sweet Potato Cake with Brown Butter Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Pan

Set your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and prepare a 9×13 inch baking dish by greasing it with avocado oil or non-stick spray. Then line it with parchment paper. This ensures your cake bakes evenly and releases easily without sticking, making your final presentation flawless.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and all the warm spices—cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cardamom, and cloves—until they are thoroughly mixed. This step ensures the spices infuse evenly throughout your cake batter, giving every bite consistent and vibrant flavor.

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

In another large bowl, beat together the mashed sweet potatoes, eggs, oil, applesauce, dark brown sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined. This wet mixture is packed with moisture and natural sweetness, setting the stage for a tender and flavorful cake crumb.

Step 4: Blend Wet and Dry Mixtures

Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, taking care not to overmix, just until everything is combined. Pour the batter into your prepared pan and use an offset spatula to smooth it into an even layer. This step is crucial for an even bake and a beautifully uniform cake.

Step 5: Bake the Cake

Pop the cake into the preheated oven and let it bake for about 35 to 40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. After baking, cool the cake completely on a wire rack—warm cake will cause the frosting to melt, so patience here is key!

Step 6: Brown the Butter

Place the diced unsalted butter in a small skillet and heat over medium heat. Let it melt and bubble, stirring occasionally. Pay close attention as it shifts from yellow to a lovely golden brown; the nutty aroma and dark specks signal that your brown butter is ready. Remove from heat and cool in the fridge until cold, which will help your frosting hold its structure.

Step 7: Prepare the Brown Butter Cream Cheese Frosting

Beat the cooled brown butter and softened cream cheese on high speed until smooth and creamy. Gradually add confectioner’s sugar, orange zest, vanilla, and salt. Start mixing at low speed to combine, then crank it up to high and whip the frosting until fluffy and bright. This frosting complements the warm spices perfectly, adding richness with a refreshing citrus lift.

Step 8: Frost the Cake

Once your cake is cool, spread the luscious brown butter cream cheese frosting evenly across the top. For best results, refrigerate the frosted cake for a little while to let the frosting set before slicing and serving. This sweet finishing touch completes the Sweet Potato Cake with Brown Butter Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe with elegance and irresistible flavor.

How to Serve Sweet Potato Cake with Brown Butter Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

A square piece of moist carrot cake with a thick layer of creamy white frosting on top sits on a white plate with a tan rim, with some orange zest sprinkled on the frosting. The cake is light brown and textured, showing bits of carrot and a spongy crumb. A fork with a small bite of cake is resting beside the piece on the plate. In the background, more square pieces of the same cake with white frosting are on a white cooling rack on a white marbled surface, with a blurred beige cloth nearby. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To make your cake extra special, try sprinkling chopped toasted pecans or walnuts on top of the frosting for a delightful crunch that contrasts beautifully with the creamy frosting. You can also grate a little extra orange zest over the top to brighten each bite and lift the cake’s appearance.

Side Dishes

This cake pairs wonderfully with a warm cup of chai tea or spiced coffee, as the warm spices in both drinks complement the cake’s flavor profile. For an indulgent touch, serve alongside a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream to balance the spices with creamy coolness.

Creative Ways to Present

Slice the cake into neat squares and serve on rustic wooden boards for a cozy, homey vibe. For gatherings, offer mini versions in cupcake liners, topped with a swirl of the brown butter cream cheese frosting and a small pecan half. This recipe is so versatile you can dress it up or keep it casual depending on the occasion.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Your leftover Sweet Potato Cake with Brown Butter Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe will keep beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Keeping it chilled maintains the freshness of the cream cheese frosting while preserving the moistness of the cake.

Freezing

For longer storage, freeze the cake without frosting by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, freezing up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw the cake completely in the refrigerator before frosting it with freshly made or previously prepared frosting.

Reheating

If you want to enjoy a slice warm, remove the desired piece from the fridge and let it come to room temperature. Then gently warm it in the microwave for about 15 seconds to revive softness without melting the frosting completely. This way, you experience the cake’s best texture and flavor.

FAQs

Can I substitute regular butter for the avocado oil in the batter?

Absolutely! While avocado oil keeps the cake light and neutral in flavor, melted butter can add extra richness. Just be sure to use the same measurements and remember that butter solidifies when cooled, which might slightly change the texture.

Is it necessary to brown the butter for the frosting?

Browning the butter is a game changer. It adds a deep, nutty flavor that a simple regular butter frosting cannot match. If you’re pressed for time, you can skip browning but expect a less complex frosting.

Can I make this cake gluten-free?

You can swap the all purpose flour for a gluten-free blend, but choose one that measures cup-for-cup and contains xanthan gum to help hold the cake’s structure. The texture might vary slightly, but the flavor remains fantastic.

How do I know when the cake is fully baked?

Insert a toothpick or cake tester in the center of the cake. If it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs attached, the cake is done. Make sure not to overbake or it may dry out.

Can I prepare the frosting ahead of time?

Yes! You can make the brown butter cream cheese frosting a day ahead and keep it refrigerated in an airtight container. Bring it to room temperature and give it a quick whip before spreading to restore its creamy texture.

Final Thoughts

This Sweet Potato Cake with Brown Butter Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe is truly something special, combining familiar comfort with sophisticated flavor twists. It’s a dessert that feels like a celebration every time you serve it — rich, warmly spiced, and utterly unforgettable. I can’t wait for you to make it for your friends and family and watch it become their new favorite too!