There’s something magical about a recipe that’s been passed from generation to generation—especially when it starts with butter, sugar, and love. Grandma’s Famous Sweet Potato Butter Cake is more than just a moist sweet potato cake—it’s a warm Southern dessert that feels like a hug from your favorite relative. Whether you’re baking for Thanksgiving, fall gatherings, or just because your soul needs a little sweetness, this butter-rich cake recipe is here to comfort.
Let’s be real: the world gets a little chaotic sometimes. But when your kitchen smells like cinnamon, nutmeg, and roasted sweet potatoes? Everything feels okay again.
Why You’ll Love This Grandma’s Famous Sweet Potato Butter Cake
Unbelievably moist thanks to real mashed sweet potatoes and sour cream
Rich and buttery—this isn’t called a homemade butter cake for nothing
Perfect for holidays or any time you crave a nostalgic comfort food dessert
Easy to make, even if you’re not a regular baker
Crowd-pleasing enough to earn a permanent spot in your Thanksgiving dessert lineup
Ingredients:
Before you preheat the oven, here’s what you’ll gather:
For the Cake:
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 ½ cups granulated sugar
4 large eggs
1 cup mashed sweet potatoes (about 1 large sweet potato, cooked and peeled)
½ cup sour cream
¼ cup milk
2 tsp vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 tsp baking powder
½ tsp baking soda
½ tsp salt
1 tsp ground cinnamon
¼ tsp ground nutmeg
Optional Glaze (but oh-so-worth it):
4 tbsp unsalted butter
½ cup powdered sugar
1–2 tbsp milk
½ tsp vanilla extract
Directions:
1. Preheat and Prep
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour either a 9×13-inch pan or a bundt pan. (We love a bundt moment for drama, but a sheet cake gets the job done too.)
2. Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, cream together softened butter and sugar until it’s fluffy and pale yellow. This is your cake’s foundation—don’t rush it!
3. Add the Eggs and Sweet Potato Goodness
Beat in the eggs one at a time. Stir in the mashed sweet potatoes, sour cream, milk, and vanilla extract. Your batter will start looking and smelling like fall in a bowl.
4. Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Slowly add this to the wet mixture, stirring just until combined. Overmixing leads to dense cake—so easy does it!
5. Bake and Cool
Pour the batter into your prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 40–50 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let it cool in the pan for about 15 minutes, then carefully turn it out onto a wire rack.
6. Add That Optional (But Amazing) Glaze
In a small saucepan, melt the butter. Stir in powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk until it becomes a silky glaze. Drizzle over your cooled cake—and maybe over your coffee too if you’re feeling fancy.
Tips for the Best Sweet Potato Butter Cake
Use real sweet potatoes—not canned puree. Bake or steam them until soft, then mash.
Room temp ingredients make for a smoother batter and even bake.
Don’t skip the sour cream—it’s the secret to that tender, moist crumb.
Try it with pecans—a sprinkle on top before baking adds crunch and Southern charm.
Store leftovers covered at room temp for 2–3 days or refrigerate up to 5 days.
FAQs
Can I make this into cupcakes?
Yes! Divide the batter into lined muffin tins and bake at 350°F for about 18–22 minutes. Test with a toothpick.
Can I freeze this sweet potato cake?
Absolutely. Wrap slices tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Just thaw at room temp and enjoy.
Can I substitute canned sweet potatoes?
You can, but for best texture and flavor, go with fresh. Canned versions can sometimes be too watery or sweetened.
Conclusion
This Grandma’s Famous Sweet Potato Butter Cake is the sweet potato dessert your holidays—and frankly, your Wednesdays—have been missing. Whether you’re curled up with a cup of tea or hosting the whole family for Thanksgiving, this cake brings people together. One bite and you’ll see why it’s called famous.
Ready to bake more? Browse through more easy sweet potato cake recipes and seasonal treats on RecipesLucy.com, like this warm Southern Banana Pudding Pie or our melt-in-your-mouth Brown Sugar Pound Cake.
Because every great gathering deserves a great dessert—and this one just might become your new tradition.