Sweet Potato Layer Cake Recipe

Sweet Potato Layer Cake Recipe photo by Taste of Home

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"A true Southern classic, this cake is a hit at church functions and bake sales," writes Christy Shepard from Marion, North Carolina.

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Sweet Potato Layer Cake Recipe

Prep: 35 min. Bake: 25 min. + cooling

Yield: 10-12 Servings

35 25 60

Ingredients

1-1/2 cups canola oil
2 cups sugar
4 eggs, separated
1-1/2 cups finely shredded uncooked sweet potato (about 1 medium)
1/4 cup hot water
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2-1/2 cups cake flour
3 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup chopped pecans
FROSTING:
1-1/3 cups sugar
2 cans (5 ounces each) evaporated milk
4 egg yolks, lightly beaten
1/2 cup butter, cubed
2-2/3 cups flaked coconut
1 cup chopped pecans
2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Directions

In a large bowl, beat oil and sugar. Add egg yolks, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in the sweet potato, water and vanilla.
In a small bowl, beat egg whites until stiff; fold into the sweet potato mixture. Combine the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg and salt; add to potato mixture and mix well. Stir in pecans. Pour into three greased and lightly floured 9-in. round baking pans.
Bake at 350° for 22-27 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. Cool for 10 minutes before removing to wire racks.
For frosting, in a small heavy saucepan over medium heat, whisk the sugar, milk and eggs yolks until smooth. Add butter; cook, whisking constantly, until mixture is thickened and coats the back of a metal spoon, about 10-12 minutes. Remove from the heat; stir in the coconut, pecans and vanilla. Transfer to a small bowl; cool for 10 minutes.
Place one cake layer on a serving plate; spread with a third of the frosting. Repeat layers. Yield: 10-12 servings.

Nutritional Facts 1 serving (1 piece) equals 941 calories, 61 g fat (18 g saturated fat), 166 mg cholesterol, 318 mg sodium, 95 g carbohydrate, 4 g fiber, 9 g protein.

Originally published as Sweet Potato Layer Cake in Taste of Home October/November 1999, p67