Name: Potato Cake Maple Glaze
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 cups of plain flour.; 1 cup granulated sugar.; 4 teaspoons of baking powder.; A pinch of nutmeg (½ teaspoon).; ¼ teaspoon of table salt.; 2 cups sweet potatoes, cooked, peeled, and mashed.; 1½ cups of milk.; 2 eggs that have been whisked.; 2 teaspoons of vanilla flavoring.; ½ cup butter (1 stick), melted.; 1 cup packed brown sugar (for topping).; 2 tablespoons plain flour (used for topping).; 1 tablespoon cinnamon powder (for topping).; ½ cup softened butter (for topping).; 2 cups powdered sugar (used for the glaze).; 3 tablespoons of milk (for the glaze).; 3 tablespoons maple syrup (for the glaze).; 1 teaspoon vanilla essence (for the glaze).; 1 teaspoon cinnamon (for the glaze).; ½ cup chopped pecans, optional (for glaze).

A fork placed next to a slice of golden cake drizzled with maple sauce and pecans, sitting on a white plate. | recipesbytina.com

Our Treasured Tuber Treat That Brings Back Memories

I've nailed my tuber cake after years of tweaking and can't hold back from letting you try it! The kitchen always fills with wonderful spicy scents whenever this comfy dessert bakes. With my nutty maple topping drizzled over, it's basically comfort on a plate. You'll definitely want to keep this one.

What Makes This Dish Special

This dessert reminds me of kitchen time with grandma. It's the type that makes your home smell wonderful during baking. My little ones love joining in - they get so excited smashing the root veggies and pouring the sticky topping.

Your Ingredient List

Flour: Standard cupboard flour does the trick here
Sugar: Basic white granules let the root veggie flavor come through
Baking Powder: This helps get that fluffy height
Nutmeg: Try to grate your own - it really makes everything better
Sweet Potatoes: I often cook mine a day ahead
Milk: Full-fat gives the best rich taste
Eggs: Set them out early so they warm up
Vanilla: Don't skimp on quality here
Butter: One full stick, melted then cooled down
Powdered Sugar: For that smooth silky topping
Maple Syrup: I only use authentic stuff in my cooking
Cinnamon: Gives that cozy feeling
Pecans: Chopped chunky for nice bite

Let's Cook Together

Getting Ready: Set your oven to 350°F and find your trusty 9x13 dish. Always coat it well - nobody wants cake stuck to the pan!
Combine Dry Stuff: Take your largest mixing bowl and stir all dry items together. I usually crush any sugar clumps between my fingers.
Handle Wet Items: In a separate bowl, combine your soft sweet potatoes with milk, eggs and vanilla until smooth and even.
Mix Everything: Add your wet mixture to your dry bowl and stir just enough to blend. Then fold your melted butter in until it looks right.
Baking Time: Pour the mix into your prepared dish and let it bake around 35 minutes. You'll know it's ready when your home smells amazing and a toothpick comes out clean.

A slice of sweet potato cake topped with brown sugar glaze and chopped pecans, served on a decorative white plate. | recipesbytina.com

That Wonderful Crunchy Finish

The topping is honestly what I look forward to most. I blend the ingredients and scatter them over the top, then gently swirl. This creates delicious flavor pockets throughout that make each bite something to savor.

Finishing With Sweet Drizzle

Whipping Up Goodness: While your cake cools slightly, mix up that dreamy maple nut coating. I always make more than needed because some mysteriously vanishes during preparation.
Last Step: Drizzle your lovely mixture over the warm treat and watch it create a stunning finish. It soaks slightly into the cake, giving flavor to every forkful.

Try Different Toppings

I sometimes change up what goes on top. The kids go crazy for cream cheese frosting while my hubby likes just a simple sugar glaze. You can't mess this up - even just a dusting of confectioners' sugar works great.

Storage Tips

At our house this rarely sticks around long, but for any leftovers, I just cover it well and leave it on the counter. It stays moist for days though truthfully we've never managed to keep it around past the third day!

A slice of cake topped with a creamy glaze and pecans, served on a white plate with a green cloth in the background. | recipesbytina.com

Suitable For Any Gathering

I've baked this for everything from lazy weekend meals to big holiday parties. It's fancy enough when you need to impress but simple enough for an everyday treat with your afternoon coffee. People always ask me how to make it when I bring it somewhere.

Prep In Advance

During hectic weeks I'll bake this a day early. It actually tastes better the next day as flavors blend together. Just warm up slices quickly in the microwave if you want that freshly baked feeling.

Trying New Variations

I sometimes swap in other veggies for this dish. Butternut works wonderfully and I've tried fall pumpkin too. Each version brings its own special taste but keeps that same fantastic moisture level.

Customizing Your Creation

My girl loves when I toss in dried cranberries and my boy always wants chocolate chunks added. Sometimes I'll put in bits of candied ginger or a handful of plumped raisins. This basic recipe handles almost any add-in beautifully.

A slice of moist cake topped with a smooth, beige frosting and garnished with pecans, served on a white plate. | recipesbytina.com

Why Root Veggies Work Magic

Want to know the real trick here? Those orange tubers don't just taste good - they make everything incredibly moist. Plus I enjoy sneaking extra goodness into dessert. The kids think they're getting away with something while eating veggies in their treat!

Born From Extra Ingredients

This cake actually started when I had too many orange spuds after our big November feast. Now I purposely cook extra just so I can make this dessert. It's funny how my tastiest creations often come from trying to use things up.

Adjusting The Sweetness

Some days I use less sugar, especially when my root veggies are really sweet already. Between their natural sweetness and that maple topping, you don't need much added sugar. Go with what tastes right to you.

An Option Without Gluten

For my friend who avoids gluten, I swap in a quality gluten-free flour mix. It comes out just as tasty and nobody can spot the difference. Just double-check all your ingredients are certified gluten-free.

A freshly baked cake topped with caramel glaze and pecans, with a slice cut out, sits on a decorative white plate. | recipesbytina.com

Tasty Serving Ideas

Though this tastes great by itself, I love adding fresh whipped cream on top. For fancy times I'll put a scoop of vanilla ice cream alongside. During fall get-togethers I'll heat extra maple syrup to pour over each portion.

Freezing For Later

I'll often make two batches and freeze one for another time. Just wrap it carefully in plastic and foil and it freezes really well. It's so handy having this ready when unexpected visitors drop by.

The Flavor Combo That Works

What makes this so tasty is how everything works together. The orange veggie keeps everything moist, the spices add warmth, and the sweet nutty topping ties it all together perfectly. You'll enjoy each bite more than the last.

Spreading Happiness Through Food

This has become my automatic choice when bringing food to gatherings or cheering someone up. There's something about homemade baked goods that shows you care, and this one always brings smiles to faces.

A moist cake topped with a glossy caramel glaze and sprinkled with pecans, partially sliced on a white plate. | recipesbytina.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Is it okay to prep this cake in advance?: Bake the cake the night before and cover it to keep it fresh. Glaze it right before serving so it looks and tastes its best.
→ What’s the best way to prepare the sweet potatoes?: Cook them by boiling or baking until soft, peel them off, then mash until silky smooth. Make sure they’ve cooled when adding to your mix.
→ Can this dessert be frozen?: Yes! Skip adding the glaze, wrap the cake up tight in plastic and foil, then freeze for a few months. Thaw overnight and glaze fresh before eating.
→ Why does my cake seem dense?: Be sure to stir only until the wet and dry parts mix together. Overmixing can make the texture heavier instead of soft.
→ Can the glaze be made without pecans?: Of course! Pecans are optional. The glaze tastes just as good on its own, so go nut-free if you’d like.

Easy Potato Cake Maple Glaze