How To Make Cakes From Sweet Potato - Gardening & Growing Vegetables | O...

Sweet potatoes are not only versatile in savory dishes but can also be the star ingredient in delightful, healthy cakes. Follow this guide to make delicious sweet potato cakes, while also learning some gardening tips for growing your own sweet potatoes at home.

Ingredients for Sweet Potato Cake

• 2 medium-sized sweet potatoes (about 500g)
• 200g all-purpose flour
• 150g sugar (adjust to taste)
• 2 large eggs
• 100ml milk
• 50g butter (melted)
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon (optional, for added flavor)
• A pinch of salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Prepare the Sweet Potatoes:

• Peel the sweet potatoes and cut them into small cubes.
• Boil or steam them until soft (about 15-20 minutes), then mash them into a smooth purée. Set aside to cool.

2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:

• In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon (if using). This ensures that the baking powder is evenly distributed, giving the cake an even rise.

3. Combine Wet Ingredients:

• In a separate bowl, beat the eggs, then add the milk, melted butter, vanilla extract, and mashed sweet potatoes. Mix until well combined.

4. Combine the Mixtures:

• Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Stir gently until fully combined, but be careful not to over-mix, as this can result in a dense cake.

5. Bake:

• Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
• Pour the batter into a greased cake pan or muffin tin.
• Bake for 30-35 minutes for a cake or 20-25 minutes for muffins, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

6. Let It Cool:

• Once baked, allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a cooling rack to cool completely.

7. Optional: Frost or Glaze

• You can top the cake with a simple cream cheese frosting or a glaze made from powdered sugar and milk.

Tips for Growing Sweet Potatoes

If you're excited to grow your own sweet potatoes for future baking, here's a quick guide:

1. Planting:

• When to plant: Sweet potatoes thrive in warm weather, so plant them after the last frost when the soil has warmed up.
• Where to plant: Choose a sunny spot with well-drained, sandy soil. Sweet potatoes grow best in loose soil that allows their roots to expand.
• How to plant: Use sweet potato slips (small vine cuttings). Plant them 12 inches apart, with each slip buried up to its first leaves.

2. Caring for the Plants:

• Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist, especially during the first few weeks after planting. Sweet potatoes need regular watering, but ensure the soil drains well to avoid waterlogging.
• Fertilizing: Use a balanced fertilizer, but avoid high-nitrogen formulas as they encourage foliage growth over root development.

3. Harvesting:

• Sweet potatoes are ready for harvest in 90-120 days. Look for yellowing leaves as a sign that they are ready.
• After harvesting, cure the sweet potatoes by keeping them in a warm, humid place for about 10 days. This process improves their sweetness and shelf life.

With these steps, you’ll not only enjoy sweet potato cakes but also the satisfaction of growing the key ingredient yourself. Happy baking and gardening!