Okay, picture this: it’s a chilly autumn evening, the leaves are falling, and you’re craving something warm and comforting. But you’re also *exhausted*. That’s where this Sweet Potato dump cake comes in, my friend. It’s like a cross between a sweet potato pie and a super easy coffee cake, but even simpler. Think of it as a lazy baker’s dream – minimal effort, maximum flavor. Seriously, it rivals even my grandma’s famous sweet potato pie in terms of how quickly it disappears at family gatherings. And the best part? You probably already have most of the ingredients in your pantry. I always get excited when I find recipes like these that make me look like a rockstar in the kitchen when, really, I barely lifted a finger. You just *dump* everything in! That’s how easy to make this fantastic recipe.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!
What is a sweet potato dump cake?
Alright, let’s break it down. A sweet potato Dump Cake is, at its heart, a ridiculously easy cake where you “dump” all the ingredients into a pan and bake. Seriously, that’s pretty much it! There’s no fussy mixing, no creaming butter and sugar for ten minutes, no complicated techniques whatsoever. Think of it as a simplified version of a classic cake, but with the delicious, earthy sweetness of sweet potatoes. It’s essentially a sweet potato pie filling baked under a buttery, cake-like topping. The name comes from the method, of course, where you literally dump the ingredients into the pan, spread them out, and bake. It’s perfect for beginner bakers or anyone who wants a delicious dessert without all the fuss. I personally love how forgiving this recipe is; even if you’re a little off with the measurements, it still turns out amazing.
Why you’ll love this recipe?
Oh, where do I even begin? This sweet potato Dump Cake has stolen my heart (and my family’s, too!) for so many reasons. First and foremost, the flavor is just incredible. The warm, spiced sweet potato filling is perfectly balanced with the sweet, buttery cake topping. It’s a delightful combination of textures and tastes that just sings. Secondly, and this is a big one, it’s SO easy to make. I’m talking throw-it-together-in-10-minutes easy. This one’s a lifesaver on busy weeknights when you need a quick dessert. What I love most about this is how cost-effective it is. Sweet potatoes are typically very affordable, and the other ingredients are pantry staples that most of us already have on hand. So, you can whip up a decadent dessert without breaking the bank. But beyond that, it’s also incredibly versatile! You can serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, top it with whipped cream, or even drizzle it with caramel sauce. I even tested this with almond milk instead of regular milk one time, and it made it even creamier! For a similar super-easy cake, you might also like a classic blueberry cobbler, but the sweet potato version just has that extra touch of fall coziness. And let’s be honest, who doesn’t love a recipe that’s both delicious and easy?
How do you make a sweet potato dump cake?
Quick Overview
Making this sweet potato Dump Cake is honestly a breeze. You’ll start by preheating your oven and prepping your baking pan. Then, you’ll mix together the dry ingredients for the cake topping, followed by the wet ingredients. Next, you’ll spread the sweet potato filling in the pan and pour the cake batter on top. A quick swirl, and it’s ready to bake! The best part is that the whole process is incredibly forgiving. No need to be precise with the measurements – just eyeball it and have fun! I promise, this recipe is so simple that even the most novice baker can nail it on the first try.
Ingredients
What is the sweet potato filling?
* 2 (15-ounce) cans sweet potato puree: Make sure you’re not using Sweet Potatoes pie filling! What are some spices in pie filling that we don’t need?
* 1 cup granulated sugar: You can adjust this to your taste. If you like things extra sweet, add a little more.
* 1/2 cup evaporated milk: This gives the filling a lovely creamy texture. What is the best way to use evaporated milk?
* 2 large eggs: These help bind the filling together.
* 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Adds warmth and spice.
* 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Another classic sweet potato spice.
* 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger: Adds a bit of zing.
* 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness.
What is the cake topping?
What is the best shortcut for yellow cake mix?
* 1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts: Adds a nice crunch and nutty flavor. If you have nut allergies, you can leave these out.
* 3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted: What is the secret to a golden brown topping?
How do I follow step
Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan. I like to use baking spray with flour for extra insurance, but regular grease works fine too. This prevents the cake from sticking and makes it easier to remove later. Make sure every corner and edge are greased. Nobody wants a cake stuck to the pan!
Step 2: Prepare the Sweet Potato Filling
In a large bowl, combine the sweet potato puree, evaporated milk, eggs, cinnamon, and salt. Set aside. Ginger, nutmeg, and salt. Mix well until everything is fully incorporated and smooth. What are some good hand mixers? I always do this by taste, and a little extra cinnamon never hurts!
Step 3: Spread Filling in Pan
What is the best way to spread the sweet potato mixture in a baking pan? What is the best layer for a cake to sit on?
Step 4: Sprinkle Cake Mix
How do you sprinkle the yellow cake mix over the sweet potato layer? Try to cover the entire surface as much as possible. If there are gaps in the melted butter, don’t worry – it will take care of it!
Step 5: Add Nuts (Optional)
If you’re using nuts, sprinkle the chopped pecans or walnuts over the cake layer. This adds a lovely crunch and nutty flavor to the topping. My family loves pecans, so I usually go a little heavy on them.
Step 6: Drizzle with Melted Butter
How do you spread the melted butter over the cake mix? Make sure to cover as much of the dry mix as possible. What makes a golden brown, crispy topping? I always melt a little extra butter just in case. Better safe than sorry!
Step 7: Bake
How long does it take for a cookie to be golden brown? When inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on it towards the end of the baking time to make sure the top doesn’t get too dark. If it starts to brown too quickly, you can tent it with foil.
Step 8: Cool
Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool completely before serving. The filling will set and the topping will crisp up even more. I know it’s tempting to dig in right away, but trust me, it is worth the wait! I usually try to cool this for at least an hour to avoid the filling being too runny.
Step 9: Slice & Serve
Once the cake is cooled, slice and serve. Can you top it with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream or a drizzle of honey? What are some of the best ways to make a delicious cake?
What should I serve it with?
Sweet Potato Dump Cake is delicious on its own, but it’s even better with the right amount of topping. What are What are some good ways to serve it, depending on the occasion?
For Breakfast:Serve a slice with ice cold coffee or tea. What are some of the best spices in a morning brew? What is the best way to add Greek yogurt to your diet?
For Brunch:Make it part of a brunch spread with other sweet and savory dishes. What is a good side dish to serve with eggs, bacon and fresh fruit? Garnish with a sprinkle of powdered sugar for an elegant touch.
As Dessert:Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream. What are some good ways to serve caramel sauce with nuts? What is my family’s favorite way to enjoy it?
For Cozy Snacks:Enjoy a slice of cheese with ice cold milk or hot chocolate. What is the perfect comfort food for a chilly evening? I’ve been known to sneak a piece of bread into my kids’ beds – don’t tell!
My family tradition is to always serve this sweet potato dump cake with a big scoop of vanilla ice cream. The cold ice cream against the warm cake is just heavenly. I also like to sprinkle a little extra cinnamon on top for good measure. My grandmother always said that cinnamon makes everything better!
How do I make a sweet potato dump cake?
Over the years, I’ve made this sweet potato dump cake countless times, and I have learned a few tricks. What are some tips for perfecting your own version?
Sweet Potatoes: Prep:Make sure you’re using sweet potato puree, not sweet potatoes pie filling. What are the spices in pie filling that we don’t need? Don’t be afraid to use fresh sweet potatoes if you prefer. What are some good ways to mash potatoes and roast them until they’re soft?
Mixing Advice: When mixing the sweet potato filling, be careful not to overmix. Overmixing can result in a tough filling. Just mix until everything is combined. I’ve found that using a whisk works best to prevent overmixing.
Ingredient Swaps: You can easily customize this recipe to your liking. For example, you can use a spice cake mix instead of a yellow cake mix for a more intense flavor. You can also add different spices to the sweet potato filling, such as cloves or allspice. I’ve even tried adding a tablespoon of bourbon to the filling – it adds a lovely warmth!
Baking Tips: Keep an eye on the cake towards the end of the baking time to make sure the top doesn’t get too dark. If it starts to brown too quickly, you can tent it with foil. Also, make sure the cake is fully baked before removing it from the oven. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean.
Texture Indicators: Don’t worry if the cake looks a little wobbly when you take it out of the oven. It will continue to set as it cools. The most important thing is that the topping is golden brown and crispy.
Nuts Customization: Feel free to use any kind of nuts you like for the topping. Pecans and walnuts are classic choices, but you could also use almonds or even macadamia nuts. You can also toast the nuts before adding them to the cake for a more intense flavor. This adds an extra little something that people often compliment.
I learned the hard way that it’s essential to grease the pan really well. The first time I made this, the cake stuck to the pan, and it was a disaster! Now I always use baking spray with flour, and I haven’t had any problems since.
Storing and Reheating Tips
This sweet potato dump cake is delicious fresh, but it also stores well. Here are my tips for storing and reheating it:
Room Temperature: You can store the cake at room temperature for up to 2 days. Cover it loosely with plastic wrap or foil to prevent it from drying out. I usually keep mine on the counter in a cake stand.
Refrigerator Storage: For longer storage, you can store the cake in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Make sure to wrap it tightly to prevent it from absorbing odors from the fridge. I use an airtight container to keep it fresh.
Freezer Instructions: You can also freeze this cake for up to 2 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil to prevent freezer burn. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before serving. The texture may change slightly after freezing, but it will still be delicious.
Reheating Advice: To reheat the cake, you can microwave it for a few seconds until it’s warmed through. You can also reheat it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes. I prefer to reheat it in the oven because it helps to crisp up the topping.
I’ve found that the glaze, if you decide to add one, is best added right before serving. It tends to get a little sticky if you store the cake with the glaze on it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
So, there you have it – my family’s favorite sweet potato dump cake recipe. It’s easy, delicious, and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re a beginner baker or a seasoned pro, I guarantee you’ll love this recipe. It’s a crowd-pleaser that always disappears in minutes. The best part is that it’s so versatile – you can customize it to your liking with different spices, nuts, or even a glaze. If you enjoy this recipe, you might also like my pumpkin pie bars or my apple crumble. They’re all easy, delicious, and perfect for fall. Happy baking! I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out! Leave a comment below and let me know what you think. Don’t forget to rate the recipe and share it with your friends!
Sweet Potato Dump Cake Recipe: 5 Easy Steps for a Perfect Dessert!
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 60 oz sweet potatoes cooked and mashed
- 1 cup butter melted
- 14 oz sweetened condensed milk
- 2 tablespoons vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons pumpkin pie spice
- 1 box spice cake mix 2-layer size
- 1 cup butter cold and cut into small cubes
- 1 cup pecans chopped
- Whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for serving, optional
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with butter or baking spray.
- In a large bowl, combine sweet potatoes, melted butter, sweetened condensed milk, vanilla extract, and pumpkin pie spice. Blend with an electric mixer until mostly smooth.
- Spread the sweet potato mixture evenly into the prepared dish. Sprinkle the dry cake mix on top, covering completely without mixing.
- Top with cubed butter and sprinkle chopped pecans evenly.
- Bake for 50 minutes or until golden brown. Let cool for 30 minutes before serving with whipped cream or ice cream if desired.
