If you’re craving something cozy, spiced, and sweet, this Sweet Potato Cinnamon Roll Cake is your dream dessert. Combining the soft richness of sweet potato cake with the gooey swirl of a cinnamon roll, this recipe delivers the best of both worlds in one unforgettable bite.

Perfect for the holidays, brunch tables, or weekend baking, this cake is soft, moist, and layered with buttery cinnamon sugar. Whether you’re a fan of sweet potato desserts, cinnamon rolls, or both, this delicious hybrid will quickly earn a spot in your baking rotation.

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A Perfect Mash-Up of Sweet Potato Cake and Gooey Cinnamon Rolls

What makes this dessert so special? It’s all about texture and flavor. The sweet potato adds natural moisture, subtle earthiness, and beautiful golden color, while the cinnamon swirl provides gooey, sugary ribbons in every slice.

This isn’t just a cake with cinnamon on top—it mimics the structure of cinnamon rolls baked right into a tender cake base. You get soft crumbs, melty sugar, and a drizzle of glaze to finish it off. Think of it as a sweet potato honeybun cake, but better.

Moist, Spiced, and Topped With a Cinnamon Sugar Swirl

This cake delivers the warm spice and sticky sweetness of a classic cinnamon roll, paired with the comforting, velvety crumb of sweet potato baked goods. Here’s why it works:

• Moisture-rich sweet potatoes keep the cake soft for days
• Brown sugar and cinnamon swirl caramelizes during baking
• Vanilla glaze melts into the crevices for extra indulgence
• One-bowl prep makes it a breeze to whip up

Whether you’re baking for fall, Easter, or just because, this sweet potato cinnamon roll cake fits the moment.

Sweet Potato Puree, Cinnamon Sugar, and Pantry Staples

Let’s look at the ingredients that bring this decadent dessert to life.

For the Cake:

• 1 cup mashed sweet potato (about 1 medium sweet potato)
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 cup milk (or buttermilk for tang)

For the Cinnamon Swirl:

• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

For the Glaze:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons milk
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Everything You Need to Bake This Sweet and Spicy Treat

Basic tools make this recipe simple and approachable. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Mixing bowls
• Electric hand mixer or whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• 9×13 inch baking dish
• Spatula
• Small bowl for cinnamon filling
• Whisk for glaze
• Toothpick (for doneness check)

No stand mixer or piping skills needed—just straightforward baking.

How to Make Sweet Potato Cinnamon Roll Cake With Ease

Step 1 – Prep the Oven and Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking dish or spray with nonstick baking spray.

Step 2 – Make the Cake Batter

In a large bowl, whisk together the mashed sweet potato, melted butter, oil, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth. Beat in the eggs and vanilla extract.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the milk. Mix until just combined—do not overmix.

Step 3 – Pour and Swirl

Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. In a small bowl, mix the cinnamon swirl ingredients. Drizzle the swirl mixture evenly over the batter. Use a knife or toothpick to gently swirl it through the batter.

Step 4 – Bake

Bake for 35–40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool for 15–20 minutes.

Step 5 – Glaze and Serve

Whisk the glaze ingredients in a bowl until smooth. Drizzle generously over the slightly cooled cake. Slice and serve warm or at room temperature.

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From Sweet Potato Puffs to Honey Bun Cake Inspiration

This cake lends itself to endless creative variations. Here are a few ideas inspired by other sweet potato dessert recipes:

• Sweet Potato Crunch Cake: Add a pecan streusel topping for a nutty crunch.
• Sweet Potato Honeybun Cake: Double the cinnamon swirl for a gooier center.
• Sweet Potato Puffs: Turn the batter into cupcakes with cinnamon filling in the middle.
• Sweet Potato Banana Cake: Replace half the sweet potato with mashed banana.
• Spiced Apple Swirl: Add thinly sliced apples to the swirl layer for fall flair.

How to Keep the Cake Moist and the Cinnamon Swirl Perfect

For best results, follow these expert baking tips:

• Use room temperature eggs and milk for even mixing.
• Don’t overmix the batter—mix just until the flour disappears.
• Mash sweet potatoes smoothly for a uniform texture.
• Swirl gently—don’t over-swirl or the layers will blend.
• Let the cake cool slightly before glazing for the best texture.

Make Your Cake a Standout at Any Holiday or Gathering

This cake is a hit at:

• Thanksgiving and Easter tables
• Brunches with coffee or tea
• Birthday parties
• Bake sales
• Dessert buffets

Serving Suggestions:

• Serve warm with whipped cream or vanilla yogurt
• Dust with powdered sugar for a bakery-style finish
• Add a scoop of dairy-free vanilla ice cream on top
• Drizzle with honey or maple syrup for added sweetness

Keep Your Cake Fresh and Freezer-Friendly

This cake stays moist and delicious for days and stores well, too.

Storing:

• Store covered at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Reheat slices in the microwave for 15 seconds to enjoy warm.

Freezing:

• Freeze the cake (unglazed) tightly wrapped in plastic wrap and foil for up to 2 months.
• Thaw overnight in the fridge, then warm and glaze before serving.

Caloric Content and Sweet Potato Benefits

Here’s the approximate nutrition per serving (1 of 12 slices):

• Calories: 320
• Fat: 14g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Sugar: 25g
• Protein: 4g
• Fiber: 2g

Sweet potato benefits:

• Rich in fiber, vitamin A, and potassium
• Adds natural sweetness, reducing the need for excess sugar
• Creates a soft, dense cake without needing heavy fats

You can lighten this cake by reducing sugar or swapping the glaze for a powdered sugar dusting.

Great for Holidays, Family Brunches, and Dessert Lovers

This cake appeals to anyone who enjoys cozy desserts with a creative twist:

• Home bakers who want easy but showstopping recipes
• Families looking for a unique treat at brunch
• Holiday hosts needing a reliable make-ahead dessert
• Kids and adults who love cinnamon rolls
• Sweet potato fans who want to try something new

It’s just as comforting as a cinnamon roll, but with less effort and more flavor.

Baking Tips to Ensure a Light, Fluffy Texture

Avoid these mistakes for the perfect bake:

• Don’t use cold ingredients—they won’t mix properly.
• Don’t skimp on the swirl—it’s where the flavor lives.
• Check for doneness—use a toothpick to avoid raw centers.
• Let the cake rest before slicing for clean, defined swirls.

If the cake turns out dense or dry, the batter may have been overmixed or overbaked.

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Your Sweet Potato Dessert Questions, Answered

Can I use canned sweet potato?
Yes! Just make sure it’s plain and not sweetened or spiced.

Can I make this cake dairy-free?
Absolutely—use plant-based butter and milk. The cake will still be soft and flavorful.

Can I use whole wheat flour?
Yes, use half all-purpose and half whole wheat for a nuttier, denser cake.

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, it’s even better the next day. Bake it the night before and glaze in the morning.

Can I add nuts or raisins?
Definitely—pecans, walnuts, or golden raisins are great mix-ins.

Why This Cinnamon Roll Cake Belongs in Your Recipe Box

This sweet potato cinnamon roll cake is the kind of recipe that feels like a warm hug. It’s comforting, full of flavor, and easy enough for a beginner to master. With a moist, rich base and that sticky cinnamon swirl, it’s everything we love about cinnamon rolls and sweet potato cake—combined.

Whether it’s your first time baking with sweet potatoes or you’ve loved them for years, this dessert is an impressive and cozy creation that delivers on every level.

Loved This Recipe? Share, Save, and Subscribe for More Sweet Potato Desserts!

If you made this cake, we’d love to see your version! Leave a comment, tag your photo, and subscribe for more delicious, cozy recipes like this one. Don’t forget to share the recipe with fellow dessert lovers—it might just become their new favorite too.

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