Down South Yam Cake
Indulge in the rich, spiced decadence of Down South Yam Cake, a true Southern dessert that combines the natural sweetness of fresh yams with warm notes of cinnamon and nutmeg. This moist, fluffy cake is elevated with a creamy, tangy layer of luscious cream cheese frosting and optionally garnished with toasted pecans for an irresistible crunch. Perfect for holidays, potlucks, or any time you crave a taste of Southern comfort, this recipe is as easy to prepare as it is to enjoy. With its balance of hearty ingredients and delicate sweetness, this yam cake is sure to become a family favorite.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh yams, peeled and mashed
- 2.5 cups all-purpose flour
- 1.25 cups granulated sugar
- 0.75 cups brown sugar, packed
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 large eggs
- 1.5 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1.5 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 0.5 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 cup whole milk
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 3.5 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream
- 0.5 cup toasted pecans, chopped (optional garnish)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking pan. Dust the pan lightly with flour and set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the mashed yams and vanilla extract until fully combined.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the yam mixture, alternating with the milk. Begin and end with the flour mixture, mixing just until combined. Do not overmix.
Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly with a spatula.
Bake the cake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
While the cake cools, prepare the cream cheese frosting. In a medium bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar, followed by the heavy cream and vanilla extract. Beat until silky and spreadable.
Once the cake has cooled completely, spread the frosting evenly over the top of the cake. If desired, sprinkle with toasted pecans for added texture and flavor.
Slice into squares and serve. Enjoy the rich, spiced flavors of the South in every bite!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
694 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 28.8 g | 37% | |
| Saturated Fat | 15.5 g | 78% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 129 mg | 43% | |
| Sodium | 353 mg | 15% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 101.8 g | 37% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 3.1 g | 11% | |
| Total Sugars | 70.1 g | ||
| Protein | 7.7 g | 15% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.7 mcg | 4% | |
| Calcium | 69 mg | 5% | |
| Iron | 1.7 mg | 9% | |
| Potassium | 443 mg | 9% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
