1. Preheat and Prepare:
a. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan.
2. Make the Sweet Potato Cake:
a. In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt. Set aside.
b. In a separate large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
c. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
d. Mix in the mashed sweet potatoes until well combined.
e. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the sweet potato mixture, alternating with buttermilk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
f. Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly.
3. Bake the Cake:
a. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
b. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
4. Make the Maple Pecan Glaze:
a. In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter for the glaze.
b. Add the chopped pecans and toast them in the melted butter until fragrant, about 3-5 minutes.
c. Stir in the powdered sugar, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Cook, stirring constantly, until the glaze is smooth and well combined.
5. Glaze the Cake:
a. Pour the warm Maple Pecan Glaze over the cooled Sweet Potato Cake, spreading it evenly.
b. Allow the glaze to set for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
6. Enjoy the Autumn Bliss:
a. Slice into this warm and comforting Sweet Potato Cake with Maple Pecan Glaze, savoring the delightful combination of sweet potatoes, spices, and the rich maple pecan topping.
Conclusion:
The Sweet Potato Cake with Maple Pecan Glaze is a celebration of autumn’s bounty, bringing together the earthy sweetness of sweet potatoes and the richness of a maple pecan glaze. This dessert is a perfect accompaniment to cool fall evenings, family gatherings, or any occasion where you want to share the warmth and flavors of the season. Enjoy the blissful taste of autumn with each delectable bite. Bon appétit!