Southern Comfort Sweet Potato Pound Cake – A Light Summer Twist on a Classic

A Slice of the South, with a Citrusy Kiss

In the Southern kitchen, few desserts are as beloved as pound cake—and sweet potatoes? They’re a staple in both savory and sweet dishes. But what happens when you bring the two together and lighten things up for summer? You get this irresistibly moist, buttery, Southern Comfort Sweet Potato Pound Cake, infused with citrus zest and warmth.

This isn’t your average dense winter cake. This version is soft, slightly spiced, and brightened with orange and lemon. Perfect for summer brunches, garden parties, or a late-afternoon treat with iced tea on the porch. It’s inspired by Southern traditions but designed for sunshine and easy living.

Why You’ll Love This Cake

• Moist and tender: Thanks to sweet potatoes and sour cream.
• Southern-inspired: With a touch of spice and citrus.
• Perfect for summer: Light enough for warm-weather indulgence.
• Elegant yet rustic: For any occasion, from casual to classy.

Ingredients (Serves 4–6; makes one 9×5 loaf or small bundt)

For the Cake:

• 1 cup mashed sweet potatoes (from roasted or canned, well-drained)
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup light brown sugar
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• 1/4 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
• 1/4 cup milk
• Zest of 1 orange
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp nutmeg

Optional Citrus Glaze:

• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 1–2 tbsp orange juice
• 1 tsp lemon juice

Instructions

Step 1: Prep and Roast Sweet Potatoes (if needed)

If using fresh sweet potatoes, roast at 400°F for 45–50 minutes until tender. Cool, peel, and mash. Measure 1 cup.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, beat butter, sugar, and brown sugar until fluffy (about 3–5 minutes). Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each.

Step 3: Add Sweet Potato and Wet Ingredients

Stir in mashed sweet potato, sour cream, milk, citrus zest, and vanilla. Mix until smooth.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.

Step 5: Mix and Pour

Gradually add dry ingredients to wet, mixing on low speed just until combined. Do not overmix.

Pour into a greased loaf pan or small bundt pan.

Step 6: Bake

Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 45–55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Cool in pan 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.

Step 7: Optional Citrus Glaze

Whisk glaze ingredients and drizzle over cooled cake.

Nutrition Information (Per Slice – 1/8 of cake)

• Calories: ~320 kcal
• Fat: 15g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Protein: 4g
• Sugar: 30g
• Fiber: 2g

Variations to Try

1. Bourbon Sweet Potato Pound Cake

Add 2 tbsp Southern Comfort or bourbon to the batter and use in glaze for extra warmth.

2. Lemon-Lavender Glaze

Infuse glaze with culinary lavender for a fragrant twist.

3. Pecan Crunch Topping

Before baking, sprinkle chopped pecans and brown sugar on top for a crusty finish.

4. Mini Loaves for Gifting

Divide batter into mini loaf pans—perfect for summer hostess gifts or potlucks.

5. Gluten-Free Version

Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend and check doneness at 40 minutes.

Make-Ahead & Storage Tips

Make-Ahead:

• Bake 1 day ahead for best flavor—wrap tightly after cooling.

Storage:

• Keep at room temperature, wrapped, for up to 3 days.
• Refrigerate for up to 1 week.
• Freeze slices individually wrapped for up to 2 months.

Serving Tip:

• Bring chilled cake to room temp or lightly warm in a toaster oven for best texture.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use canned sweet potatoes?
Yes! Drain well and mash. Avoid those in syrup.

Can I make this cake without eggs?
Try using flax eggs (1 tbsp flaxseed + 3 tbsp water per egg), though texture may differ slightly.

What’s the best way to get smooth sweet potato mash?
Use a food processor or mash by hand with a ricer for a silkier texture.

How do I know when the cake is done?
A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.

Can I double the recipe?
Yes, bake in a standard bundt or 9×13” pan—adjust bake time accordingly.

Conclusion

There’s something timeless about the way this Southern Comfort Sweet Potato Pound Cake blends tradition with a touch of summer flair. It captures everything we love about Southern baking—the soul, the sweetness, the hospitality—but lightens the mood with citrus and sun-soaked flavor. Whether you serve it as the centerpiece of a summer brunch, a sweet ending to a backyard dinner, or just a cozy treat with a tall glass of iced tea, this cake is bound to leave a lasting impression.

As with most cherished Southern recipes, this one is meant to be shared. Pass a slice to your neighbor, serve it at your next Sunday gathering, or simply keep it tucked away in your kitchen for those quiet moments when comfort is all you need. However you choose to enjoy it, this cake is a reminder that the best recipes aren’t just delicious—they tell a story.

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