I keep a jar of cooked sweet potato in the fridge. I made this cake the first time to use a big batch. It fits my week. It also works when I want a quick dessert or a snack after work.
The recipe is simple and small. I call it Flourless Sweet Potato Ginger Cake when I write it down. I bake it on a calm night. Then I cut pieces for school lunches or a quick tea break.
This cake is a small, wheat-free cake made with mashed sweet potato, ginger, eggs, and almond flour. It tastes warm, mildly sweet, and has a soft, dense crumb. People usually make it for tea time, light dessert, or a simple breakfast treat. It pairs well with plain yogurt or a hot drink. You can also serve it after a family meal. For a savory side to balance it, try a roasted root recipe like crispy air fryer sweet potato cubes.
Why make this recipe
This dish works when you want a quick, low-prep dessert. It uses cooked sweet potato so you can use leftovers. The bake time is short. The flavor is mild with a ginger kick. It fits special diets since it has no wheat. You can change sugar or oil to match what you have. It also keeps well, so you can make it on a Sunday and eat it during the week. If you like one-pan, simple bakes, see a related easy egg and sweet potato idea at easy sweet potato egg casserole.
How to make this recipe
Start with cooked, mashed sweet potato and mix the wet ingredients. Add almond flour and sugar. Stir until the batter looks smooth. Fold in the leavening and spices last. Pour into a greased pan and bake until set. Expect a moist cake that is a bit dense. The ginger gives a bright note. Let it cool before cutting so it firms up. This version of Flourless Sweet Potato Ginger Cake is forgiving and does not need fancy tools.
Ingredients
2 cups mashed sweet potatoes, 1/2 cup almond flour, 1/2 cup coconut sugar, 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted, 3 large eggs, 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon salt
Sweet potato gives moisture and natural sweetness. Almond flour keeps the cake gluten-free and adds a light nutty taste. Coconut sugar adds a deep, caramel note. Coconut oil keeps it moist and adds flavor. Eggs bind the mix and help rise a bit. Fresh ginger gives a warm, sharp taste. Baking powder gives lift so the cake is not too flat. A little salt balances the sweet.
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch round cake pan.
- In a large bowl, combine the mashed sweet potatoes, almond flour, coconut sugar, and melted coconut oil. Mix well.
- Add the eggs, grated ginger, and vanilla extract, and mix until smooth.
- Stir in the baking powder, cinnamon, and salt until well incorporated.
- Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and spread evenly.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow to cool before serving. Enjoy with tea or coffee!
Notes: Preheating makes the cake bake evenly. Mix wet ingredients first so the batter is smooth. Add the baking powder last and fold it in gently to keep the rise. A toothpick test tells you when it is done. Let the cake cool to finish setting.
How to serve this recipe
Slice the cake into wedges or small squares. Serve warm or at room temperature. A spoon of plain yogurt or a light cream cheese spread pairs well. It goes well with tea or coffee for a simple snack. For a small treat, dust with cinnamon or a little powdered sugar. You can bring a slice to work or pack pieces for a picnic with a sweet roll or something like an Elvis Presley Cake rich sweet creamy as another dessert option.
How to store this recipe
Cool the cake completely before storing. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. For longer storage, wrap slices in plastic and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge or at room temperature. Reheat a slice for 10–15 seconds in the microwave to warm it. Avoid leaving it at room temperature for more than a day to keep it fresh.
Tips to make this recipe
Use cooked sweet potato that is well mashed to avoid lumps. If the batter seems too thick, add one tablespoon of milk or water. Taste the batter for ginger level before baking; fresh ginger varies in strength. Do not overbake—check at 25 minutes if your oven runs hot. If the top browns too fast, cover with foil. This cake is forgiving, so small changes in sugar or oil work fine. Try this tip when you need a quick, reliable dessert: make a full batch and freeze portions.
Flourless Sweet Potato Ginger Cake works well with small swaps. You can use maple syrup for part of the sugar for a different note. Swap almond flour for oat flour if you do not need strict nut-free rules, but texture will change. Use melted butter instead of coconut oil for a less tropical taste. Add a handful of chopped nuts or a few chocolate chips for a twist. You can also skip the ginger for a milder cake, though that will change the profile of this dish.
FAQs
Q: Can I use canned sweet potato?
A: Yes. Drain any excess liquid and mash well.
Q: Can I use another flour?
A: Oat flour works, but texture will be softer.
Q: Is this cake vegan?
A: No. The recipe has eggs, but you can try egg replacers.
Q: How to know when it is done?
A: Use a toothpick; it should come out clean or with a few crumbs.
Q: Can I reduce sugar?
A: Yes. Reduce up to half for a less sweet cake.
Conclusion
This cake is a simple, useful bake for my routine. It uses pantry items and a cooked sweet potato. I find it easy to make and easy to store. If you want a spicier, gluten-free cake idea, see Gluten-Free Gingerbread Cake (Moist & Floofy!) – The Bojon Gourmet for another style. If you enjoy ginger with sweet potato, you may like the Ginger Sweet Potato Cupcakes with Ginger Frosting Recipe for a cupcake version.
Print
Flourless Sweet Potato Ginger Cake
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Description
A simple and moist flourless cake made with sweet potatoes and ginger, perfect for tea time or a quick snack.
Ingredients
- 2 cups mashed sweet potatoes
- 1/2 cup almond flour
- 1/2 cup coconut sugar
- 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted
- 3 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch round cake pan.
- Combine the mashed sweet potatoes, almond flour, coconut sugar, and melted coconut oil in a large bowl. Mix well.
- Add the eggs, grated ginger, and vanilla extract, and mix until smooth.
- Stir in the baking powder, cinnamon, and salt until well incorporated.
- Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and spread evenly.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow to cool before serving. Enjoy with tea or coffee!
Notes
Preheating makes the cake bake evenly. Mix wet ingredients first so the batter is smooth. A toothpick test tells you when it is done. Let the cake cool to finish setting.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 70mg