Purple sweet potatoes are an incredibly versatile ingredient that can add both color and flavor to a variety of dishes. One of the most delightful ways to enjoy this vibrant root vegetable is by making a Purple Sweet Potato Cake. This cake is not only visually appealing, but it also boasts a host of nutritional benefits. This article will walk you through the recipe for this delicious steamed cake, its step-by-step preparation process, and why it’s a healthy choice for your diet.
Table of Contents
Ingredients
To make this Purple Sweet Potato Cake, you will need the following ingredients:
- 2 medium-sized purple sweet potatoes
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup of milk
- 2 tablespoons of sugar (optional for sweetness)
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- 1 cup of all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon of baking powder
- A pinch of salt
- 1 tablespoon of cornstarch (optional, for texture)
Preparation Steps
1. Steam the Purple Sweet Potatoes
- Begin by peeling and slicing the purple sweet potatoes into thick rounds. Place them in a steamer and steam for approximately 15 to 20 minutes, or until they are soft and easily pierced with a fork. Steaming the potatoes helps retain their natural nutrients and enhances the sweet flavor.
2. Mash the Sweet Potatoes
- Once steamed, transfer the purple sweet potatoes to a mixing bowl. Use a fork or potato masher to mash them until smooth and creamy. For a smoother texture, you can use a blender, but it’s important to keep the consistency thick and not too watery.
3. Add Eggs and Milk
- Into the mashed sweet potatoes, crack two eggs and pour in one cup of milk. Stir well to combine. The eggs provide structure, while the milk adds moisture and richness to the cake batter.
4. Incorporate Dry Ingredients
- Add the sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt into the wet mixture. In a separate bowl, mix the flour, baking powder, and cornstarch (if using). Gradually sift the dry ingredients into the sweet potato mixture. Stir until the batter becomes smooth and well-combined. The cornstarch can help give the cake a slightly firmer texture.
5. Prepare for Steaming
- Once your batter is ready, transfer it into a heat-resistant bowl or cake pan. Use a spatula to smooth the surface of the batter. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel to ensure the cake doesn’t become too moist while steaming. Make fine holes in the cover here and there.
6. Steam the Cake
- Set up a steaming apparatus, ensuring that the water doesn’t touch the cake. Steam the cake for about 10-15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The cake should have a soft, moist texture with a slight sheen on top.
7. Serve and Enjoy
- After steaming, allow the cake to cool slightly before serving. You can cut it into squares or wedges. The purple sweet potato gives the cake a rich, earthy flavor that pairs wonderfully with a cup of tea or coffee.
Nutritional Benefits of Purple Sweet Potato Cake
Purple sweet potatoes aren’t just delicious; they are packed with nutrients that make them a healthy choice for a dessert or snack. Here are some of the key benefits of incorporating purple sweet potatoes into your diet:
1. Rich in Antioxidants
- The striking purple color of sweet potatoes comes from anthocyanins, a powerful antioxidant that helps fight oxidative stress in the body. Antioxidants are known to reduce inflammation and lower the risk of chronic diseases, such as heart disease and cancer.
2. High in Fiber
- Purple sweet potatoes are a great source of dietary fiber, which promotes healthy digestion and regular bowel movements. Fiber also helps control blood sugar levels, making this cake a better option for those monitoring their glucose intake.
3. Packed with Vitamins and Minerals
- This cake provides a good amount of vitamin A, vitamin C, and several B vitamins. Vitamin A supports healthy vision, skin, and immune function, while vitamin C is essential for the repair and growth of tissues and has immune-boosting properties.
4. Supports Gut Health
- The fiber in purple sweet potatoes also supports gut health by promoting the growth of beneficial bacteria. A healthy gut microbiome is crucial for overall well-being and can improve your mood, immunity, and metabolism.
5. Low in Fat
- With minimal amounts of fat, especially if you reduce the sugar, this cake is a lighter alternative to other rich desserts. You can also make it dairy-free by substituting the milk with plant-based milk options like almond or coconut milk.
14 Delicious Sweet Potato Dishes to Savor
- Sweet Potato Casserole – A classic comfort food, often made with mashed sweet potatoes, brown sugar, cinnamon, and topped with marshmallows or pecans.
- Sweet Potato Fries – Crispy, oven-baked or deep-fried strips of sweet potato, typically seasoned with salt, pepper, and herbs or spices.
- Sweet Potato Soup – A creamy and smooth soup, often blended with coconut milk or cream, and flavored with ingredients like ginger, garlic, and curry spices.
- Sweet Potato Pie – A traditional dessert, made with mashed sweet potatoes, sugar, spices (such as cinnamon and nutmeg), and a flaky pie crust.
- Mashed Sweet Potatoes – A simple dish made by mashing boiled or roasted sweet potatoes with butter, cream, or milk, and seasoning them with salt and pepper.
- Sweet Potato and Black Bean Tacos – Roasted sweet potatoes paired with black beans, avocado, and a tangy sauce in soft taco shells.
- Sweet Potato Salad – A savory salad made with roasted or boiled sweet potatoes, combined with ingredients like red onions, parsley, and a tangy vinaigrette.
- Sweet Potato Pancakes – Fluffy pancakes made with mashed sweet potatoes, flour, baking powder, and spices like cinnamon, often served with maple syrup.
- Sweet Potato Gnocchi – Soft potato dumplings made with mashed sweet potatoes and flour, served with butter, sage, or a tomato-based sauce.
- Roasted Sweet Potatoes – Simply cut into chunks, tossed with olive oil and seasoning, and roasted until tender, this dish is a delicious side to almost any main course.
- Sweet Potato Hash – Diced sweet potatoes cooked with onions, bell peppers, and sometimes sausage or eggs for a savory, breakfast-style dish.
- Sweet Potato Smoothie – A healthy drink made by blending cooked sweet potatoes with milk (or plant-based milk), spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, and a sweetener like honey or maple syrup.
- Sweet Potato Fritters – Fried or baked patties made from grated sweet potatoes, flour, eggs, and seasonings, perfect as an appetizer or snack.
- Sweet Potato Stir-Fry – Sweet potatoes cut into cubes or thin slices, stir-fried with vegetables and your choice of protein (like chicken or tofu), flavored with soy sauce, ginger, and garlic.
Conclusion
Purple Sweet Potato Cake is a delightful treat that combines the natural sweetness and rich color of purple sweet potatoes with a simple, wholesome recipe. Whether you’re looking to enjoy a nutritious snack or prepare a unique dessert for guests, this cake is sure to impress. With its antioxidants, fiber, vitamins, and minerals, it’s not only delicious but also beneficial for your health. So next time you’re in the mood for something sweet, consider giving this vibrant cake a try!