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Comforting Haitian Pain Patate Sweet Potato Cake Recipe for Graduation Celebration

Haitian Pain Patate sweet potato cake - featured image

A moist and flavorful Haitian sweet potato cake infused with warm spices and coconut milk, perfect for celebrations and comforting moments.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 medium-sized sweet potatoes (about 2 pounds or 900 grams), peeled and grated
  • 1 cup (200 grams) brown sugar, packed
  • 1 cup (240 ml) whole milk or canned coconut milk
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) evaporated milk (optional)
  • 4 tablespoons (60 grams) unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 3/4 cup (90 grams) all-purpose flour (can substitute gluten-free flour)
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • Optional: 1/4 cup raisins or chopped nuts

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease your baking pan and line it with parchment paper.
  2. Peel and grate the sweet potatoes using the large holes of a grater or pulse briefly in a food processor to maintain texture.
  3. Add the brown sugar, melted butter, whole or coconut milk, and evaporated milk (if using) to the grated sweet potatoes. Stir well to combine.
  4. Mix in the eggs, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Whisk until fully incorporated.
  5. Gradually fold in the flour using a spatula, avoiding overmixing. Fold in raisins or nuts if using.
  6. Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and smooth the top with a spatula or spoon.
  7. Bake for 50-60 minutes until edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. Tent with foil after 40 minutes if top browns too quickly.
  8. Let the cake cool completely in the pan before slicing and serving.

Notes

Do not over-grate the sweet potatoes to avoid a gummy texture. Use fresh spices for best flavor. Mix gently after adding flour to prevent toughness. Tent with foil if the cake browns too quickly. Let the cake cool completely in the pan for best texture. For dairy-free, substitute coconut milk and coconut oil for milk and butter. Raisins or nuts are optional. Frozen grated sweet potatoes can be used if thawed and drained well.

Nutrition

Keywords: Haitian sweet potato cake, Pain Patate, sweet potato dessert, coconut milk cake, gluten-free dessert, graduation party dessert, Caribbean cake