Martine and Myrna Bazin's Haitian Sweet Potato Cake

Name: Martine and Myrna Bazin's Haitian Sweet Potato Cake
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 60 min
Total time: 140 min
Yield: 12 slices
Cuisine: Caribbean
Ingredients: 4 medium sweet potatoes (peeled and grated); 1 cup granulated sugar; 1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted); 1 cup coconut milk; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg; 1/4 teaspoon salt

140 min 12 slices Medium

All Recipes

A delicious Haitian dessert featuring sweet potatoes, perfect for any occasion.

Prep

20 min

Cook

60 min

Total

140 min

Servings

Difficulty

Medium

Haitian Sweet Potato Cake, or 'Gateau aux Patates Douces', is a beloved dessert that showcases the rich and comforting flavours of sweet potatoes. Martine and Myrna Bazin's version is a classic, capturing the essence of Haitian culinary traditions with every bite. This cake is not only delightful but also versatile. It's perfect for family gatherings, celebrations, or simply as a treat after a hearty meal. The combination of sweet potatoes, warming spices, and a hint of coconut make this dessert irresistible.

Ingredients

Servings

Cake Ingredients

Instructions

Preheat the oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch (23 cm) springform pan.

Pro tip: Using a springform pan will make it easier to remove the cake once it has cooled.

Prepare the sweet potatoes

Peel and grate the sweet potatoes finely. You should have about 4 cups.

Pro tip: For a smoother texture, use a food processor to grate the sweet potatoes.

Mix the ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the grated sweet potatoes, sugar, melted butter, coconut milk, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Mix well until all ingredients are thoroughly combined.

Transfer to pan

Pour the mixture into the prepared springform pan and spread it evenly.

Pro tip: Tap the pan gently on the counter to remove any air bubbles.

Bake the cake

Bake in the preheated oven for 60 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the centre comes out clean.

Pro tip: If the top browns too quickly, cover with foil during the last 15 minutes of baking.

Cool and serve

Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for at least 60 minutes before removing the sides of the springform pan. Slice and serve.

Pro tip: Cooling the cake in the pan helps it set properly and makes slicing easier.

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Tips & Tricks

<ul><li>Choose sweet potatoes with a deep orange colour for best flavour and texture.</li><li>Grate the sweet potatoes finely to ensure a smooth cake texture.</li><li>Use a springform pan for easy removal and serving.</li><li>Allow the cake to cool completely before slicing for the cleanest cuts.</li></ul>

Serving Suggestions

Serve this Haitian Sweet Potato Cake with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream to enhance its flavours. It's also delightful with a sprinkle of powdered sugar on top. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. This cake can also be made ahead and frozen for up to three months. Simply thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.