Sweet potato cake with tapioca starch is a delightful, chewy dessert that combines the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes with the unique texture of tapioca. This cake is popular in various cuisines, especially in Southeast Asia, and is enjoyed for its simplicity and delicious flavor. Follow this easy recipe to create a sweet potato cake that’s perfect for sharing with family and friends.

Ingredients

• 2 large sweet potatoes (preferably orange-fleshed for a bright color)
• 1 cup tapioca starch
• ½ cup rice flour (optional for additional texture)
• ¾ cup sugar (adjust to taste)
• 1 cup coconut milk (for a creamy flavor)
• ¼ cup water
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)

Optional Toppings

• Shredded coconut
• Toasted sesame seeds

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Sweet Potatoes

1. Peel the sweet potatoes and cut them into small chunks.
2. Place the sweet potato chunks in a steamer and steam them for about 15-20 minutes, or until they are soft and easy to mash.
3. Once steamed, transfer the sweet potatoes to a mixing bowl and mash them until smooth.

Step 2: Prepare the Batter

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the tapioca starch, rice flour (if using), and sugar. Mix well.
2. Gradually add the coconut milk, water, salt, and vanilla extract, whisking until smooth and free of lumps.
3. Add the mashed sweet potatoes to the mixture, and stir until well incorporated. The batter should be thick but pourable. If it’s too thick, add a bit more water until it reaches the right consistency.

Step 3: Cook the Cake

1. Grease a round cake pan or square baking dish with a little oil or line it with parchment paper.
2. Pour the batter into the pan, spreading it evenly.
3. Steam the cake for 45 minutes to 1 hour, depending on the thickness of your batter. To test if it’s done, insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean.

Step 4: Cool and Serve

1. Once the cake is cooked, remove it from the steamer and let it cool completely in the pan. This helps it firm up and become easier to slice.
2. Once cool, carefully remove the cake from the pan. Cut it into slices or squares.

Optional Toppings

Sprinkle shredded coconut or toasted sesame seeds on top for added texture and flavor.

Tips for the Perfect Sweet Potato Cake

• Sweetness level: Adjust the sugar to suit your taste. You can also use brown sugar for a more caramel-like flavor.
• Coconut flavor: For an extra coconut kick, you can use thick coconut cream instead of coconut milk.
• Storage: Keep the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days, or refrigerate for up to a week.

Enjoy!

Sweet potato cake with tapioca starch is a delightful dessert that brings out the earthy sweetness of sweet potatoes combined with the tropical flavor of coconut. It’s a perfect treat for any occasion and is sure to impress! Enjoy your homemade sweet potato cake with a hot cup of tea or coffee for an extra-special treat.