Coffee Loaf Cake with Sweet Potato Frosting is a unique, cozy dessert that pairs the deep, roasted flavor of coffee with the creamy, naturally sweet richness of whipped sweet potato. Moist, fragrant, and full of warmth, this loaf cake is perfect for chilly mornings, teatime, or an afternoon pick-me-up.
Coffee Loaf Cake
Why This Coffee Loaf Cake Is the Best
- Bold Coffee Flavor: Brewed coffee or espresso gives the loaf rich, aromatic depth.
- Moist and Tender Crumb: The loaf is soft and flavorful with a satisfying texture.
- Velvety Sweet Potato Frosting: Smooth and naturally sweet, with hints of cinnamon and vanilla.
- Wholesome Twist: Sweet potato adds fiber and nutrients to your frosting.
- Perfectly Balanced: The slight bitterness of coffee complements the natural sweetness of the frosting.
Perfect for Any Occasion
Serve this Coffee Loaf Cake at brunch, with afternoon tea, or as a comforting dessert. It’s a wonderful conversation starter and a refreshing change from traditional cakes.
Ingredient Notes
Coffee Loaf:
- All-Purpose Flour: Forms the structural base of the loaf, giving it a tender, soft crumb.
- Cinnamon: Adds warmth and subtle spice that enhances the flavor of the coffee and cocoa.
- Cocoa Powder: Deepens the flavor with rich chocolate notes and complements the coffee beautifully.
- Baking Powder: Helps the loaf rise, giving it a light, airy texture.
- Pure Cane Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps tenderize the cake while allowing the coffee flavor to shine.
- Brewed Coffee: Infuses the loaf with deep, aromatic coffee flavor and a moist texture.
- Neutral Oil: Keeps the loaf moist and soft without overpowering the delicate coffee notes.
- Vanilla Extract: Enhances the flavor profile with sweet, floral undertones that balance the cocoa and coffee.
- Salt: Just a pinch brings out the sweetness and sharpens the overall flavor.
Sweet Potato Frosting:
- Sweet Potato (Mashed): Adds natural sweetness, creamy texture, and a vibrant color to the frosting.
- Nut/Seed Butter: Brings richness, creaminess, and a subtle nutty undertone to the frosting.
- Cocoa Powder: Adds depth and chocolatey flavor that pairs well with both sweet potato and coffee.
- Vegan Protein Powder: Provides structure and a nutritional boost, making the frosting thicker and more satisfying.
- Plant-Based Milk: Helps blend the frosting to a smooth, spreadable consistency.
- Sweetener (To Taste): Allows you to adjust the frosting’s sweetness to your liking, balancing the earthiness of the sweet potato and richness of the cocoa.
Tips for Making the Best Coffee Loaf Cake
- Use Strong Brewed Coffee: The bolder the brew, the more flavor in the loaf.
- Let the Cake Cool Completely: A warm cake will melt the frosting—patience is key!
- Whip the Sweet Potato Smooth: For the silkiest texture, mash well and beat until fluffy.
- Add Warm Spices: A dash of cinnamon or nutmeg in the frosting enhances the cozy flavors.
- Store in the Fridge: Keep leftovers chilled and bring to room temp before serving.
Serving Suggestions
- With a Hot Cup of Coffee: Double the coffee experience with every bite and sip.
- With a Dollop of Whipped Cream: For added creaminess.
- With Toasted Pecans or Walnuts: Sprinkle on top for crunch and flavor.
- With a Drizzle of Maple Syrup: Adds a warm, sweet touch.
A Must Try
Coffee Loaf Cake is the kind of dessert that feels both indulgent and nourishing. The rich coffee base pairs beautifully with the whipped sweet potato topping, creating a loaf that’s comforting, flavorful, and full of autumn vibes year-round. Give it a try—you might just discover a new favorite cake!
Be sure to check out these other delicious loaf recipes!
Coffee Loaf Cake
This vegan Coffee Loaf Cake is soft, spiced, and topped with dreamy sweet potato frosting ☕🍰
Ingredients
- 150 g all-purpose flour 1 1/4 cup
- 50 g pure cane sugar 1/4 cup
- 80 g brewed coffee 1/3 cup
- 42 g neutral oil 3 tablespoon
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 2 teaspoon cocoa powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- pinch of salt
Sweet potato frosting
- 100 g sweet potato mashed (1/2 cup)
- 30 g nut / seed butter 2 tablespoon
- 5 g cocoa powder 1 tablespoon
- 25 g vegan protein powder 1 serving
- 30 g plant-based milk 2 tablespoon, plus more as needed
- sweetener to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C), and grease a loaf pan to get it ready.
- In a 20cm x 6cm loaf pan, which holds about half as much as a standard 8 x 4 inch one—so if you're using the bigger size, just double the ingredients!
- In a bowl, whisk together the coffee, oil, vanilla extract, and sugar until smooth. Sift in the flour, cocoa powder, and baking powder, then gently fold everything together until just combined.
- Pour the batter into your prepared pan and bake for about 50 minutes, or until a toothpick poked in the center comes out clean.
- Once it's done, let the loaf sit in the pan for 5 minutes, then carefully transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Sweet potato frosting
- Pop all the ingredients into a bowl and mix them together, adding a little more milk if needed to get things moving. You’re aiming for a smooth, frosting-like texture—not too runny!
- Once it’s just right, let it chill in the fridge until you’re ready to use it.
- When your loaf has cooled, go ahead and decorate it however you like!
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Coffee Loaf Cake