I’m happy to share my Chocolate Potato Cake recipe with you. This cake is a fun twist on a classic dessert, adding mashed potatoes for extra moisture and a unique texture!
Level: Easy
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 2 cakes (serves about 8 each)
I enjoy baking this cake because it turns simple ingredients into something really special. The mashed potatoes make the cake soft and moist, while the cocoa gives it a rich chocolate taste. Even if you’re not a fan of potatoes, you’ll be surprised at how well they work in a dessert!
Description
This recipe mixes plain, cooled mashed potatoes with standard cake ingredients like butter, sugar, eggs, and cocoa powder. The potatoes add moisture without changing the flavor, so you get a tender and delicious cake every time. I use a little vanilla and baking soda to boost the flavor and help the cake rise perfectly. The finished cake is wonderfully soft, rich in chocolate, and can be enjoyed with a light dusting of powdered sugar or your favorite frosting.
Ingredients
• Butter: 1 cup (softened)
• Sugar: 2 cups (granulated; you can also use a mix with brown sugar for extra depth)
• Eggs: 2 large (at room temperature)
• Mashed Potatoes: 1 cup (plain, cooled, with no milk or butter added)
• Vanilla Extract: 1–1½ teaspoons
• Flour: 2 cups all-purpose flour (or cake flour for a lighter texture)
• Cocoa Powder: ½ cup (preferably Dutch-processed for a richer flavor)
• Baking Soda: 1 teaspoon (or baking powder, if you prefer)
• Milk: 1 cup whole milk (at room temperature)
• Optional: 1 cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans)
• For Topping: Powdered sugar, chocolate buttercream, or cream cheese frosting
Directions
- Preheat & Prepare Pans:
o Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
o Grease and line two 9-inch round cake pans with parchment paper. - Cream the Butter and Sugar:
o In a large bowl or with a stand mixer, beat the softened butter and sugar until the mix is light and fluffy. - Add Eggs and Mashed Potatoes:
o Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
o Stir in the mashed potatoes and vanilla extract until evenly mixed. - Mix Dry Ingredients:
o In another bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, and baking soda.
o If you like a little extra spice, add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg here. - Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
o Alternately add the dry ingredients and the milk to the wet mixture, mixing gently after each addition.
o Be careful not to overmix; stop when the batter is just combined. - Fold in Nuts (if using):
o Gently fold the chopped nuts into the batter if you choose to use them. - Bake the Cake:
o Divide the batter evenly between your prepared pans.
o Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. - Cool the Cake:
o Let the cakes cool in the pans for about 10 minutes.
o Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. - Frost or Serve:
o Once cool, you can dust the cake with powdered sugar or frost it with chocolate buttercream or cream cheese frosting.
o For a layered cake, add a generous layer of frosting between the cakes and around the top.
Process Details
• Creaming: I beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy to create a tender cake crumb.
• Adding Mashed Potatoes: The mashed potatoes mix in smoothly, adding moisture without altering the flavor.
• Alternating Ingredients: By adding the dry ingredients and milk alternately, the batter stays smooth and well-balanced.
Tips for Success
• Room Temperature is Key: Use room temperature eggs, milk, and butter for a smoother batter.
• Mix Gently: Overmixing can lead to a dense cake, so stir just until everything is combined.
• Test for Doneness: Always check the cake with a toothpick to ensure it’s fully baked.
• Optional Nuts: If you add nuts, fold them in gently so the batter remains light.
Serving Ideas
• Simple Treat: Enjoy a slice on its own with a dusting of powdered sugar.
• Frosted Delight: Top with chocolate buttercream or cream cheese frosting for an extra special dessert.
• Layered Cake: Create a layered cake by frosting between the layers and serving it at celebrations.
• Pair It Up: Serve with a cup of tea or coffee for a delightful afternoon treat.
Nutrition Info (Approximate per Serving)
• Calories: 320–360
• Fat: 18–22 grams
• Carbohydrates: 40–45 grams
• Protein: 5–7 grams
I enjoy baking this Chocolate Potato Cake because it transforms everyday ingredients into a delightful dessert. Its soft, moist texture and rich chocolate flavor make it a treat that everyone will love. I hope you have fun making this cake and enjoy every bite as much as I do!
