Decadent Velvet Chocolate Potato Cake
Indulge in this rich and moist Decadent Velvet Chocolate Potato Cake, a delightful twist on traditional chocolate cakes. The unique addition of mashed potatoes results in an incredibly tender texture, while plump raisins add bursts of sweetness throughout. Finished with a luxurious citrus-infused frosting, this cake is perfect for any celebration or as a comforting dessert for personal enjoyment. Elevate your baking with this old-fashioned recipe that marries comfort with sophistication, promising to impress every palate.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
23
Ingredients
Ingredients
medium potatoes
2 (peeled and boiled)
all-purpose flour
2 cups (sifted)
ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon (sifted)
baking powder
1 teaspoon (sifted)
baking soda
1 teaspoon (sifted)
salt
1 teaspoon (sifted)
ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon (sifted)
unsweetened cocoa powder
1/4 cup (sifted)
butter
1 cup (softened)
granulated sugar
2 cups (granulated)
eggs
4 (separated)
vanilla extract
1 teaspoon (liquid)
buttermilk
1 cup (liquid)
raisins
1 cup (plump)
finely chopped pecans
1 cup (chopped)
butter (for frosting)
1/2 cup (softened)
grated orange rind
3/4 teaspoon (fresh)
ground cinnamon (for frosting)
1/4 teaspoon (ground)
salt (for frosting)
1/8 teaspoon (salted)
unsweetened cocoa powder (for frosting)
1/4 cup (sifted)
powdered sugar
3 1/2 cups (sifted)
lemon juice
1 tablespoon (fresh)
milk
1/4 cup (liquid)
Instructions
1
Begin by peeling the medium potatoes, then cover them with water in a pot. Boil over medium heat until they are fork-tender, typically about 25 minutes.
2
Drain the potatoes, mash them thoroughly without adding any milk or seasonings, and measure out 1 cup. Keep the mashed potatoes warm and set aside.
3
Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Grease and flour a 10-inch tube pan and set aside.
4
In a mixing bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, ground ginger, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, and cocoa powder. This will ensure an even distribution of dry ingredients in your cake.
5
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar for about 3 minutes until light and fluffy. This step is crucial for creating a fluffy texture in the cake.
6
Add the egg yolks one by one, continuing to beat for an additional minute after each addition.
7
Combine the vanilla extract with the buttermilk. Gradually add the flour mixture to the creamy butter mixture, alternating with the buttermilk, starting and ending with the flour mixture.
8
Once combined, carefully fold in the warm mashed potatoes, raisins, and finely chopped pecans. Ensure to mix gently to avoid overworking the batter.
9
In a separate bowl, beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the beaten egg whites into the cake batter, being careful not to deflate them.
10
Pour the batter into the prepared tube pan and bake for 1 hour and 30 minutes, or until the cake springs back lightly when touched and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
11
Once baked, let the cake cool completely in the pan on a wire rack while you prepare the frosting.
12
For the frosting, cream together the softened butter, grated orange rind, ground cinnamon, salt, and cocoa powder in a mixing bowl until light and creamy.
13
Gradually add the powdered sugar alternately with the lemon juice and milk, beating well after each addition until the frosting is smooth and spreadable.
14
Carefully remove the cooled cake from the pan and transfer it to a serving platter. Spread the frosting generously over the top and sides of the cake.
15
If the weather is warm, refrigerate the frosted cake until ready to serve to maintain the frosting's integrity. Bring to room temperature before serving.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes the Decadent Velvet Chocolate Potato Cake unique?
The unique addition of mashed potatoes results in an incredibly tender texture while plump raisins and pecans add complexity.
How do potatoes affect the texture of this chocolate cake?
The mashed potatoes create an exceptionally moist and velvet-like crumb that is characteristic of this old-fashioned recipe.
How should I prepare the potatoes for the batter?
Peel and boil medium potatoes for about 25 minutes until fork-tender then mash them thoroughly without adding milk or seasonings.
How much mashed potato is required for the recipe?
The recipe requires exactly 1 cup of warm mashed potatoes.
What is the recommended oven temperature for baking?
The cake should be baked at a low temperature of 300°F (150°C).
What type of baking pan should I use?
A 10-inch tube pan that has been greased and floured is recommended for this recipe.
Which dry ingredients need to be sifted together?
Sift together the all-purpose flour, ground ginger, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and cocoa powder.
Why is it important to cream the butter and sugar for 3 minutes?
Creaming for this duration ensures the mixture is light and fluffy which is crucial for a light cake texture.
How should the eggs be incorporated into the batter?
Separate the eggs; add the yolks one by one to the creamed mixture and later fold in the stiffly beaten whites.
What is the correct way to add the flour and buttermilk?
Gradually add the flour mixture alternating with the buttermilk starting and ending with the flour.
When should the mashed potatoes be added to the mix?
Carefully fold in the warm mashed potatoes along with the raisins and pecans after the flour and buttermilk are combined.
How long does this cake need to bake?
The cake requires a long bake time of 1 hour and 30 minutes.
How can I tell if the cake is fully cooked?
The cake is done when it springs back lightly when touched and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
What ingredients are used in the citrus-infused frosting?
The frosting includes butter, orange rind, cinnamon, salt, cocoa powder, powdered sugar, lemon juice, and milk.
What provides the citrus flavor in the frosting?
A combination of fresh grated orange rind and lemon juice provides the signature citrus notes.
How should the frosting be prepared?
Cream the butter with spices and cocoa then gradually add powdered sugar alternately with lemon juice and milk.
Should the cake be cooled before applying the frosting?
Yes, let the cake cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before removing it and applying the frosting.
What is the best way to fold in egg whites?
Gently fold the stiff peaks into the batter using a spatula to avoid deflating the air needed for the cake to rise.
How should the finished cake be stored in warm weather?
If the weather is warm, refrigerate the frosted cake to prevent the frosting from melting.
Should the cake be served cold or at room temperature?
The cake should be brought to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture.
Are the pecans finely chopped or left whole?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of finely chopped pecans to be folded into the batter.
Can I use sweetened cocoa powder?
The recipe specifies unsweetened cocoa powder for both the cake and the frosting.
What kind of raisins are best for this cake?
Plump raisins are recommended to provide bursts of sweetness throughout the cake.
What is the role of ground ginger in this recipe?
Ground ginger is sifted with the flour to add a subtle warmth and depth to the chocolate flavor.
How much powdered sugar is needed for the frosting?
You will need 3 1/2 cups of sifted powdered sugar.
Is milk used in the potato mashing process?
No, the potatoes should be mashed thoroughly without any milk or seasonings added.
What is the purpose of the buttermilk?
Buttermilk reacts with the baking soda to help the cake rise and contributes to the tender crumb.
Does the frosting contain cinnamon?
Yes, 1/4 teaspoon of ground cinnamon is included in the frosting for added spice.
How many eggs are required?
The recipe uses 4 eggs which must be separated into yolks and whites.
Can this cake be served for special occasions?
Yes, its sophisticated ingredients and luxurious frosting make it perfect for celebrations or as a comforting dessert.