September feels like a gentle nudge—a reminder to slow down, shift gears, and start fresh. The air changes. The light softens. And in the kitchen, warm spices start calling.
At Zora’s Sweet Tooth, September means cinnamon, brown butter, and that first slice of sweet potato cake that makes you close your eyes and sigh. It also means looking back with love and forward with faith.
This week, I invite you to welcome the season with intention. Light a candle. Reorganize your spice rack. Journal three things you’re grateful for. Bake something that wraps you in warmth—like this Maple Glazed Sweet Potato Pound Cake (See recipe below).
Let’s not rush into fall. Let’s arrive—soft, steady, and ready for what’s next.
🍠 Maple-Glazed Sweet Potato Loaf Cake
Moist, cozy, and drizzled with maple love.
👩🏾🍳 Servings:
Makes 1 standard loaf (8.5 x 4.5 or 9 x 5 inch pan)
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Bake Time: 50–60 minutes
📝 Ingredients
For the Loaf:
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1 cup mashed sweet potatoes (about 1 large or 2 medium baked or canned)
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1/2 cup vegetable oil (or melted butter)
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2/3 cup brown sugar (light or dark)
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2 large eggs
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1/4 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy)
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1 tsp vanilla extract
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1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
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1 tsp baking powder
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1/2 tsp baking soda
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1/2 tsp salt
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1 tsp cinnamon
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1/2 tsp nutmeg
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Optional: 1/4 tsp ground ginger or allspice
For the Maple Glaze:
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1/2 cup powdered sugar
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1–2 tbsp pure maple syrup
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1 tsp milk (more if needed for consistency)
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Pinch of cinnamon (optional)
👣 Instructions
1. Prep the Pan & Oven
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
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Lightly grease a loaf pan and line with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together:
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Mashed sweet potatoes
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Oil or melted butter
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Brown sugar
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Eggs
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Milk
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Vanilla
Whisk until smooth and well combined.
3. Add Dry Ingredients
In the same bowl, sift in or gently add:
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Flour
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Baking powder + baking soda
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Salt + spices (cinnamon, nutmeg, etc.)
Mix just until combined—don’t overmix. Batter will be thick.
4. Pour & Bake
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Pour into prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
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Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
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Cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
5. Make the Glaze
In a small bowl, mix:
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Powdered sugar + maple syrup
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Add milk 1 tsp at a time until it’s pourable but thick.
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Drizzle over cooled loaf.
🍂 Tips & Twists
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For extra decadence, add 1/3 cup chopped pecans or walnuts to the batter.
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Want it extra spiced? Try pumpkin pie spice instead of plain cinnamon.
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Double the recipe and freeze one loaf for later!
💛 Affirmation While You Bake:
“I welcome sweet change with a warm heart.”