Spiced Sweet Potato and Olive Oil Cake Recipe

Are you looking for a nutritious cake that’s packed with flavour and offers health benefits? This spiced sweet potato and olive oil cake is perfect for those seeking a sweet treat with a nutritious twist. Made with wholesome ingredients like sweet potato, extra virgin olive oil, oats, and almond meal, this cake offers a delicious balance of sweetness and spice. Plus, it’s an excellent way to sneak in some essential nutrients!

What Are the Health Benefits of Extra Virgin Olive Oil for Hormones?

Extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) is a heart-healthy fat, packed with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds that support hormone health. According to a study by the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition (2017), EVOO has been shown to have positive effects on inflammation and insulin resistance, which are key factors in maintaining hormonal balance. Additionally, EVOO is rich in monounsaturated fats, which can help improve cardiovascular health—vital for women looking to manage their hormones.

Not only does EVOO promote a healthy heart, but it also supports hormone production by providing essential fatty acids that help with the synthesis of estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone. As women, especially those navigating hormonal fluctuations, incorporating EVOO into our diet can support long-term hormone health.

How Can Oats Improve Heart and Cholesterol Health?

Oats are not only a hearty addition to this cake, but they also offer significant cardiovascular and cholesterol-lowering benefits. A study published in the Journal of Nutrition (2016) highlighted that oats contain beta-glucan, a soluble fibre that has been shown to lower LDL cholesterol levels and improve overall heart health. For women with hormone-related issues, maintaining a healthy cholesterol level is crucial, as imbalances in cholesterol can affect hormone production and metabolism.

If you're curious about how oats can benefit your hormone health, make sure to check out my article "Are Oats the Ultimate Hormone Helper?" for more insights on the impact of oats on hormone regulation and overall wellbeing.

Ingredients:

• 400g sweet potato (or 1 large sweet potato)

• 200g raisins or dates

• 100g maple syrup

• 150ml extra virgin olive oil

• 150g oat flour

• 200g almond meal

• 6g baking soda (or 1 tsp)

• 4g baking powder (or 1 tsp)

• 3g salt (or 1/2 tsp)

• 1/2 tsp nutmeg

• 2 tsp cinnamon

• 1/2 tsp ginger powder

• 3 eggs

• 10g vanilla (or 2 tsp)

Method:

1. Preheat oven to 160°C. Wrap your sweet potato in aluminium foil and place on a baking tray. Bake for 50 minutes to 1 hour, or until fully cooked through. Alternatively, you can boil or steam the sweet potato, draining off any excess liquid.

2. In a food processor, blend oats to form a fine powder if you haven’t already. In a separate food processor, blend the cooked sweet potato and raisins until smooth. Add maple syrup and olive oil, then blend again until fully combined.

3. Add the sweet potato mixture to a large mixing bowl. Whisk in eggs and vanilla extract.

4. In a separate bowl, combine all the dry ingredients (oat flour, almond meal, baking soda, baking powder, salt, spices). Whisk them together before adding to the wet mixture. Stir until smooth.

5. Pour the batter into a pre-lined 8-inch baking tin and bake at 160°C for 40-50 minutes or until a skewer comes out clean.

6. Optional: Top with mascarpone and a homemade caramel sauce made from almond butter, maple syrup, and vanilla paste.

Can This Cake Be Made Dairy-Free?

If you’re looking for a dairy-free alternative, you can substitute the mascarpone with coconut yoghurt or another dairy-free yoghurt of your choice.

If you’re loving the sound of this moist spiced sweet potato and olive oil cake, you might also enjoy my healthy spiced pumpkin cake or refined sugar-free apple and cinnamon bundt cake. Both are packed with warming spices, wholesome ingredients, and are perfect for hormone-friendly baking.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Courtney Heming (@feminalysis)

Watch how this spiced sweet potato and olive oil cake comes together—moist, warmly spiced, and naturally sweetened with raisins and maple syrup. This wholesome cake is rich in hormone-supportive ingredients like extra virgin olive oil and oat flour, making it perfect for women looking to balance hormones through real food. Whether you're a nutrition client, health-conscious baker, or just love nourishing recipes, this one's a must-try.

References

Schröder, H. (2007). Protective mechanisms of the Mediterranean diet in obesity and type 2 diabetes. The Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry, 18(3), 149–160.

Salehi, B., et al. (2019). The therapeutic potential of olive and its derivatives: A review of the health benefits of the plant. Phytotherapy Research, 33(7), 1230–1244.

Whitehead, A., Beck, E. J., Tosh, S., & Wolever, T. M. (2014). Cholesterol-lowering effects of oat β-glucan: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 100(6), 1413–1421.