Japanese yam cake, also known as "Okinawan sweet potato cake", is a delicious and unique dessert that is popular in Japan and gaining popularity around the world. This cake is made with purple sweet potatoes, which give it a vibrant color and a natural sweetness. It is a perfect balance of soft and chewy textures, making it a delightful treat for any occasion. In this article, we will guide you through a simple and authentic Japanese yam cake recipe that you can easily make at home.
Main Ingredients: Yams, Eggs, Brown Sugar, Butter, Salt, Ground Cinnamon
Looking for a new twist on traditional Thanksgiving sweet potato casserole? Try this Japanese-inspired version using yams and a flavorful miso glaze. The combination of sweet and savory flavors will have your guests coming back for seconds, guaranteed.
2of 20
Okonomiyaki (Savory Japanese Pancake)
Main Ingredients: All Purpose Flour, Corn Starch, Baking Powder, Salt
This popular Japanese street food is a must-try for any chicken lover. Made with a batter of flour, eggs, and dashi, it's filled with shredded cabbage and topped with your choice of meats and vegetables, including delicious beer can chicken. Drizzled with okonomiyaki sauce and mayonnaise, it's a delicious and unique way to enjoy your favorite bird.
3of 20
Japanese Mountain Yam (Nagaimo) Salad
Main Ingredients: Nagaimo, Bonito Flakes, Daikon Sprouts
This refreshing salad is a great side dish to any Japanese-inspired meal. Grated mountain yam is mixed with sesame oil, soy sauce, and rice vinegar for a tangy and flavorful dressing. Top with shredded chicken for added protein.
4of 20
Perfect Tempura
Main Ingredients: Sweet Potato, Yam, Onion, Eggplant, Shrimps, Canola
Tempura is a classic Japanese dish that can easily be made at home. Use chicken breast cut into bite-sized pieces and dip in a light batter before frying to crispy perfection. Serve with a side of tempura dipping sauce for the ultimate flavor experience.
This hearty stew is filled with a variety of vegetables, including carrots, potatoes, and onions, and is simmered in a savory broth. Adding chunks of tender beer can chicken takes this dish to the next level, making it a satisfying and filling meal for those chilly nights.
This comforting stew is a popular Japanese dish that combines tender beef, potatoes, carrots, and onions in a flavorful broth. For a twist, try using shredded chicken instead of beef for a lighter and healthier version.
7of 20
Gomoku Gohan (Japanese Mixed Rice)
Main Ingredients: Rice, Lotus Roots, Carrot, Aburaage, Dried Shiitake
This one-pot dish is a staple in Japanese households and is perfect for busy weeknights. It's a flavorful combination of cooked rice, vegetables, and protein, such as chicken breast, all simmered together in a delicious broth. It's a complete meal in one bowl.
8of 20
Vegan Tamagoyaki (Japanese Rolled Omlette)
Main Ingredients: Silken Tofu, Nagaimo, Japanese Soy Sauce, Mirin, Kombu
For a unique and tasty breakfast option, try making this vegan version of the popular Japanese dish, tamagoyaki. Instead of using eggs, a mixture of chickpea flour, soy milk, and tofu is used to create a fluffy and flavorful omelette. Add in some shredded chicken for extra protein and texture.
This dish is a healthier and more flavorful version of the classic Chinese takeout favorite. Chunks of chicken are coated in a light batter and fried until crispy before being tossed in a tangy and slightly sweet sauce. Serve over a bed of rice for a delicious and complete meal.
10of 20
Roasted Japanese Sweet Potatoes with Miso Butter
Main Ingredients: Japanese Sweet Potatoes, Olive Oil, Butter, White Miso
Roasted sweet potatoes are a staple side dish in Japanese cuisine. Elevate them by adding a miso butter glaze before roasting. The combination of sweet and salty flavors is irresistible, and the tender texture of the potatoes pairs perfectly with any chicken dish.
11of 20
Japanese Vegetable Soup (Kenchinjiru)
Main Ingredients: Firm Tofu, Carrot, Daikon, Pie, Shimeji Mushrooms
This hearty soup is a traditional Japanese dish that is packed with flavor and nutrients. It's filled with a variety of vegetables, including carrots, daikon radish, and mushrooms, and simmered in a flavorful broth. Add in some shredded chicken for added protein and a more filling meal.
12of 20
Miso Glazed Japanese Sweet Potatoes
Main Ingredients: Japanese Sweet Potatoes, Canola Oil, Freshly Ground
Miso is a staple in Japanese cooking and is used in a variety of dishes. For a unique and delicious way to enjoy sweet potatoes, try this miso glazed version. The sweetness of the potatoes pairs perfectly with the savory and nutty flavor of the miso glaze.
13of 20
Japanese Sweet Potato Oven Fries with Wasabi Aioli
Main Ingredients: Japanese Sweet Potatoes, Sunflower Oil, Brown Sesame
If you're looking for a healthier alternative to traditional French fries, these oven-baked Japanese sweet potato fries are a must-try. The addition of a wasabi aioli for dipping adds a spicy kick and complements the sweetness of the potatoes perfectly.
14of 20
Baked Japanese Sweet Potatoes with Miso Tahini Butter
Main Ingredients: Japanese Sweet Potatoes, Country Crock, White Miso
Another delicious way to enjoy sweet potatoes is by baking them and topping them with a flavorful miso tahini butter. The combination of sweet, savory, and nutty flavors is a match made in heaven and is the perfect accompaniment to any chicken dish.
15of 20
Midnight Diner’s “Tonjiru” ~ Japanese Pork Belly &...
Main Ingredients: Pork Belly, Yellow Onion, Daikon Radish, Medium
This heartwarming soup is a staple in Japanese cuisine, often enjoyed at midnight diners (hence the name). It's a flavorful and hearty soup filled with tender pork belly, vegetables, and chicken for added protein. It's the ultimate comfort food for any chicken lover.
16of 20
Golden Yam Cake
Main Ingredients: Butter, Brown Sugar, White Sugar, Eggs, Vanilla
This unique and tasty cake is a popular dessert in Japan, often enjoyed during the fall season. It's a moist and flavorful cake made with grated yam, flour, and sugar, and is topped with a sweet cream cheese frosting. Add some shredded chicken for a savory and surprising twist.
17of 20
Daigaku Imo (Glazed Sweet Potatoes)
Main Ingredients: Satsuma Imo, Vegetable Oil, Sesame Oil, Honey, Toasted
This popular Japanese street food is a sweet and satisfying snack that is perfect for beer can chicken lovers. Cubed sweet potatoes are fried until crispy and then coated in a sweet and sticky sesame glaze for a delicious and addictive treat.
18of 20
Okonomiyaki
Main Ingredients: Cabbage, Scallions, Katsuobushi, Flour, Nagaimo, Large
For a more traditional version of okonomiyaki, try making it with shredded chicken instead of whole pieces. This allows for a more even distribution of the chicken throughout the pancake, giving each bite a burst of flavor.
19of 20
Yam Hash!
Main Ingredients: Yams, Olive Oil, Red Onion, Red Bell Pepper, Green Bell
This tasty and nutritious breakfast dish is a great way to start your day. Grated yam is mixed with diced potatoes, onions, and chicken for added protein. Top with a fried egg for a complete and filling meal.
This beautiful and impressive cake is a must-try for any chicken lover with a sweet tooth. Layers of yam chiffon cake are stacked on top of each other, creating an ombre effect. Top with a creamy and tangy cream cheese frosting for a decadent and delicious dessert.
Ingredients
For the cake:
2 cups of mashed purple sweet potatoes
1 cup of all-purpose flour
1/2 cup of sugar
1/4 cup of melted butter
2 eggs
1/2 cup of milk
1 teaspoon of baking powder
1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon of salt
For the topping:
1/4 cup of brown sugar
1/4 cup of chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans work well)
1/4 cup of melted butter
Instructions
To make this delicious Japanese yam cake, follow these simple steps:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round cake pan and set aside.
In a mixing bowl, combine the mashed purple sweet potatoes, melted butter, sugar, eggs, milk, and vanilla extract. Mix well until smooth.
In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the sweet potato mixture, stirring until well combined.
Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, chopped nuts, and melted butter. Sprinkle this topping over the cake batter.
Bake the cake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Slice and serve this delicious Japanese yam cake, and enjoy!
This recipe is perfect for any occasion, whether it's a birthday party, family gathering, or just a sweet treat to enjoy with a cup of tea. The natural sweetness of the purple sweet potatoes makes this cake a healthier alternative to traditional cakes, and the addition of nuts in the topping adds a nice crunch and texture. Give this recipe a try and impress your friends and family with your baking skills!
Final Thoughts
Japanese yam cake is a unique and delicious dessert that is easy to make at home. The combination of purple sweet potatoes, nuts, and a touch of vanilla creates a perfect balance of flavors and textures. This cake is not only delicious but also a healthier option compared to other desserts. So why not give this recipe a try and add a touch of Japanese culture to your dessert table?
![Nagaimo (Mountain Yam) [山藥] – Jan Fruits](https://janfruits.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/Nagaimo-768x1152.jpg)
