Martinique’s Sweet Potato Cake: A Heavenly Delight Everyone Loves!

The sweet potato, known scientifically as Ipomoea batatas, is an edible tuber from the morning glory family, easily identified by its orange flesh. Unlike the potato, which belongs to the nightshade family, the sweet potato shares no direct relation. Believed to have originated in Central America, it made its way to the Caribbean and the Antilles around 2500 BC before being introduced to mainland Europe by Christopher Columbus in 1493. However, it wasn’t until 1750 that it found its way to metropolitan France.

According to data from the CTIFL (Technical Interprofessional Center for Fruits and Vegetables), consumption of sweet potatoes in France has doubled between 2015 and 2025, reaching 40,000 tons annually. Although its sweetness lends itself to versatile culinary uses, it is commonly roasted in the oven or an Airfryer, mashed, or blended into soups. Few venture into baking with it, unlike in Martinique where it is the main ingredient of “malélevé,” a moist cake made with coconut milk that leaves a heavenly taste lingering on the palate…

Alie Suvélor, also known as @healthyalie on Instagram, has shared her mother’s recipe on the platform.

Start by peeling and steaming 750 g of sweet potatoes before mashing them in a large mixing bowl. Then add 250 g of canned coconut milk, and flavor it with the zest of one lime, a capful of liquid vanilla, a capful of bitter almond extract, and a capful of rum. Whisk thoroughly. Next, incorporate 2 eggs (or, if you’re vegan like Alie, 2 tablespoons of flaxseed mixed with 6 tablespoons of water), 150 g of cane sugar, 100 g of cornstarch, and 50 g of melted butter (or margarine). Pour the mixture into a 20 cm square baking pan lined with parchment paper, and bake for 45 minutes to 1 hour at 180°C. Allow to cool at room temperature and chill for at least 2 hours in the fridge before serving with coconut or guava jam. It’s a wonderful way to travel inexpensively without leaving your dining room!

This moist sweet potato cake, enhanced with coconut, rum, and citrus, brings Caribbean tradition to your table. Easy to make and delightfully fragrant, it turns a simple tuber into a sunny dessert that exudes warmth and friendliness. Enjoy it chilled to extend the summer vibes…