Batatada - Macanese Sweet Potato Cake

Batatada is a dense cake like dessert made with sweet potatoes, ginger coconut and spices. It often appears at afternoon teas or prepared for the holidays and weddings. This recipes come from Christopher Kimball's, Milk Street Magazine. I have modified it a bit to suit my taste and work with whole grain flour.

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Serves: 12
Oven: 350 degrees
Bake: 30-35 Minutes
Pan: 9 x 13 inch or Muffins

Recipe
1/2 c. coconut oil melted (100g)
12 oz sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into  1 inch chunks (340g)
1 1/2 c. + 2 T. soft white whole grain flour (210g)
2/3 c. unsweetened shredded coconut (50g)
2 tsp. ground ginger
3 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp salt
1 c. dark brown sugar (200g)
1 T. grated lime zest - I used lemon

3 large eggs
3/4 c. whole milk (188g)
1 T. vanilla

Icing
3/4 c. powdered sugar (90g)
2 T. lime juice (1 to 2 limes) - I used bottled

Directions:

• Place the sweet potatoes in a microwave-safe medium sized bowl, cover and microwave on high for about 5 minutes. Stir halfway through, until the potatoes are completely tender Set aside to cool slightly.
• In a food processor, combine the flour, coconut, ginger, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Process until the coconut is finely ground, 1-2 minutes. Transfer to a large bowl.
  
• In the processor, combine the brown sugar and the lime zest, process about 30 seconds. Add the sweet potatoes and process until smooth. Add the eggs, milk and vanilla, then process until combined about 10 seconds.
  
• With the machine running, add the melted coconut oil, then process until incorporated.
• Add the liquid mixture to the dry ingredients in the bowl and gently whisk until combined. Transfer to the prepared pan and spread evenly.
• Bake until the cake is golden brown and a toothpick inserted at the center comes out clean, about 30-35 minutes. Let it cool in the pan on a wire rack for 15 minutes

Icing:

• In a small bowl, whisk the powdered sugar and the lime juice until smooth. Brush the glaze evenly onto the warm cake. Let the cake cool in the pan completely about 2 hours.
  
• Cut into squares, and serve. I made muffins out of mine and they turned out great also. The icing really makes this cake, so make sure you use lime juice.