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Sweet potatoes have long been a staple of comfort food, but Metro Detroit’s chefs and bakers are finding creative ways to showcase their versatility. From delicious pies and cheesecakes to savory sandwiches and entrees, these local spots are proving that the sweet potato can be so much more than a holiday side dish.
Kitty’s Cheesecakes & More
681 East 8 Mile Road, Ferndale
At Kitty’s Cheesecakes & More, the menu is filled with desserts that celebrate flavor and family. “At Kitty’s Cheesecakes & More, we’re known for our unique and fun flavors that keep our customers coming back for more,” shares Diane Robinson, Marketing and Operations Manager. “As a family-owned bakery, everything we create is made with love—from our best-selling cheesecakes to our other sweet treats.” Among the shop’s standout offerings are the Sweet Potato Cheesecake and Sweet Potato Pie, each rich and velvety, layered with warm spice and a buttery finish. The bakery’s case is also filled with other inventive cheesecakes like Banana Pudding, Butter Pecan, Peach Cobbler, and Red Velvet, each crafted with the same homemade care that defines this Metro Detroit favorite.
Seva
2541 Jackson Avenue, Ann Arbor
At Seva, sweet potatoes take center stage in plant-forward dishes that highlight their natural sweetness and texture. The Black Bean and Sweet Potato Quesadilla is grilled to perfection with roasted sweet potatoes, seasoned black beans, onions, and melted Chihuahua cheese, served with house-made salsa, corn chips, and guacamole. Another favorite is the Taco Salad, loaded with fresh corn salsa, black beans, avocado, and pumpkin seeds, creating a colorful mix of flavors and textures. Seva’s veggie-forward menu proves that comfort food can be both nourishing and exciting, especially when built around this autumn favorite. Pair these with an appetizer like Baked Goat Cheese with Pistachios and Honey, Mexican Street Corn, or Gouda Tots.
Five Star Cake Co.
23055 Gratiot Avenue, Eastpointe
Every bite at Five Star Cake Co. tastes like comfort with a touch of luxury. Sweet potato shines in a variety of ways here, from tender Sweet Potato Pound Cake to Sweet Potato Tarts and Sweet Potato Biscuits with cinnamon butter. Even their Sweet Potato Yeast Rolls bring a soft, slightly sweet twist to a classic roll. The bakery’s menu balances tradition and indulgence, featuring everything from Pistachio Pudding Cake and Peach Cobbler Pound Cake to Praline Pecan Apple Pie and Bourbon Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookies. Whether you’re craving something comforting or more refined, Five Star Cake Co. bakes it fresh, flavorful, and full of warmth.
Sweet Potato Sensations
17337 Lahser Road, Detroit
Few places embody the spirit of sweet potato quite like Sweet Potato Sensations. A family-owned Detroit institution, this bakery and café has turned one ingredient into a full menu of irresistible treats. The offerings include Sweet Potato Pie, Sweet Potato Cheesecake, and Sweet Potato Pancakes, as well as savory items like Sweet Potato Grits and Chicken and Belgian Sweet Potato Waffles. Other soul-food favorites include Black Eye Pea & Collard Green Soup, Salmon Croquettes, and a Fried Turkey Chop Sandwich. Even cookies get the signature touch, with options like Walnut Raisin or Walnut Chocolate Chip Sweet Potato Cookies. Each dish reflects a legacy of comfort that has made this local spot a destination for years.
Culantro
22939 Woodward Avenue, Ferndale
223 North Main Street, Ann Arbor
At Culantro, Peruvian flavors are presented beautifully. Here, the Sandwich de Chicharrón layers thick cuts of juicy pork over sliced sweet potato, smothered in chipotle mayo and topped with salsa criolla, all served on a crispy French roll. The contrast between savory pork and caramelized sweet potato makes this sandwich a standout. Sweet potatoes also make an appearance alongside the Ceviche, where they add natural sweetness to bright, citrusy flavors. Culantro’s take on this ingredient shows how global inspiration can give a familiar favorite new life. While at Culantro, other standouts include deep-fried plantains, the Culantro Bowl, slow-roasted chicken, and even vegan options.
Good Cakes and Bakes
19363 Livernois Avenue, Detroit
For Detroit’s Good Cakes and Bakes, sweet potatoes are personal. “At Good Cakes and Bakes, our Sweet Potato Pound Cake holds a special place in my heart,” shares owner April Anderson. “It’s one of those recipes that feels like home—moist, rich, and full of the warmth of cinnamon, nutmeg, and love. It reminds me of family gatherings, laughter, and the joy that comes from sharing something made with care.” The cake features a swirl of brown sugar, toasted pecans, and spice running through its center, then topped with cream cheese glaze for the perfect finish. Alongside it, Good Cakes and Bakes offers everything from lemon sugar cookies and cake jars to caramel apple cheesecake and cinnamon rolls, all baked with the same heartfelt care. “What started as a dream to bring fresh, made-from-scratch desserts to Detroit has grown into a space where community, creativity, and sweetness come together every day. At the end of the day, it’s all about spreading love — one slice, one cupcake, one smile at a time.”
Across Metro Detroit, sweet potatoes are showing up everywhere from pies and pastries to sandwiches and salads, each capturing the ingredient’s versatility. Whether baked into dessert or roasted for a savory twist, these spots are turning a classic comforting side into something worth celebrating all year long.
This article has been updated to include new information. The original article was published on October 22, 2024, and was authored by Carolyn Hall.
