Potato Cake

Mashed potatoes add moisture and structure while keeping this cake tender for days—the starches retain water and slow staling. The potato's neutral flavor disappears during baking while contributing to a fine, moist crumb. Grated chocolate distributed throughout creates pockets of richness, while the combination of three warming spices masks any potato flavor. The chemical leavening (baking powder) works with the potatoes' starches to create a tender, close-grained texture similar to depression-era cakes that stretched expensive ingredients.