Ready to get baking? Follow these steps, and remember—this is about love, not perfection:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
2. In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. This step always reminds me of watching my mom magically transform basic pantry items into something incredible.
3. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
4. Mix in the mashed sweet potatoes until well combined. This is where the cake starts to take on its lovely color and aroma.
5. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
6. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the buttermilk, beginning and ending with the flour mixture. Mix just until combined.
7. Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
8. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Remember, every oven is different, so keep an eye on it towards the end.
9. Let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.