The Sweet & Fluffy Sweet Potato Honeybun Cake Recipe

Baking a sweet potato honeybun cake brings unexpected magic to classic dessert traditions.

Warm spices and creamy sweet potato create a delightful combination that surprises the palate.

Soft, moist layers promise pure comfort in every bite.

Southern kitchens often celebrate these heartwarming treats with generations of love.

Delicate swirls of cinnamon dance through tender cake crumbs, offering pure indulgence.

Pecan pieces add a perfect crunch that makes you want to savor each delectable slice.

You’ll fall in love with this simple yet extraordinary dessert that turns an ordinary afternoon into something memorable.

Cake Variations for Fans of Sweet Potato Desserts

• Gluten-Free Sweet Potato Cake: Replace wheat flour with almond flour or gluten-free blend for a celiac-friendly version, maintaining the same rich sweet potato flavor and pecan crunch.
• Vegan Sweet Potato Honeybun: Substitute eggs with mashed banana or flax eggs, use coconut oil instead of vegetable oil, and swap butter with plant-based margarine to create a dairy-free cake.
• Low-Sugar Sweet Potato Treat: Use monk fruit sweetener or stevia in place of granulated sugar, reduce overall sugar content, and incorporate sugar-free powdered sweetener for the icing to make a diabetic-friendly dessert.

How to Serve Honeybun Cake With Extra Icing

• Cozy Family Dessert Night: Slice this warm cake and gather loved ones around the table for a sweet bonding moment.
• Holiday Potluck Star: Bring this stunning sweet potato cake to holiday gatherings as a unique and impressive dessert that'll wow everyone.
• Afternoon Tea Companion: Pair a slice with your favorite hot tea or coffee for a delightful midday treat that provides comfort and warmth.
• Breakfast Indulgence: Enjoy a slice with morning coffee as a special weekend breakfast that feels like a delicious celebration.

Storage Tips for Sweet Potato Honeybun Cake

• Store cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Cover with plastic wrap or lid to prevent drying out and absorbing other food odors.
• Wrap the entire uniced cake tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before adding icing.
• Cut cake into individual portions, wrap each slice separately in plastic wrap, then place in freezer bag. Keeps frozen for 2-3 months. Thaw at room temperature for 30-45 minutes.

FAQs

• Can I use canned sweet potatoes instead of fresh?

Yes, canned sweet potatoes work perfectly. Just drain and mash them thoroughly before using in the recipe.

• Is it possible to make this cake gluten-free?

You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Just ensure it’s a 1:1 replacement to maintain the cake’s texture.

• How do I know if the cake is fully baked?

Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean with no wet batter, the cake is done. The edges should also be slightly pulling away from the pan.

• Can I replace pecans with another nut?

Absolutely! Walnuts or almonds are great alternatives that will provide a similar crunch and nutty flavor to the cake.

Sweet Potato Honeybun Cake with Pecans and Icing Rich Dessert Details

• Celebrate Unique Flavor Fusion: Discover a delightful twist on traditional cake by combining sweet potatoes with classic honeybun sweetness, creating a magical dessert that surprises and delights taste buds.
• Craft Easy Crowd-Pleaser: Requiring basic baking skills and simple ingredients, this recipe welcomes home bakers of all levels to create a stunning dessert that looks professionally made with minimal effort.
• Pack Nutritional Punch: Incorporate sweet potatoes for added nutrients, making this cake a slightly healthier dessert option that doesn't compromise on rich, indulgent flavor and satisfying texture.
• Versatile Party Companion: Perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, holiday celebrations, or casual weekend treats, this cake adapts beautifully to multiple occasions and always receives rave reviews.

Ingredients for Sweet Potato Honeybun Cake Success

• Sweet Potatoes: A moist and nutritious vegetable that provides natural sweetness and rich texture to the cake.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a tender cake structure.
• Vegetable Oil: Ensures a moist and soft cake with a smooth crumb.
• Eggs: Bind the ingredients and provide structure to the cake.

• All-Purpose Flour: The primary structural component of the cake.
• Baking Powder, Baking Soda: Leavening agents that help the cake rise and become light.
• Cinnamon, Nutmeg: Warm spices that complement the sweet potato flavor.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the cake.

• Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and warmth to the cake's flavor profile.
• Pecans: Provide a crunchy texture and nutty flavor to the cake.
• Powdered Sugar: Creates a smooth and sweet icing.
• Butter: Adds richness and helps create a creamy icing texture.
• Milk: Adjusts the icing consistency to achieve the perfect spreadability.

Instructions for Baking Honeybun Cake with Pecans

Step 1: Prepare Baking Workspace

Warm up your oven to a cozy 350F.

Generously coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with grease and a light dusting of flour to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Blend Sweet Potato Base

• Smooth mashed sweet potatoes
• Granulated sugar
• Vegetable oil

Blend until the mixture looks silky and well-incorporated.

Step 3: Incorporate Eggs

Gently add eggs one at a time, stirring thoroughly after each addition to create a uniform, creamy texture.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Baking soda
• Ground cinnamon
• Nutmeg
• Salt

Blend these ingredients until evenly distributed.

Step 5: Merge Mixtures

Carefully fold the dry ingredient mixture into the sweet potato base.

Stir gently until just combined, avoiding overmixing.

Step 6: Add Nutty Crunch

Introduce vanilla extract and chopped pecans into the batter.

Stir until the additions are evenly spread throughout.

Transfer the batter to the prepared baking dish.

Step 7: Bake To Perfection

Slide the baking dish into the preheated oven.

Bake for 30-35 minutes, checking doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center.

The toothpick should come out clean when the cake is ready.

Step 8: Craft Luscious Topping

• Mashed sweet potatoes
• Powdered sugar
• Softened butter
• Vanilla extract

Step 9: Whip Creamy Icing

Use an electric mixer to transform the ingredients into a smooth, luxurious icing.

Add milk gradually to achieve the perfect spreading consistency.

Step 10: Adorn With Icing

Allow the cake to rest in the pan for 10 minutes.

While still warm, generously spread the sweet potato icing across the top.

Step 11: Serve And Enjoy

Let the cake cool completely.

Slice into squares and serve this delightful treat to eager friends and family.

Tips for a Sweet Potato Cake That’s Moist and Soft

• Mash sweet potatoes thoroughly to ensure a super moist, tender cake texture that melts in your mouth.
• Toast pecans lightly before chopping to enhance their rich, nutty flavor and add extra crunch to the cake.
• Sift powdered sugar before mixing to prevent lumps and create a silky-smooth sweet potato icing.
• Let eggs and butter come to room temperature for better ingredient integration and smoother batter mixing.
• Store cake covered at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for extended freshness without losing its delightful texture.