Quick & Cozy Sweet Potato Honeybun Cake Recipe for Fall Treats

Sweet potatoes bring a magical twist to classic desserts, especially in this honeybun cake recipe that melts hearts with every bite.

Southern comfort meets unexpected deliciousness in this mouthwatering sweet potato honeybun cake.

Warm spices and creamy sweet potato create a harmonious blend that turns an ordinary cake into something extraordinary.

Each slice promises a tender crumb with swirls of cinnamon and a delectable glaze that makes taste buds dance.

The recipe combines traditional baking techniques with a surprising sweet potato secret that elevates the entire dessert.

Rich, moist, and utterly irresistible, this cake transforms a simple afternoon treat into a celebration of flavor.

One forkful will convince you that this sweet potato honeybun cake deserves a permanent spot in your baking rotation.

Why Sweet Potato Honeybun Cake Is So Tempting

• Swap ingredients or adjust spices to match your taste preferences, making this sweet potato cake a versatile dessert for any baker.
• Packed with warm spices and sweet potato goodness, this cake delivers a nostalgic flavor that appeals to both kids and adults.
• Perfect for baking beginners, this recipe involves simple mixing techniques and straightforward steps anyone can master.
• Prepare, bake, and serve in the same baking pan, minimizing cleanup and making this a convenient dessert option for busy households.

Ingredients for a Moist Sweet Potato Honeybun Cake

• Sweet Potatoes: A nutritious and creamy base that provides moisture and natural sweetness to the cake.
• Granulated Sugar, Brown Sugar: Sweeteners that enhance the overall flavor profile of the cake.
• Eggs: Binding agents that help create a rich and stable cake texture.

• Oil: Ensures the cake remains moist and tender throughout baking.
• Buttermilk: Adds tanginess and helps create a soft, tender crumb.
• Vanilla Extract: Provides a warm, aromatic flavor that complements the sweet potato.

• All-Purpose Flour, Baking Powder, Baking Soda, Salt: Essential dry ingredients that provide structure and leavening for the cake.
• Cinnamon, Nutmeg, Ginger: Warm spices that enhance the sweet potato flavor and add depth to the cake.

• Sugar, Cinnamon: Creates a delightful swirl and adds extra warmth to the cake.
• Powdered Sugar, Milk: Key ingredients for creating a smooth and sweet glaze topping.

Equipment List for Sweet Potato Cake Success

• Large mixing bowl: Essential for combining wet ingredients smoothly.
• Medium mixing bowl: Perfect for sifting and mixing dry ingredients.
• Small bowl: Needed for preparing cinnamon swirl mixture and glaze.
• 9×13-inch baking pan: Key for baking the entire cake.
• Whisk: Great for blending glaze and mixing ingredients.
• Knife: Helpful for swirling batter and creating marbled effect.
• Wire rack: Useful for cooling cake after baking.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Crucial for accurate ingredient quantities.
• Sifter or fine-mesh strainer: Ensures dry ingredients are lump-free.
• Toothpick: Helps check cake's doneness by testing center.

Easy Steps for Honeybun Cake Perfection

Step 1: Fire Up the Oven

Crank the oven to 350F (175C).

Grab a 9×13-inch baking pan and coat it with a generous layer of grease and flour to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Whip Up the Wet Ingredients

• Mashed sweet potatoes
• Granulated sugar
• Brown sugar
• Vegetable oil
• Eggs
• Buttermilk
• Vanilla extract

Blend everything until the mixture looks smooth and creamy.

Step 3: Prepare the Dry Ingredients

• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Baking soda
• Salt
• Ground cinnamon
• Ground nutmeg
• Ground ginger

Step 4: Create Cake Batter

Slowly fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture.

Stir gently until everything is perfectly combined with no lumps.

Step 5: Create Cinnamon Swirl Magic

In a small dish, mix sugar and cinnamon for the dreamy swirl that’ll make this cake irresistible.

Step 6: Layer the First Batter

Pour half the cake batter into the prepared pan.

Sprinkle half the cinnamon swirl mixture across the surface.

Step 7: Add Final Layer and Swirl

Pour the remaining batter over the first layer.

Use a knife to create beautiful swirls throughout the cake.

Top with remaining cinnamon mixture.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Slide the pan into the oven and bake for 35-40 minutes.

The cake is ready when a toothpick comes out clean from the center.

Step 9: Cool Down

Let the cake rest completely in the pan, sitting on a wire rack.

Step 10: Drizzle with Glaze

Whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract.

Drizzle the glossy glaze over the cooled cake, creating delicious patterns.

Tips for Baking Sweet Potato Honeybun Cake Just Right

• Use pumpkin or butternut squash puree for a similar moist texture and seasonal twist.
• No buttermilk? Mix regular milk with a tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice and let sit for 5 minutes.
• Use a toothpick or skewer to create deeper, more intricate marbling patterns for a visually stunning cake.
• Replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend to make the cake suitable for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Wrap the cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap to maintain moisture and freshness for up to 3-4 days at room temperature.

Honeybun Cake Flavor Variations for Fall

• Gluten-Free Version: Replace wheat flour with a blend of almond flour and gluten-free all-purpose flour mix for a celiac-friendly cake.
• Vegan Adaptation: Substitute eggs with mashed banana, use coconut milk instead of buttermilk, and swap regular sugar with coconut sugar for a plant-based alternative.
• Low-Sugar Option: Use stevia or monk fruit sweetener instead of granulated sugar, reduce total sugar content, and incorporate sugar-free applesauce to maintain moisture.
• Dairy-Free Modification: Replace buttermilk with almond milk or oat milk, use coconut oil instead of regular oil, and create a coconut milk-based glaze for lactose-intolerant individuals.

Serving Ideas for Sweet Potato Honeybun Cake

• Cozy Breakfast Companion: Pair this sweet potato honeybun cake with a steaming cup of coffee or chai tea for a delightful morning treat.
• Dessert Decadence: Serve warm slices topped with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for an indulgent after-dinner dessert experience.
• Brunch Showstopper: Create an elegant brunch spread by presenting the cake alongside fresh fruit, whipped cream, and a light dusting of powdered sugar.
• Holiday Gift Option: Wrap individual slices in parchment paper and tie with a ribbon for a homemade gift that spreads sweet comfort to friends and family.

Storing Your Sweet Potato Honeybun Cake Properly

• Store cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent drying out.
• Wrap individual cake slices or whole cake in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months without glaze.
• Move frozen cake to the refrigerator overnight, allowing it to defrost slowly and maintain moisture.
• Warm cake slices at 300F for 10-15 minutes, covering with foil to prevent excessive drying. Add fresh glaze after reheating for best taste.

FAQs

• Can I use canned sweet potatoes instead of fresh ones?

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

• Is buttermilk necessary for this recipe?

While buttermilk adds moisture and tenderness, you can substitute with regular milk mixed with a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar or lemon juice.

• How do I know when 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 top should also be golden brown and slightly springy to touch.

• Can I make this cake gluten-free?

Yes, you can replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Just ensure it’s a 1:1 baking replacement to maintain the cake’s texture.

Sweet Potato Honeybun Cake Recipe

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4.7 from 12 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Indulgent sweet potato honeybun cake marries Southern comfort with irresistible sweetness. Cinnamon-swirled layers and creamy glaze promise a delightful dessert that you’ll savor with pure culinary joy.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 cup mashed sweet potatoes (about 1 medium sweet potato)
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

Sugars and Sweeteners:

• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar for cinnamon swirl
• 1 cup powdered sugar for glaze

Spices and Flavor Enhancers:

• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon for cinnamon swirl
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract for glaze
• 2 tablespoons milk for glaze

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and thoroughly coat a 9×13-inch baking pan with grease and flour to prevent sticking.
2. In a spacious mixing bowl, thoroughly combine mashed sweet potatoes, granulated and brown sugars, vegetable oil, eggs, buttermilk, and vanilla extract until achieving a uniform, silky texture.
3. Sift together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger in a separate bowl to eliminate potential lumps and ensure even distribution of dry ingredients.
4. Gradually incorporate the dry ingredient mixture into the sweet potato blend, stirring gently until fully integrated without overmixing.
5. Create the cinnamon swirl by whisking together sugar and ground cinnamon in a small dish.
6. Transfer half of the cake batter into the prepared pan, then generously scatter half of the cinnamon swirl mixture across the surface.
7. Carefully spread the remaining batter over the first layer, then use a knife to create elegant swirling patterns throughout the cake.
8. Sprinkle the remaining cinnamon swirl mixture on top, ensuring even coverage.
9. Bake for 35-40 minutes, rotating the pan halfway through cooking to promote uniform browning, and test doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center—it should emerge clean.
10. Allow the cake to cool completely within the pan, resting on a wire rack to prevent soggy bottoms.
11. Prepare the glaze by whisking powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth, then drizzle artfully over the cooled cake.

Notes

• Ingredient Substitution: Swap buttermilk with dairy-free alternatives like almond milk mixed with apple cider vinegar for a vegan-friendly version.
• Texture Tip: Use freshly roasted and mashed sweet potatoes for a more vibrant flavor and smoother consistency compared to canned varieties.
• Baking Precision: Ensure even cinnamon swirl distribution by using a thin knife or skewer for gentle marbling, creating beautiful visual and taste layers.
• Storage Hack: Keep the cake moist by storing in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for extended freshness.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 305
• Sugar: 34 g
• Sodium: 188 mg
• Fat: 13 g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 44 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 35 mg