This Sweet Potato Honey Bun Cake is a moist, spiced cake inspired by the classic honey bun pastry. Packed with the natural sweetness of mashed sweet potatoes, warm spices, and crunchy pecans, this cake is topped with a luscious honey glaze that soaks into every bite. Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a holiday treat, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite!
Prep Time
- 20 minutes
Cook Time
- 45–50 minutes
Total Time
- 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings
- 12 servings
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 1 cup mashed sweet potatoes (about 2 medium sweet potatoes)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 4 large eggs
- 2½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup chopped pecans
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 2–3 tablespoons milk (adjust for desired consistency)
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Sweet Potatoes
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) .
- Prick the sweet potatoes with a fork and bake them directly on the oven rack or on a baking sheet for about 45 minutes , or until tender.
- Once cool enough to handle, peel the sweet potatoes and mash them until smooth. Measure out 1 cup of mashed sweet potatoes for the cake.
Step 2: Make the Cake Batter
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed sweet potatoes, granulated sugar , brown sugar , and vegetable oil . Mix until well combined.
- Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract .
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour , baking soda , baking powder , cinnamon , nutmeg , ginger , and salt .
Step 4: Blend Ingredients
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Fold in the chopped pecans until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
Step 5: Bake the Cake
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan and pour the batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 45–50 minutes , or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cake to cool slightly while you prepare the glaze.
Step 6: Prepare the Glaze
- In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar , honey , melted butter , milk , and vanilla extract until smooth. Adjust the amount of milk to achieve your desired consistency—thicker for a drizzle, thinner for a soak.
Step 7: Glaze the Cake
- Pour the glaze evenly over the warm cake, allowing it to soak into the surface. If desired, sprinkle additional chopped pecans on top for added crunch and decoration.
Step 8: Serve
- Cut the cake into squares and serve warm or at room temperature. Enjoy the rich, spiced flavors and gooey honey glaze in every bite!
Pro Tips
- Extra Pecans: Sprinkle extra pecans on top of the glaze for added texture and visual appeal.
- Glaze Consistency: Start with 2 tablespoons of milk in the glaze and add more as needed to achieve your preferred thickness.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days . Reheat slices in the microwave for a warm treat.
- Make Ahead: The cake can be made a day in advance and glazed just before serving.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving, based on 12 servings)
- Calories: ~420 kcal
- Protein: 5g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fat: 20g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 35g
Note: Nutrition values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Sweet Potato Honey Bun Cake is a celebration of fall flavors and comforting textures. The mashed sweet potatoes make the cake incredibly moist, while the warm spices and honey glaze create a symphony of sweetness and warmth. The crunchy pecans add a delightful contrast, making every bite a perfect balance of soft, chewy, and crisp.
Ready to bake this show-stopping cake? Grab your ingredients and get ready to enjoy a dessert that’s rich, spiced, and utterly irresistible—it’s like a hug in cake form!
