Sweet Potato Honeybun Cake 🍠🍰

Introduction

There’s something uniquely comforting about a warm, spiced cake that fills the house with delightful aromas. The Sweet Potato Honeybun Cake is a family favorite in our home, bringing together the rich flavors of sweet potatoes and warm spices with a hint of sweetness from the glaze. It’s become a staple during our fall gatherings, where friends and family gather to enjoy not only the taste but also the beautiful presentation. Each bite offers a perfect balance of moist cake, cinnamon-sugar swirl, and a luscious glaze that makes it hard to resist going back for seconds. I can’t wait to share this delightful recipe with you!

Ingredients

For the Cake:

• 1 cup mashed sweet potatoes (about 1 large sweet potato, cooked and mashed)
• 1 box yellow cake mix
• 4 large eggs
• ½ cup vegetable oil
• ½ cup sour cream
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• ½ tsp ground nutmeg
• ½ tsp ground ginger

For the Cinnamon Sugar Swirl:

• 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
• 1 tbsp ground cinnamon

For the Brown Sugar Glaze:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 3-4 tbsp milk (adjust for consistency)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

Prepare the Cake

1. Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Mix Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, eggs, vegetable oil, sour cream, mashed sweet potatoes, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. Mix until smooth and well combined, ensuring there are no lumps.

Add the Cinnamon Sugar Swirl

3. Prepare the Swirl Mixture: In a separate bowl, mix together the light brown sugar and ground cinnamon for the swirl.
4. Layer the Batter: Pour half of the cake batter into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the batter. Then, pour the remaining cake batter on top, spreading it out to cover the cinnamon layer completely.

Bake the Cake

5. Bake: Place the cake in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
6. Cool: Allow the cake to cool slightly in the pan while you prepare the glaze.

Prepare the Brown Sugar Glaze

7. Make the Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, brown sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and pourable. Adjust the milk as necessary to achieve your desired consistency.

Glaze the Cake

8. Add the Glaze: Pour the brown sugar glaze over the warm cake, allowing it to soak in slightly.
9. Cool Completely: Let the cake cool to room temperature, then slice and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

• Servings: Approximately 12 slices
• Calories per Serving: About 250

Nutritional Information (per slice)

• Calories: 250
• Total Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Cholesterol: 50mg
• Sodium: 250mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 39g
• Dietary Fiber: 1g
• Sugars: 18g
• Protein: 3g

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40-45 minutes
• Total Time: Approximately 1 hour

How to Serve

• Warm: Serve warm for a cozy treat.
• Toppings:
• A scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
• A dusting of powdered sugar for an elegant touch.
• Sliced fresh fruit, such as apples or pears.
• Pairings:
• Serve with a cup of coffee or hot tea.
• Perfect as a dessert after a hearty meal.

Additional Tips

1. Choosing Sweet Potatoes: Select sweet potatoes that are firm and without blemishes for the best flavor and texture.
2. Mashed Sweet Potatoes: Ensure your sweet potatoes are well-mashed and smooth to avoid lumps in the batter.
3. Storage: Keep the cake covered to maintain its moisture, and it can be stored at room temperature for up to 3 days.
4. Glaze Consistency: Adjust the amount of milk in the glaze to reach your desired thickness—thicker for a more frosting-like texture or thinner for a drizzle.
5. Make-Ahead: This cake can be made a day in advance; it tastes even better as the flavors meld overnight!

Recipe Variations

• Nutty Addition: Fold in ½ cup of chopped pecans or walnuts for extra crunch.
• Frosting Option: Swap the glaze for cream cheese frosting for a richer dessert.
• Spice Variation: Add a pinch of cloves or allspice for a more complex flavor profile.
• Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle melted chocolate over the glaze for a decadent touch.
• Mini Cakes: Bake in muffin tins for individual portions, adjusting the baking time to about 20-25 minutes.

Serving Suggestions

• Brunch Delight: Serve alongside a fruit salad and yogurt for a delightful brunch spread.
• Potluck Favorite: Bring to gatherings or potlucks; it’s always a hit!
• Holiday Treat: Perfect for Thanksgiving or Christmas celebrations, adding a unique twist to dessert options.

Freezing and Storage

• Freezing: Wrap the cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store in an airtight container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
• Refrigeration: Store in the fridge for up to a week, keeping it covered to maintain moisture.

FAQ Section

1. Can I use canned sweet potatoes?

• Yes, but make sure to drain them well and mash them thoroughly to avoid excess moisture.

1. What if I don’t have brown sugar?

• You can substitute with granulated sugar, though the flavor will be slightly different.

1. Can I make this cake gluten-free?

• Yes, use a gluten-free yellow cake mix to accommodate dietary restrictions.

1. How do I know when the cake is done?

• Insert a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean or with a few crumbs, it’s done.

1. Can I add frosting instead of glaze?

• Absolutely! Cream cheese frosting pairs beautifully with the flavors in this cake.

1. Is there a dairy-free option for the sour cream?

• Yes, you can use a dairy-free yogurt or sour cream alternative.

1. What can I use instead of vegetable oil?

• You can substitute with melted coconut oil or applesauce for a healthier option.

1. Can I use a different cake mix flavor?

• While yellow cake mix is recommended, chocolate or spice cake mixes can also work well.

1. How should I store leftovers?

• Keep the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.

1. Can I make this cake in advance?
   • Yes! The flavors deepen after a day in the fridge, making it an excellent make-ahead dessert.

Conclusion

The Sweet Potato Honeybun Cake is more than just a dessert; it’s a celebration of flavors that embodies the warmth and comfort of home cooking. With its moist texture, spiced aroma, and delightful glaze, this cake is sure to impress your family and friends. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply treating yourself to a cozy afternoon snack, this cake is the perfect choice. So, gather your ingredients, embrace the wonderful flavors of fall, and enjoy this delicious creation that’s bound to become a favorite in your household too! 🍂✨

Print