If you’re looking for a dessert that’s both comforting and flavorful, look no further than this Sweet Potato Honey Bun Cake. Combining the warmth and sweetness of cinnamon with the creamy richness of sweet potatoes, this cake is a twist on the classic honey bun cake that will surely become a family favorite. Perfect for brunch, a special occasion, or simply satisfying your sweet tooth, this cake is easy to make and incredibly delicious.

Why You’ll Love This Sweet Potato Honey Bun Cake

This Sweet Potato Honey Bun Cake is an incredibly versatile dessert that works for almost any occasion. The star ingredient, mashed sweet potatoes, adds moisture and a subtle, earthy sweetness to the cake, making it richer and more complex than your average yellow cake. The cinnamon-brown sugar swirl creates pockets of flavor throughout the cake, while the sweet glaze on top takes it over the edge with a touch of vanilla.

Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering, looking for a unique treat for brunch, or craving something sweet and homemade, this cake is the perfect choice. It’s easy enough for novice bakers but impressive enough to serve at any celebration. Plus, the addition of sweet potatoes not only enhances the flavor but also makes the cake a little more wholesome.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious Sweet Potato Honey Bun Cake:

• 1 box yellow cake mix – This is the base of the cake and helps simplify the recipe. You can also use a homemade cake mix if you prefer, but the box mix works wonders for ease.

• 1 cup mashed sweet potatoes – Freshly cooked or canned sweet potatoes will work. This ingredient gives the cake its distinct flavor and moist texture.

• ¾ cup vegetable oil – This adds the necessary fat to make the cake rich and moist.

• 4 eggs – Eggs provide structure to the cake and help it rise properly.

• 1 cup sour cream – This adds creaminess and a slight tang, balancing the sweetness of the cake.

• ½ cup brown sugar – Brown sugar contributes to the warm, caramel-like flavor that complements the sweet potatoes.

• 1 tablespoon cinnamon – Cinnamon is essential for that warm, comforting spice that’s synonymous with fall desserts.

• Glaze:

  • 1 cup powdered sugar – This sweet glaze adds the finishing touch to the cake, making it irresistible.

  • 2 tablespoons milk – Milk helps thin out the powdered sugar and create a smooth glaze.

  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Vanilla brings out the sweetness of the cake and enhances the flavor of the glaze.

How to Make Sweet Potato Honey Bun Cake

Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray to ensure the cake doesn’t stick.

Step 2: Mix the Cake Batter

In a large mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, mashed sweet potatoes, vegetable oil, eggs, and sour cream. Stir the ingredients together until smooth. You’ll want to make sure the sweet potatoes are fully incorporated into the batter, creating a creamy, slightly thick mixture.

Step 3: Make the Cinnamon-Sugar Swirl

In a separate bowl, mix the brown sugar and cinnamon together. This will form the sweet, spiced swirl that makes this cake so delicious.

Step 4: Assemble the Cake

Pour half of the cake batter into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the cinnamon-brown sugar mixture evenly over the batter, covering it in a sweet layer. Then, pour the remaining cake batter over the top. Use a knife or skewer to gently swirl the cinnamon-sugar mixture into the batter, creating a marbled effect.

Step 5: Bake the Cake

Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. The cake should be golden brown and have a firm texture. Once baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool for about 10 minutes.

Step 6: Prepare the Glaze

While the cake is cooling, make the glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. If the glaze is too thick, you can add a little more milk, one teaspoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.

Step 7: Glaze the Cake

Once the cake has cooled slightly, drizzle the glaze over the top. Allow it to set for a few minutes before cutting into the cake and serving.

Tips for the Perfect Sweet Potato Honey Bun Cake

• Using Fresh Sweet Potatoes: If you choose to use fresh sweet potatoes, bake or boil them until soft, then mash them with a fork or potato masher. Make sure the sweet potatoes are smooth and lump-free to ensure the best texture for the cake.

• Spices: If you love spice, feel free to add a pinch of nutmeg or allspice to the cinnamon-sugar swirl for an extra flavor boost.

• Substitute for Sour Cream: If you don’t have sour cream on hand, you can substitute with plain yogurt. It will still provide that creamy texture and slight tang needed for the cake.

• Make It Ahead of Time: This cake keeps well for a few days. In fact, it tastes even better after sitting for a day or two as the flavors continue to meld together. Store it in an airtight container at room temperature or in the fridge if you prefer.

Kitchen Equipment Needed

To make this Sweet Potato Honey Bun Cake, you’ll need the following kitchen tools:

• 9×13-inch baking dish – This is the ideal size for baking the cake.

• Large mixing bowls – One for the cake batter and one for the cinnamon-sugar mixture.

• Whisk – For mixing the glaze and ensuring it’s smooth.

• Spatula or spoon – To stir the cake batter and spread it evenly in the pan.

• Knife or skewer – To swirl the cinnamon-sugar mixture into the batter.

How to Store Leftovers

If you happen to have any leftovers (which might be unlikely!), store them in an airtight container. This cake can be kept at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you’d like it to last a little longer, you can refrigerate it for up to a week. Simply warm up slices in the microwave for a few seconds to bring back that fresh-from-the-oven taste.

Food and Drink Pairings

This Sweet Potato Honey Bun Cake pairs beautifully with a variety of beverages. Here are some great options:

• Coffee – A cup of freshly brewed coffee is a perfect companion to the spiced flavors of the cake. Try a medium-roast coffee for a balanced flavor.

• Hot Tea – For a lighter pairing, opt for a cup of chai or cinnamon tea. The warm spices in the tea will complement the cake’s flavors.

• Milk – A cold glass of milk is always a great choice to go with cake, especially if you have a sweet tooth.

FAQ

Can I use canned sweet potatoes for this recipe?

• Yes! Canned sweet potatoes are a great time-saver. Just be sure to drain and mash them before adding them to the cake batter.

Can I make this cake without the glaze?

• Yes, the cake is still delicious without the glaze, but the glaze adds a nice sweetness and moisture to the top. If you prefer, you can dust the cake with powdered sugar instead.

Can I freeze this cake?

• Yes, you can freeze the cake. Allow it to cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil. Store in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.

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