Sweet Potato Honeybun Cake with Pecans & Sweet Potato Icing

Sweet Potato Honeybun Cake with Pecans and Sweet Potato Icing is a unique twist on a classic Southern dessert. This moist, spiced cake is infused with the natural sweetness of mashed sweet potatoes and topped with a creamy icing made from sweet potatoes, powdered sugar, and butter. The cake is loaded with aromatic spices like cinnamon and nutmeg and has the added crunch of chopped pecans. It's a perfect dessert for family gatherings, holidays, or any occasion where a flavorful, comforting treat is desired.

Clare Greco
Updated on Monday 02 December 2024
Sweet Potato Honeybun Cake
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Sweet Potato Honeybun Cake | Recipesbyclare.com

Sweet Potato Honeybun Cake with Pecans and Sweet Potato Icing is a delicious and comforting dessert that brings together the sweetness of mashed sweet potatoes, aromatic spices, and the nutty crunch of pecans. This moist cake is topped with a unique sweet potato icing, adding a creamy layer of flavor that complements the spiced cake perfectly. It’s a must-try for anyone who loves Southern-inspired desserts.

INGREDIENTS

  • Sweet potatoes: 1 cup, mashed (cooked and cooled), for moisture and flavor in the cake
  • Granulated sugar: 1 cup, for sweetness in the cake
  • Vegetable oil: 1 cup, for moistness
  • Large eggs: 4, for structure
  • All-purpose flour: 2 cups, for the base
  • Baking powder: 1 tsp, for leavening
  • Baking soda: 1 tsp, for rising
  • Ground cinnamon: 1 tsp, for warm spice
  • Ground nutmeg: ½ tsp, for added warmth
  • Salt: ½ tsp, to balance flavors
  • Vanilla extract: 1 tsp, for flavor
  • Chopped pecans: 1 cup, for crunch
  • Sweet potatoes: ½ cup, mashed (cooked and cooled), for icing
  • Powdered sugar: 2 cups, for sweetness in the icing
  • Unsalted butter: ¼ cup, softened, for creaminess in the icing
  • Vanilla extract: 1 tsp, for flavor in the icing
  • Milk: ¼ cup (adjust for consistency), for desired icing texture

INSTRUCTIONS

Step 1:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13-inch baking dish.
Step 2:
In a large mixing bowl, blend the mashed sweet potatoes, granulated sugar, and vegetable oil until well combined.
Step 3:
Add the eggs one at a time, stirring thoroughly after each addition.
Step 4:
In a separate bowl, mix together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
Step 5:
Slowly fold the dry ingredients into the sweet potato mixture, mixing gently until just combined.
Step 6:
Add the vanilla extract and chopped pecans, stirring until evenly distributed. Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish.
Step 7:
Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Step 8:
For the icing: In a medium bowl, combine mashed sweet potatoes, powdered sugar, softened butter, and vanilla extract.
Step 9:
Use an electric mixer to beat the icing ingredients until smooth and creamy, adding milk to reach the desired consistency.
Step 10:
Let the cake rest in the pan for 10 minutes, then spread the sweet potato icing over the top while the cake is still warm.
Step 11:
Allow the cake to cool completely before cutting into squares and serving.

Serving and Storage Tips

  • Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
  • For an extra touch, top each slice with chopped pecans or a drizzle of caramel sauce.

Helpful Notes

  • The icing should be added while the cake is warm to allow it to soak in and enhance moisture.
  • Adjust the milk in the icing to achieve the desired consistency.

Tips from Well-Known Chefs

  • Add a splash of orange juice to the icing for a citrusy twist.

Why You’ll Love This Sweet Potato Cake

This Sweet Potato Honeybun Cake is packed with warm spices, tender sweet potatoes, and a creamy icing that adds a unique twist. It’s a comforting dessert that’s perfect for fall gatherings or any occasion.

How to Make Ahead and Store

The cake can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Let it come to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture.

FAQs

Can I use canned sweet potatoes?

Yes, canned sweet potatoes can be used, but make sure they are drained and mashed before use.

Can I make the icing thicker?

Add more powdered sugar to achieve a thicker consistency.

Can I add spices to the icing?

Yes, adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg can enhance the flavor of the icing.

Can I use walnuts instead of pecans?

Yes, chopped walnuts can be used as a substitute for pecans.

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Some more ideas

The Sweet Potato Honeybun Cake with Pecans and Grated Sweet Potato Icing is a moist, flavorful dessert that combines sweet, nutty, and spiced flavors. Made with mashed sweet potatoes, this cake has a tender crumb, aromatic spices, and a delightful crunch from chopped pecans. The sweet potato icing adds a creamy, unique twist, making this cake perfect for fall gatherings, holiday feasts, or any occasion where you want to impress with a rich and comforting dessert. Serve this cake warm or at room temperature for the best flavor.

Sweet Potato Cake

Enjoy this moist Sweet Potato Honeybun Cake with a delicious sweet potato icing, creating a sweet, nutty, and spiced dessert that's perfect for any occasion.

Prep Time
20 Minutes
Cook Time
35 Minutes
Total Time
55 Minutes

Category: Sweet Treats

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: Southern American

Yield: 12 Servings (1 cake)

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

01 Sweet potatoes: 1 cup, mashed (cooked and cooled), for moisture and flavor.
02 Granulated sugar: 1 cup, for sweetness.
03 Vegetable oil: 1 cup, for moistness.
04 Large eggs: 4, for structure.
05 All-purpose flour: 2 cups, for the base.
06 Baking powder: 1 tsp, for leavening.
07 Baking soda: 1 tsp, for rising.
08 Ground cinnamon: 1 tsp, for warm spice.
09 Ground nutmeg: ½ tsp, for added warmth.
10 Salt: ½ tsp, to balance flavors.
11 Vanilla extract: 1 tsp, for flavor.
12 Chopped pecans: 1 cup, for crunch.
13 Sweet potatoes: ½ cup, mashed (cooked and cooled), for flavor.
14 Powdered sugar: 2 cups, for sweetness.
15 Unsalted butter: ¼ cup, softened, for creaminess.
16 Vanilla extract: 1 tsp, for flavor.
17 Milk: ¼ cup (adjust for consistency), for desired texture.

Instructions

Step 01

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13-inch baking dish.

Step 02

In a large mixing bowl, blend the mashed sweet potatoes, granulated sugar, and vegetable oil until well combined.

Step 03

Add the eggs one at a time, stirring thoroughly after each addition.

Step 04

In a separate bowl, mix together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.

Step 05

Slowly fold the dry ingredients into the sweet potato mixture, mixing gently until just combined.

Step 06

Add the vanilla extract and chopped pecans, stirring until evenly distributed. Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish.

Step 07

Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 08

For the icing: In a medium bowl, combine mashed sweet potatoes, powdered sugar, softened butter, and vanilla extract.

Step 09

Use an electric mixer to beat the icing ingredients until smooth and creamy, adding milk to reach the desired consistency.

Step 10

Let the cake rest in the pan for 10 minutes, then spread the sweet potato icing over the top while the cake is still warm.

Step 11

Allow the cake to cool completely before cutting into squares and serving.

Notes

  1. This Sweet Potato Honeybun Cake is a moist, spiced dessert topped with a creamy sweet potato icing.
  2. Adding the icing while the cake is still warm allows it to soak into the cake, enhancing flavor and moisture.
  3. The use of sweet potatoes in both the cake and icing provides a unique sweetness and texture.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: ~
  • Total Fat: ~
  • Total Carbohydrate: ~
  • Protein: ~