Tips:
- Ensure sweet potatoes are completely cooled or they may thicken the batter too much.
- For a more intense cinnamon flavor, add an extra tablespoon to the filling.
- If glaze is too thick, add 1 tsp milk at a time until pourable.
- Let the cake rest 10 minutes before glazing so the icing melts perfectly into the cracks.
Prep Time:
20 minutes
Cooking Time:
35–40 minutes
Total Time:
55–60 minutes
Nutritional Information (Estimated per serving):
Calories: ~320
Protein: ~4g
Sodium: ~260mg
FAQs:
Q1: Can I use canned sweet potato puree?
Yes—just be sure it’s plain, not sweetened or spiced.
Q2: How do I store Sweet Potato Honeybun Cake?
Keep covered at room temperature for 2–3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
Q3: Can I freeze this cake?
Yes. Freeze slices individually for easy desserts.
Q4: Can I use a homemade cake base instead of cake mix?
Absolutely—use your favorite yellow or vanilla cake recipe.
Q5: Why is sour cream used?
It adds moisture, richness, and creates the dense, honeybun-like texture.
Conclusion
Sweet Potato Honeybun Cake is the ultimate comfort dessert—moist, swirled with cinnamon sugar, kissed with sweet potato richness, and topped with a warm glaze that sinks into every delicious bite. It’s easy enough for weeknight baking yet impressive enough for holidays and celebrations. Whether you’re serving it warm with ice cream or enjoying a slice with morning coffee, this cake brings homemade Southern charm straight to your kitchen. Once you try it, it’s guaranteed to become a family tradition. Enjoy!
Cake Batter:
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1 box yellow cake mix
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1 cup mashed sweet potatoes (smooth and cooled)
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4 large eggs
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¾ cup vegetable oil
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1 cup sour cream
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1 tsp vanilla extract
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1 tsp cinnamon (optional for extra warmth)
Cinnamon-Sugar Swirl:
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1 cup brown sugar
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1 tbsp cinnamon
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½ tsp nutmeg (optional)
Honeybun Glaze:
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2 cups powdered sugar
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¼ cup milk
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1 tsp vanilla extract
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1 tbsp melted butter (optional for richness)
Instructions
Boil or bake sweet potatoes until soft, then mash until completely smooth. Allow to cool before adding to the batter. Smoothness is key to keeping the crumb tender.
Step 2: Make the Cake Batter
In a large mixing bowl, combine cake mix, mashed sweet potatoes, eggs, oil, sour cream, vanilla, and cinnamon. Mix until the batter is thick, silky, and well combined. Do not overmix.
Step 3: Prepare the Cinnamon-Sugar Filling
Stir together brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a small bowl. This mixture will create the signature honeybun-style swirl inside the cake.
Step 4: Assemble the Cake
Pour half the cake batter into a greased 9×13 baking dish. Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture over the batter evenly. Spoon the remaining batter on top and spread gently to cover the swirl.
Step 5: Bake the Cake
Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 35–40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Do not overbake—this cake is best when moist.
Notes
For the best swirl effect, avoid mixing the cinnamon layer into the batter. Simply layer it in the center and let it bake into beautiful ribbons naturally.
