Sweet Potato Honeybun Cake is an absolute must-try for any dessert lover looking for a treat that combines warm spices, moist texture, and irresistible sweetness. This cake is not only a delicious dessert, but it’s also a fantastic way to incorporate the natural sweetness and richness of sweet potatoes into your baked goods. The beauty of this cake lies in its simplicity—each bite offers a blend of soft, airy cake with subtle cinnamon, nutmeg, and a slight hint of ginger that takes this dessert to the next level.
Whether you’re preparing for a family gathering, a special occasion, or simply craving a new baking adventure, Sweet Potato Honeybun Cake is sure to impress. Let’s dive into the ingredients, instructions, and the secret to achieving that perfect balance of flavor and moisture.
The Secret Ingredients that Make Sweet Potato Honeybun Cake Special
Before we jump into the baking process, let’s explore the ingredients that come together to create the perfect Sweet Potato Honeybun Cake. Each ingredient plays a critical role in ensuring the cake has the right texture, flavor, and moisture that will leave you coming back for more.
The Key Ingredients in Sweet Potato Honeybun Cake
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Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes are the star ingredient in this cake, providing a natural sweetness and moist texture. The soft, mashed sweet potato helps bind the cake and contributes to its unique richness. -
Granulated Sugar
Sugar gives the cake the classic sweetness we all love. It helps to create a balanced flavor profile, enhancing the sweet potato flavor without overpowering it. -
Brown Sugar
Brown sugar adds a touch of molasses, bringing a deeper, more complex sweetness to the cake. Its rich flavor complements the sweet potatoes perfectly, making each bite indulgent. -
Vegetable Oil
Vegetable oil ensures that the cake remains soft and moist throughout. The oil also helps the cake rise and creates a light, airy texture. -
Eggs
Eggs provide structure and moisture to the cake. They bind the ingredients together and help the batter hold its shape while baking. -
Buttermilk
Buttermilk’s tangy flavor not only helps balance the sweetness of the cake but also reacts with the baking soda to give the cake a light, fluffy texture. -
Vanilla Extract
Vanilla extract enhances the overall flavor of the cake, adding a subtle sweetness and aromatic quality that complements the other ingredients. -
All-Purpose Flour
Flour provides the structure of the cake, creating a soft and delicate crumb. It’s essential for binding the wet ingredients and helping the cake hold together as it bakes. -
Baking Powder and Baking Soda
These two leavening agents are crucial for giving the cake its light and airy texture. The baking powder helps the cake rise, while the baking soda reacts with the buttermilk to ensure a tender crumb. -
Salt
A small amount of salt helps to balance the sweetness, ensuring that the cake isn’t overwhelmingly sugary. -
Cinnamon, Nutmeg, and Ginger
These warm spices are what make this cake truly special. Cinnamon and nutmeg bring a comforting warmth, while ginger adds a subtle spiced kick that elevates the overall flavor profile of the cake.
Now that you’re familiar with the ingredients, let’s dive into the step-by-step process of making this Sweet Potato Honeybun Cake.
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Sweet Potato Honeybun Cake
Making Sweet Potato Honeybun Cake is a relatively straightforward process, and the end result is absolutely worth it. Follow these simple steps to create a cake that’s bursting with flavor and moisture.
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Before you get started with mixing, it’s important to preheat your oven. Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it reaches the right temperature by the time you’re ready to bake.
While the oven is heating up, grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent the cake from sticking.
Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the following ingredients:
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1 cup of mashed sweet potatoes
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1 cup of granulated sugar
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1/2 cup of packed brown sugar
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1/2 cup of vegetable oil
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2 large eggs
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1 cup of buttermilk
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2 teaspoons of vanilla extract
Whisk the ingredients together until the mixture is smooth and well combined. The mashed sweet potatoes should be fully incorporated, and the sugar should dissolve into the wet ingredients.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, combine the following dry ingredients:
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2 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour
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1 tablespoon of baking powder
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1/2 teaspoon of baking soda
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1/2 teaspoon of salt
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1 teaspoon of cinnamon
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1/2 teaspoon of nutmeg
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1/2 teaspoon of ginger
Stir the dry ingredients together until evenly distributed. The spices, flour, and leavening agents should be thoroughly mixed so that the cake will rise evenly as it bakes.
Step 4: Blend Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently as you go. It’s important to add the dry ingredients slowly to ensure that the batter remains smooth. Stir until the mixture is fully combined, and be sure not to overmix.
Step 5: Pour the Batter and Bake
Once the batter is ready, pour it into your prepared 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread it out evenly, and make sure there are no air bubbles trapped in the batter.
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Baking times may vary slightly depending on your oven, so check for doneness after 30 minutes.
Step 6: Cool the Cake
After the cake is finished baking, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes. Letting the cake cool slightly before serving ensures that it will hold its shape and be easier to slice.
Once cooled, slice the cake into squares or rectangles, and enjoy!
Tips for Making the Perfect Sweet Potato Honeybun Cake
1. Don’t Skip the Mashed Sweet Potatoes
The sweet potatoes are the key to this cake’s moist and rich texture. Be sure to mash the sweet potatoes until smooth, without any lumps. You can use a potato masher or a blender for a smoother consistency.
2. Use Room Temperature Ingredients
For best results, make sure your eggs, buttermilk, and vegetable oil are at room temperature before mixing. This will help the ingredients blend more easily and create a smoother batter.
3. Experiment with Toppings
While the cake is already delicious on its own, you can take it to the next level by adding toppings like whipped cream, cream cheese frosting, or even a drizzle of caramel sauce.
4. Storage Tips
Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate it for up to a week or freeze it for up to 3 months. Just make sure to wrap it tightly to prevent it from drying out.
More Related Recipes You Might Enjoy
If you love this Sweet Potato Honeybun Cake, here are some other fantastic recipes that use similar ingredients or flavors you might enjoy:
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Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake – A decadent and creamy cheesecake with the irresistible flavor of cinnamon rolls.
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Crispy Oven Baked Sweet Potato Fries – A savory snack that highlights the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes in a crispy and healthy way.
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Cinnamon Sugar Donuts Drizzled with Chocolate – Sweet and indulgent donuts, perfect for any occasion, and drizzled with chocolate for extra flavor.
FAQs for Sweet Potato Honeybun Cake
Why Do Sweet Potatoes Leak When Baked?
Sweet potatoes may leak moisture when baked due to their high water content. When heated, the natural sugars and water inside the sweet potato start to break down, causing some liquid to escape. To minimize this, it’s important to bake them whole with the skin on, as the skin helps to retain moisture. If you’re mashing the sweet potatoes for a recipe like Sweet Potato Honeybun Cake, make sure to drain any excess liquid before incorporating them into your batter for the best texture.
Can You Eat Potato Cakes?
Yes, you can absolutely eat potato cakes! Potato cakes are a delicious, versatile dish made by combining mashed potatoes with ingredients like flour, eggs, and seasonings, then frying them into golden patties. They’re commonly served as a side dish or snack and can be enjoyed hot or cold. The flavor and texture of potato cakes depend on the type of potatoes and the seasonings used.
How Many Carbs Are in a Sweet Potato Cake?
Sweet potato cake, like Sweet Potato Honeybun Cake, typically contains a moderate amount of carbohydrates, primarily due to the sweet potatoes and flour used in the recipe. A typical serving of Sweet Potato Honeybun Cake can have around 30-40 grams of carbohydrates per slice, depending on the exact ingredients and portion size. To get a more accurate carb count, consider adjusting the recipe with sugar alternatives or using a smaller portion size.
Do You Have to Wrap Sweet Potatoes When Baking?
No, you don’t have to wrap sweet potatoes when baking, but it’s a good option for retaining moisture. Wrapping sweet potatoes in foil before baking can help keep them soft and prevent them from drying out. If you prefer a crispy skin, you can bake them without wrapping them, but make sure to pierce the skin with a fork before baking to allow steam to escape. Both methods will yield delicious sweet potatoes, but wrapping will result in a softer texture.
Final Thoughts
Sweet Potato Honeybun Cake is the perfect dessert for anyone who loves the flavor of sweet potatoes and the comforting warmth of spices. With its moist texture, warm cinnamon and nutmeg undertones, and a subtle ginger kick, this cake is bound to become a favorite in your baking repertoire. Whether you’re hosting a family dinner, celebrating a special occasion, or simply looking for a new dessert to try, this cake is sure to please everyone at the table.
Now that you know how to make this irresistible Sweet Potato Honeybun Cake, it’s time to gather your ingredients and start baking. Enjoy each bite of this sweet, spiced treat, and share it with your loved ones for a memorable dessert experience!
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Sweet Potato Honeybun Cake – Moist and Flavorful Dessert
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Sweet Potato Honeybun Cake is rich, moist, and packed with cozy fall spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. Mashed sweet potatoes give it a naturally sweet flavor, while buttermilk and brown sugar bring tenderness and depth. It’s the perfect dessert for holidays, Sunday dinners, or whenever you need a comforting treat.
Ingredients
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1 cup mashed sweet potatoes
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1 cup granulated sugar
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1/2 cup packed brown sugar
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1/2 cup vegetable oil
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2 large eggs
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1 cup buttermilk
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2 teaspoons vanilla extract
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2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
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1 tablespoon baking powder
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1/2 teaspoon baking soda
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1/2 teaspoon salt
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1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
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1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
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1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
Instructions
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Preheat Oven – Set oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking dish.
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Mix Wet Ingredients – In a large bowl, whisk together mashed sweet potatoes, granulated sugar, brown sugar, oil, eggs, buttermilk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
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Combine Dry Ingredients – In a separate bowl, mix together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger.
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Blend Together – Slowly add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, stirring just until combined. Do not overmix.
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Pour & Bake – Pour the batter into your prepared baking dish and smooth the top. Bake for 30–40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
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Cool & Serve – Let the cake cool before slicing and serving. Enjoy!
Notes
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For an extra glaze, drizzle with a powdered sugar icing while warm.
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Use canned or freshly baked sweet potatoes—just ensure they’re fully mashed.
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Spice it up with a pinch of cloves for added warmth.
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Store leftovers covered at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to 5.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern, American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 310 kcal
- Sugar: 24g
- Sodium: 190mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 46g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: Sweet Potato Honeybun Cake, sweet potato dessert, southern sweet potato cake, easy holiday cake, fall baking recipe