Name: Sweet Potato Honeybun Cake Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 box yellow cake mix; 1 cup mashed cooked sweet potatoes (about 1 medium sweet potato); ¾ cup vegetable oil; 4 large eggs; 1 cup sour cream; 1 tablespoon vanilla extract; 1 cup brown sugar; 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon; 2 cups powdered sugar; ¼ cup milk; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

If you’re craving a slice of pure nostalgia with a twist, this Sweet Potato Honeybun Cake is destined to hit the spot. Imagine the irresistible aroma of cinnamon and brown sugar swirling through your kitchen as soft, golden cake bakes to perfection — all heightened by the sweet, earthy richness of mashed sweet potato. Topped with a velvety vanilla glaze that seeps into every tender crumb, this recipe transforms a classic honeybun cake into something even more luscious. Get ready to wow your family, friends, and your own tastebuds with a treat that’s easy enough for a weeknight but decadent enough for a celebration.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Sweet Potato Honeybun Cake Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

What sets this Sweet Potato Honeybun Cake apart is its surprisingly simple ingredient list — each one shines and contributes either to the comforting flavor, glorious color, or melt-in-your-mouth texture. Gather these essentials and you’re halfway to dessert heaven!

Yellow cake mix: The foolproof base that guarantees a moist, tender crumb with minimal fuss.
Mashed cooked sweet potatoes: Add natural sweetness, gorgeous color, and extra moisture for a uniquely rich cake.
Vegetable oil: Keeps the crumb ultra-soft and ensures lasting freshness.
Large eggs: Give the cake structure and lend extra richness to every bite.
Sour cream: The secret ingredient for a supremely tender and tangy cake.
Vanilla extract: Infuses warmth and brings all the flavors together harmoniously.
Brown sugar: Essential for that signature gooey, cinnamon-swirled magic inside.
Ground cinnamon: Adds round, comforting spice throughout the cake.
Powdered sugar: The base for your dreamy sweet glaze on top.
Milk: Thins out the glaze so it soaks into the cake just right.
More vanilla extract: A gentle nudge of flavor for your silky-smooth glaze.

How to Make Sweet Potato Honeybun Cake

Step 1: Prepare the Cake Batter

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and generously greasing a 9×13-inch baking pan. In your largest mixing bowl, add the yellow cake mix, mashed sweet potatoes, vegetable oil, eggs, sour cream, and vanilla extract. Grab your favorite sturdy spatula or mixer and blend everything until it’s perfectly smooth and just the right shade of sunny orange. The sweet potato not only upgrades the color, but it brings an incredible supple texture you don’t want to miss!

Step 2: Add the Cinnamon Swirl

In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar and ground cinnamon together until well combined — this is your ticket to that iconic honeybun-style swirl. Pour half of your cake batter into the prepared pan, smoothing it out in an even layer. Now, sprinkle on half of your cinnamon-sugar blend. Pour on the rest of the cake batter, gently smoothing it again, and finish off by showering the remaining cinnamon-sugar mixture over the top. If you’re feeling creative, swirl lightly with a knife for a marbled look.

Step 3: Bake the Cake

Slide the pan into the oven and let your Sweet Potato Honeybun Cake bake for 40–45 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the edges are golden and a toothpick poked in the center comes out clean. The aroma alone will tempt you, but patience pays off — let it cool in the pan for about 15 minutes so everything settles into blissful perfection.

Step 4: Prepare the Glaze

While the cake is still a little warm, whip up your luscious glaze. In a small bowl, combine powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract. Whisk until smooth and pourable; if it’s a bit thick, add a few drops more milk until it’s just right. Drizzle the glaze evenly across the warm cake and watch as it soaks into every nook and cranny, turning it sticky, shiny, and mouthwateringly inviting.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Let the Sweet Potato Honeybun Cake cool completely before you slice — this helps the glaze set and keeps every piece picture-perfect. Serve it up warm or at room temperature. Trust me, every forkful is a delightful mix of cozy autumn flavors, tender crumb, and sweet, spicy swirls.

How to Serve Sweet Potato Honeybun Cake

Garnishes

Set the stage for your Sweet Potato Honeybun Cake with a sprinkling of toasted pecans, a dash of ground cinnamon, or even a little lemon zest to brighten things up. Each garnish brings its own flair — nuts add crunch, cinnamon amps up the warmth, and zest gives a gentle zing that cuts the sweetness in the best way. For an extra-special finish, a dollop of whipped cream never hurts!

Side Dishes

This cake is a star on its own, but it certainly loves a good supporting cast. Pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a velvety caramel sauce if you’re going all out. For a lighter touch, try serving it alongside fresh berries or a cozy mug of spiced chai. These sides complement the sweet potato’s earthiness and accentuate the cinnamon swirl.

Creative Ways to Present

Why not have a little fun with your Sweet Potato Honeybun Cake? Cube it and serve as mini cake bites at a party, or layer squares in a trifle with whipped cream and fruit for a show-stopping dessert. You can even plate individual slices with a drizzle of glaze and a scatter of nuts for truly elegant café vibes. However you slice it, this cake shines indoors and out!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If somehow you find yourself with leftover Sweet Potato Honeybun Cake, don’t fret. Simply cover the cake tightly with plastic wrap or store slices in an airtight container. It will stay moist and delicious at room temperature for up to three days, and if you pop it in the fridge it’ll keep even longer — just be sure to let it come up to room temp before serving for the best texture.

Freezing

This cake freezes like a dream! Cut into squares, wrap each piece in plastic wrap and then store in a zip-top bag or airtight container. It’ll stay fresh in the freezer for up to 2 months. When your sweet tooth strikes, just thaw at room temperature. The glaze may look a little less glossy, but the flavor and texture stay perfectly lovely.

Reheating

Want that just-baked magic again? Place an individual slice of Sweet Potato Honeybun Cake on a microwave-safe plate and warm it for about 15-20 seconds in the microwave, or heat larger portions gently in a 300°F oven for 10 minutes. The glaze will soften and the cake will turn wonderfully tender — as if it just came from the oven.

FAQs

Can I use canned sweet potatoes instead of fresh?

Absolutely! Just be sure to drain any excess syrup and mash them well before adding to the batter. You still get the signature creamy texture and sweet flavor, making this Sweet Potato Honeybun Cake extra easy to whip up, even on short notice.

Can this recipe be made gluten-free?

Yes, simply use your favorite gluten-free yellow cake mix and double-check that all other ingredients are gluten-free. The cake bakes up beautifully, and everyone gets to indulge in a slice of Sweet Potato Honeybun Cake without worry.

Can I make this cake in advance?

Definitely! Sweet Potato Honeybun Cake actually tastes even better the next day after the flavors have had time to mingle. Bake and glaze it a day ahead, then store covered until you’re ready to slice and serve.

Does the cake need to be refrigerated?

It’s good at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, refrigerate to keep the Sweet Potato Honeybun Cake at peak freshness, especially in warm weather. Just remember to let it warm up a bit before enjoying.

What can I add for extra flavor?

Try a pinch of nutmeg in the cinnamon swirl, or add some orange zest to the batter for a citrusy twist. You could even throw in a handful of chopped pecans for crunch. Each little tweak makes your Sweet Potato Honeybun Cake uniquely yours!

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a comfort dessert that bridges the gap between classic and creative, this Sweet Potato Honeybun Cake more than delivers. Every bite brings warmth, sweetness, and just a hint of Southern nostalgia. Gather your ingredients, invite a friend to help, and enjoy making a treat that everyone will ask for again and again!