Sweet Potato Honey Bun Cake with Pecans

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Sure! Here’s a big, beautifully detailed recipe for a Sweet Potato Honey Bun Cake with Pecans — including an introduction, full list of ingredients, history, preparation method, serving ideas, and a warm conclusion for all the cake lovers out there. 🍰🥰

🍠 Sweet Potato Honey Bun Cake with Pecans

A Southern Classic with a Nutty, Spiced Twist

🌟 Introduction:

Sweet Potato Honey Bun Cake is a comforting dessert that bridges the gap between down-home Southern baking and nostalgic breakfast pastries. Infused with the warmth of cinnamon, nutmeg, and the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes, this cake delivers moist layers and a ribbon of brown sugar–pecan filling that mimics the beloved honey bun roll. Whether shared at family gatherings, Sunday suppers, or simply with a cup of coffee, this cake is made to be loved.

🕰️ A Brief History:

This cake takes inspiration from the famous “Honey Bun Cake,” a classic Southern dish born from boxed cake mix and instant nostalgia. It originated as a sweet twist on the packaged honey buns sold in convenience stores. Over time, home bakers began adding their own flair — sweet potatoes, nuts, and spices — to create an upgraded, heartier version. This sweet potato variant honors African-American culinary traditions, where sweet potatoes are often used in pies, puddings, and cakes. The addition of pecans, another Southern staple, makes it even more soulful.

🍽️ Ingredients:

For the Cake:

  • 1 cup mashed sweet potatoes (from about 2 medium sweet potatoes, cooked and peeled)
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 1 cup vegetable oil
  • 4 large eggs
  • 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Honey Bun Swirl:

  • ¾ cup brown sugar, packed
  • 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
  • ¾ cup chopped pecans

For the Glaze:

  • 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
  • 2–3 tablespoons milk or cream
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 tablespoon honey (optional, for a true honey bun flavor)

🍰 Method:

1. Prepare the Sweet Potatoes:

  • Boil or bake sweet potatoes until tender.
  • Peel and mash until smooth. Set aside to cool.

2. Preheat & Prepare Pan:

  • Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  • Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan or a bundt pan.

3. Make the Cake Batter:

  • In a large bowl, whisk together granulated sugar, brown sugar, oil, and eggs until well combined.
  • Mix in mashed sweet potatoes and vanilla extract.
  • In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
  • Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined (do not overmix).

4. Create the Honey Bun Layer:

  • Pour half the cake batter into the prepared pan.
  • Mix brown sugar, cinnamon, and chopped pecans in a small bowl.
  • Sprinkle evenly over the batter.
  • Pour the remaining batter on top and gently swirl with a knife for a marbled effect.

5. Bake:

  • Bake for 40–50 minutes (for 9×13 pan) or 55–60 minutes (for bundt pan), or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
  • Let cool in pan for 15 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

6. Prepare the Glaze:

  • Whisk together powdered sugar, milk, vanilla, and honey until smooth.
  • Drizzle over warm (not hot) cake so it soaks in slightly.

💕 For the Cake Lovers:

This cake is a hug in every bite. It’s sweet, soft, spiced, and nutty — a dessert that satisfies the soul. Whether you’re baking for your grandma, your kids, your sweetheart, or just yourself, this recipe brings smiles and warm hearts. Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence.

📝 Pro Tips:

  • Want it extra moist? Add ½ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt to the batter.
  • Make it ahead! It gets even better the next day as the flavors develop.
  • Toast the pecans before using for added depth of flavor.

💌 Conclusion:

The Sweet Potato Honey Bun Cake with Pecans is more than just a dessert — it’s a connection to tradition, comfort, and love. It brings people together with its heavenly aroma and melt-in-your-mouth texture. Whether it’s for a special occasion or a sweet weekday pick-me-up, this cake delivers on every level.

From our kitchen to yours, bake with love — and enjoy every single bite. ❤️

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