Sweet Potato Honey Bun Cake with Pecans

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Absolutely! Here’s a complete, rich, and flavorful recipe post for a Sweet Potato Honey Bun Cake with Pecans — including everything from its history to its creation, method, and a warm conclusion for dessert lovers.

Sweet Potato Honey Bun Cake with Pecans 🍠🍯🍰

Introduction

There’s something irresistible about the cozy comfort of sweet potatoes, the warm spice of cinnamon, and the sweetness of honey all wrapped in a moist, tender cake. Inspired by the classic honey bun snack cake, this Sweet Potato Honey Bun Cake with Pecans is a soul-soothing dessert that brings Southern charm to your table. With layers of brown sugar, swirls of spice, and a satisfying crunch from roasted pecans, this cake feels like a warm hug on a cool day.

Perfect for fall gatherings, potlucks, Sunday dinners, or as a Thanksgiving dessert twist — this recipe is destined to become a beloved tradition in your kitchen.

A Brief History & Origin

Honey Bun cakes stem from the popular packaged pastry introduced in the 1950s. Over time, creative home bakers started turning the flavors of the honey bun into full-sized cakes, often starting with boxed mixes, cinnamon swirls, and sweet glazes. In the South, sweet potatoes — a staple crop — were added into cake recipes for moisture, richness, and that earthy sweetness.

This recipe marries those two traditions — the classic honey bun and the beloved sweet potato cake — and elevates it further with pecans, a nod to Southern hospitality and flavor.

Ingredients

🍰 For the Cake:

  • 1 cup mashed sweet potatoes (about 2 medium sweet potatoes, roasted or boiled)
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 1 cup vegetable oil (or melted butter for richer flavor)
  • 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
  • ¾ cup buttermilk (or milk + 1 tsp vinegar as substitute)

🍯 Brown Sugar Swirl:

  • ½ cup brown sugar, packed
  • 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 cup chopped pecans, toasted

🍮 Honey Glaze:

  • 2 tablespoons butter, melted
  • 1 cup powdered sugar, sifted
  • 2–3 tablespoons milk
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Sweet Potatoes

  • Roast or boil your sweet potatoes until fork-tender.
  • Peel and mash them until smooth. Let cool.

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients

  • In a large bowl, whisk together mashed sweet potatoes, granulated sugar, brown sugar, oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

  • In a separate bowl, sift together flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.

Step 4: Create the Batter

  • Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with buttermilk. Mix until just combined — don’t overmix.

Step 5: Layer with Swirl

  • Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.
  • Pour half of the batter into the pan.
  • Sprinkle the brown sugar-cinnamon-pecan mixture evenly on top.
  • Add the remaining batter and smooth the top.

Step 6: Bake

  • Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 40–50 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
  • Let the cake cool slightly.

Step 7: Glaze It!

  • Mix glaze ingredients until smooth.
  • Drizzle over the warm cake so it melts into the top — pure bliss.

Serving Suggestions

  • Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
  • Perfect with morning coffee or afternoon tea.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Why Lovers Will Love This Cake ❤️

  • Sweet potato lovers will appreciate the dense, moist texture and earthy sweetness.
  • Pecan lovers will enjoy the nutty crunch that contrasts beautifully with the soft crumb.
  • Honey bun lovers will be reminded of the nostalgic flavors of the classic pastry.
  • Cake lovers will be hooked by the gooey glaze, aromatic spices, and rich mouthfeel.

Conclusion

This Sweet Potato Honey Bun Cake with Pecans is more than a dessert — it’s a celebration of tradition, comfort, and Southern flavor. Whether you’re baking for a holiday, a family get-together, or simply to treat yourself, this cake speaks to the heart.

So gather your ingredients, preheat that oven, and let your kitchen fill with the scent of cinnamon, nutmeg, and honeyed dreams.

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