Name: Sweet Potato Honeybun Cake
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Yield: 12 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups mashed sweet potatoes (cooked and cooled); 1 box yellow cake mix (15.25 oz); 4 large eggs; ½ cup vegetable oil; ½ cup sour cream; ½ cup granulated sugar; 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon; ½ cup honey; 1 cup powdered sugar; 2 tablespoons milk; ½ cup chopped pecans (optional)

Hey y'all! If you're searching for a dessert that's equal parts comforting and crowd-pleasing, this Sweet Potato Honeybun Cake is your golden ticket. With a rich, moist crumb, warm spices, and a gooey honey glaze, each bite truly tastes like home. This cake is perfect for potlucks, holiday gatherings, weekend baking, or just a cozy night in. Let's get cooking!

Why You'll Love This Sweet Potato Honeybun Cake

Velvety sweet potatoes give the cake natural moisture and a rich texture.
The spiced brown sugar swirl adds a honey bun-like flavor and gooey middle.
It's easy to make with simple, pantry-friendly ingredients.
The luscious honey glaze takes this cake from great to unforgettable.
This recipe stays fresh for days and is great for make-ahead occasions.

Ingredients for Sweet Potato Honeybun Cake

2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
½ teaspoon salt
¾ cup unsalted butter, melted
1 cup granulated sugar
½ cup brown sugar, packed (plus ½ cup for swirl)
2 large eggs
1 ½ cups mashed sweet potatoes (about 2 medium sweet potatoes, cooked and mashed)
½ cup sour cream
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
¼ cup honey (plus ¼ cup for glaze)
¼ cup milk
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for swirl)
½ cup powdered sugar (for glaze)

How to Make Sweet Potato Honeybun Cake: Step-by-Step Directions

Step 1: Prepare the Pan and Sweet Potatoes

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13-inch baking pan. If you don't already have mashed sweet potatoes ready, pierce sweet potatoes with a fork, microwave on high for 10-12 minutes until tender, then mash until smooth.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, beat melted butter, granulated sugar, and ½ cup brown sugar until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, then stir in mashed sweet potatoes, sour cream, vanilla extract, honey, and milk. Mix until well combined.

Step 4: Assemble the Cake Batter and Swirl

Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. In a small bowl, mix ½ cup brown sugar and 1 teaspoon cinnamon for the swirl. Pour half of the batter into the prepared pan, sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the top, then dollop the remaining batter over and gently swirl with a knife.

Step 5: Bake the Sweet Potato Honeybun Cake

Bake for 35-40 minutes, until the top is golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Remove from oven and let cool for 15 minutes.

Step 6: Make the Honey Glaze

In a small bowl, whisk together ¼ cup honey and ½ cup powdered sugar until smooth. Drizzle the glaze over the slightly warm cake.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Slice, serve, and savor every gooey, sweet, and spiced bite!

Notes for Sweet Potato Honeybun Cake Success

For extra moistness, use fresh mashed sweet potatoes instead of canned. Learn about different sweet potato varieties here.
Don’t overmix the batter—just stir until combined for the softest crumb.
You can adjust the spices to taste: amp up the cinnamon or add a dash of ginger for warmth.