This ultra-moist spiced sweet potato cake features a cinnamon-honey swirl and is topped with a luscious vanilla glaze—like a cozy cross between sweet potato casserole and a cinnamon bun! Perfect for fall gatherings or holiday brunches.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✅ Warm, spiced flavor – Cinnamon, nutmeg, and honey shine
✅ Incredibly moist – Thanks to sweet potatoes and buttermilk
✅ Beautiful marbled swirl – Easier than it looks!
✅ Crowd-pleaser – Ideal for potlucks or Thanksgiving
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour, sifted
- 1½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 1½ tsp cinnamon
- ½ tsp nutmeg
- ¼ tsp cloves (optional)
- 1 cup mashed sweet potatoes (1 large potato)
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed
- 3 large eggs, room temp
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup buttermilk
For the Honey Bun Swirl:
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1 tbsp cinnamon
- 2 tbsp honey
- 2 tbsp melted butter
For the Vanilla Glaze:
- 1½ cups powdered sugar, sifted
- 2–3 tbsp milk or cream
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp honey (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prep Sweet Potatoes
- Boil 1 peeled, cubed sweet potato until tender (~15 mins). Mash and cool.
2. Make the Batter
- Whisk together dry ingredients (flour through cloves).
- In another bowl, cream butter and sugars until fluffy.
- Beat in eggs one at a time, then mix in sweet potato and vanilla.
- Alternate adding dry ingredients and buttermilk, mixing just until combined.
3. Create the Swirl
- Mix brown sugar, cinnamon, honey, and melted butter.
4. Layer & Swirl
- Spread half the batter in a greased 9×13″ pan.
- Drizzle swirl mixture over batter and gently marble with a knife.
- Top with remaining batter and smooth.
5. Bake & Glaze
- Bake at 325°F (165°C) for 40–45 mins.
- While warm, drizzle with vanilla glaze (whisk powdered sugar, milk, vanilla, and honey).
Pro Tips
🍠 Use canned sweet potato for quicker prep
🌀 Don’t over-swirl – 3–4 knife passes max for defined layers
🔥 Bake low and slow – Prevents over-browning
FAQs
1. Can I use pumpkin instead?
✅ Yes! Substitute 1 cup pumpkin purée.
2. How to store leftovers?
- Room temp: 2 days (covered)
- Fridge: 1 week
- Freeze: 3 months (unglazed)
3. Can I make muffins?
✅ Bake 20–25 mins in lined muffin tins.
4. Why is my cake dense?
- Overmixed batter
- Old baking powder/soda
5. Can I omit the glaze?
✅ Yes, but it adds moisture and sweetness!
Serving Suggestions
☕ Brunch: Pair with coffee or chai
🍦 Dessert: Serve warm with vanilla ice cream
🎁 Gifting: Wrap slices in parchment + twine
Final Thoughts
This Sweet Potato Honey Bun Cake is comfort food at its finest—spiced, sweet, and impossibly tender. One bite will have everyone asking for the recipe!
What’s your favorite way to use sweet potatoes? Share below! 👇🍠
Happy Baking! 🎉🍯
#SweetPotatoRecipe #FallDesserts #HolidayBaking #EasyCakes
