Sweet Potato Honey Bun Cake

Sweet potato honey bun cake combines the warm flavors of sweet potato pie with the rich cinnamon swirl of a classic honey bun cake. Made with mashed sweet potatoes, yellow cake mix, brown sugar, cinnamon, and a sweet glaze, this easy dessert bakes up incredibly moist with layers of sweet potato flavor in every bite.

Whether you’re looking for a holiday dessert, a Southern-inspired cake for family gatherings, or a creative way to use leftover baked sweet potatoes, this sweet potato honey bun cake delivers. The cinnamon-sugar swirl creates a bakery-style texture while the sweet glaze soaks into the cake for a soft, melt-in-your-mouth finish that’s hard to resist.

What Makes This Recipe Different?

Most sweet potato honey bun cake recipes use sweet potatoes simply to add moisture, but this version is designed to let the sweet potato flavor stand out. Baking the sweet potatoes beforehand concentrates their natural sweetness and creates a richer flavor throughout the cake.

The combination of mashed sweet potatoes, a cinnamon-brown sugar swirl, and a simple vanilla glaze gives this cake the nostalgic taste of a honey bun while adding the warm, comforting flavor of sweet potato pie. It’s an easy shortcut dessert thanks to the cake mix, but it tastes completely homemade once baked.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy shortcut recipe: Using a yellow cake mix keeps preparation simple while still delivering a homemade taste and texture.
• Real sweet potato flavor: Baked sweet potatoes add natural sweetness and a rich flavor that pairs perfectly with the cinnamon swirl.
• Perfect for holidays and gatherings: This cake is always a crowd favorite at Thanksgiving, Christmas, potlucks, and family dinners.
• Moist and tender texture: The sweet potatoes and sour cream help create a soft cake that stays moist for days.
• A fun twist on classic honey bun cake: If you love traditional honey bun cake, this sweet potato version brings even more flavor and a Southern-inspired touch.

Ingredient Tips

• Yellow cake mix: Creates the soft, tender texture honey bun cakes are known for while keeping the recipe quick and easy.
• Sweet potatoes: For the best flavor, bake the sweet potatoes instead of boiling them. Baking concentrates their natural sugars and creates a richer sweet potato taste throughout the cake.
• Sour cream: Adds moisture and richness while helping create a tender crumb.
• Eggs: Bind the batter together and provide structure.
• Brown sugar: Creates the signature honey bun-style swirl and adds a deeper caramel flavor than granulated sugar alone.
• Pecans: Add a subtle crunch and pair perfectly with the sweet potato and cinnamon flavors. They can be omitted if preferred.
• Cinnamon and warm spices: These bring the cozy flavor profile that makes this cake taste similar to sweet potato pie.
• Powdered sugar: Used to create the simple glaze that melts into the warm cake.
• Milk and vanilla extract: Thin the glaze while adding extra flavor.

Sweet Potato Tip For The Best Flavor

If you want the sweet potato flavor to stand out in this cake, bake the sweet potatoes instead of boiling them.

Boiling adds extra moisture and can dilute the natural sweetness of the potatoes. Baking allows the sugars to concentrate as the sweet potatoes cook, creating a deeper flavor that comes through in every bite of the finished cake.

To prepare them, bake the sweet potatoes until fork tender, allow them to cool, then remove the skins and mash until smooth. Measure out one cup of mashed sweet potato for the recipe.

If you’re using leftover baked sweet potatoes, this recipe is a great way to put them to use.

How To Make Sweet Potato Honey Bun Cake

1. Prepare the sweet potatoes. Bake the sweet potatoes until tender, then allow them to cool completely. Remove the skins and mash until smooth. Measure out 1 cup for the recipe.
2. Preheat the oven. Heat the oven to 350°F and prepare a 9×13 baking dish with nonstick spray.
3. Mix the batter. In a large bowl, combine the mashed sweet potatoes and eggs. Mix in the sour cream, then add the yellow cake mix and stir until a smooth batter forms.
4. Make the cinnamon swirl layer. In a separate bowl, combine the brown sugar, pecans, and spices.
5. Assemble the cake. Pour half of the batter into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the brown sugar mixture evenly over the batter. Pour the remaining batter on top and gently swirl with a knife. Avoid overmixing so the swirl remains visible after baking.
6. Bake. Place the cake in the oven and bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
7. Cool slightly. Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool for 10–15 minutes.
8. Add the glaze. Whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Pour the glaze over the warm cake and spread evenly across the top.
9. Slice and serve. Allow the glaze to set before slicing. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Storage & Freezing

Store sweet potato honey bun cake covered at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For the best texture, allow refrigerated slices to come to room temperature before serving.

To freeze, wrap individual slices or the entire cake tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe container or bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and enjoy cold or bring to room temperature before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What To Serve With Sweet Potato Honey Bun Cake

Sweet potato honey bun cake is delicious on its own, but it pairs well with a few simple additions when serving for holidays, potlucks, or family gatherings.

• Vanilla ice cream: The cold, creamy texture is a perfect contrast to the warm cinnamon flavors in the cake.
• Whipped cream: A light topping that complements the sweet potato and brown sugar swirl without overpowering it.
• Caramel sauce: A drizzle of caramel adds even more richness and pairs beautifully with the sweet potato flavor.
• Hot coffee: The sweetness of the cake balances well with a strong cup of coffee for breakfast or dessert.
• Spiced chai or tea: Warm spices in chai tea naturally complement the cinnamon and sweet potato flavors.
• Fresh fruit: Sliced peaches, apples, or berries can add a fresh contrast to this rich dessert.

More Holiday Desserts To Try

If you enjoyed this sweet potato honey bun cake, here are a few more seasonal desserts perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, potlucks, and family gatherings:

• Sweet Potato Coffee Cake – A moist coffee cake packed with sweet potato flavor and finished with a buttery crumb topping.
• Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake – Rich buttery cake soaked with a sweet praline-inspired topping that’s always a crowd favorite.
• No Bake Pumpkin Cheesecake Balls – An easy make-ahead dessert with pumpkin and cheesecake flavors in every bite.
• Pecan Pie Cobbler – Everything you love about pecan pie baked into a warm, gooey cobbler.
• Potato Chip Cookies – Sweet and salty cookies with a crispy crunch that make a fun addition to any holiday dessert spread.
• Pumpkin Dump Cake – A simple fall dessert layered with pumpkin filling and a buttery cake topping.
• Pecan Pie Bark – A quick holiday treat featuring caramelized pecans and sweet candy bark.