You may find yourself craving something uniquely delicious and comforting, which is where the Sweet Potato Honey Bun Cake steps in. This delightful dessert marries the flavors of sweet potato with the warm spices of a classic honey bun, delivering a sweet experience that’s both nostalgic and delectable. The balance of moist cake and icing makes this dish a crowd-pleaser, perfect for family gatherings, birthday parties, or an everyday treat. With its inviting aroma and distinct flavor profile, the Sweet Potato Honey Bun Cake invites you into a world of comfort, making it an irresistible choice for your dessert table.
Why We Love This Sweet Potato Honey Bun Cake Recipe
There are countless reasons you’ll fall head over heels for the Sweet Potato Honey Bun Cake. First and foremost, the combination of sweet potato and spices brings a new dimension to the traditional honey bun. The cake is incredibly moist, thanks to the sweet potato, which also adds a subtle sweetness without overpowering the other flavors. Each bite offers a delicious swirl of spices that you can enjoy with a warm cup of coffee or tea.
Moreover, this recipe is simple enough to make, allowing you to whip up a delightful dessert without spending the entire day in the kitchen. The use of readily available ingredients means you can make this cake whenever the mood strikes. Every time you serve it, you’re bound to impress your friends and family with this delightful dessert that stands out from the ordinary cakes they’re used to.
Ingredients about Sweet Potato Honey Bun Cake
To get started on your Sweet Potato Honey Bun Cake, you’ll need to gather the following ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cup sweet potato, mashed
- 15.25 oz yellow cake mix
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 3/4 cup vegetable oil
- 4 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 3/4 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp ground ginger
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1 1/4 cup confectioners’ sugar
- 3 tbsp milk
- 1 tbsp pure maple syrup
How to Make Sweet Potato Honey Bun Cake Directions
Creating the Sweet Potato Honey Bun Cake is a breeze, and you’ll enjoy every moment of the process. Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Meanwhile, take a moment to prepare your 9×13 pan by spraying the bottom and sides with nonstick baking spray, ensuring that nothing sticks.
In a mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, mashed sweet potato, softened cream cheese, vegetable oil, room-temperature eggs, and vanilla extract. With a stand mixer and whisk attachment, blend these ingredients together on medium-low speed. In just about a minute, you’ll achieve a batter that’s well-combined and ready for the next step.
As you mix, it’s time to prepare the sugar and spice filling. Grab a small bowl and combine the light brown sugar, cinnamon, ground ginger, and nutmeg. These warm spices will provide the needed flavor to elevate your cake.
Now, pour half of your cake batter into the prepared pan, spreading it out evenly. Next, sprinkle your sugar and spice mixture over the first layer, allowing it to infuse the cake with flavor. Then, pour the remaining half of the batter over the top and smooth it out.
To add a touch of elegance, you’ll want to create a light swirl in the batter. Using a butter knife, gently swirl the top layer of batter and the sugar-spice filling together, creating a beautiful pattern.
Place your pan in the oven and let it bake for about 27 to 29 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the cake edges pull away from the sides. Once it’s baked to perfection, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for around 30 minutes.
While the cake cools, you can tackle the icing. In a medium bowl, combine the confectioners’ sugar, milk, and pure maple syrup. Whisk until smooth and thick, creating an irresistible topping for your cake.
Once the cake has fully cooled, pour the icing over the top and spread it evenly. To achieve the best consistency, let the icing sit and set for about 10 minutes. When ready, cut the cake into 24 delightful slices, ready to be served and enjoyed!
How to Serve Sweet Potato Honey Bun Cake
Serving your Sweet Potato Honey Bun Cake is where the fun truly begins. You can present it as a luxurious dessert at gatherings or simply enjoy a slice during your afternoon break. For an added touch, consider serving it warm with a side of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream on top.
Pair it with your favorite cup of coffee or tea, as the flavor profile complements a variety of beverages. You can even garnish each slice with a sprinkle of cinnamon or a drizzle of maple syrup to enhance its appearance and taste. Whether it’s a casual family dinner or a more elaborate celebration, your Sweet Potato Honey Bun Cake is sure to be a hit!
Expert Tips: Sweet Potato Honey Bun Cake
To ensure your Sweet Potato Honey Bun Cake turns out perfectly every time, follow these expert tips. First, make sure your sweet potato is well-mashed to avoid lumps in the batter, as this will contribute to the cake’s overall texture. You can either use canned sweet potatoes or boil and mash fresh ones, depending on what is more convenient for you.
When creaming together your ingredients, take care not to overmix the batter. Overmixing can lead to a denser cake, while gentle mixing helps maintain its fluffy texture.
Also, be sure to measure your ingredients accurately. Baking is a science, and precision will significantly affect your cake’s outcome. Another tip is to let your eggs come to room temperature before adding them to the batter. This helps them blend better, creating a smoother cake mix.
Lastly, if you want to indulge with your cake, consider adding nuts to the sugar and spice layer. Chopped pecans or walnuts can add a delightful crunch and enhance the flavor profile, giving you a new twist on this classic dessert.
How to Store Sweet Potato Honey Bun Cake
To keep your Sweet Potato Honey Bun Cake fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature. This will maintain its moist texture and flavor for several days. If you’re expecting to keep the cake for longer than three days, consider refrigerating it, but be aware that it will last slightly longer than if left at room temperature.
When you’re ready to enjoy the cake again, it can be reheated in the microwave briefly. Just take care not to overheat, as this may dry out the cake. If you prefer, you can also slice and freeze individual pieces for later enjoyment. Just wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag. When you crave a slice, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight or allow it to sit at room temperature.
Variation of Sweet Potato Honey Bun Cake
While the original Sweet Potato Honey Bun Cake recipe is delightful, there are numerous variations you can explore to keep things exciting. For those who love a hint of chocolate, consider adding chocolate chips to the batter. The rich chocolate flavor pairs wonderfully with the spices and sweet potato.
Another variation is to incorporate coconut flakes into the batter for a tropical twist. If you want to change the spice mix, try adding a pinch of allspice or cloves to give it a different depth of flavor.
For a healthier option, you can use whole wheat flour instead of traditional cake mix. Combine it with some additional baking powder to compensate for the difference. Lastly, if you’re keen on a more decadent experience, consider drizzling caramel sauce over the icing for an irresistible addition that will take your cake to the next level.
FAQs about Sweet Potato Honey Bun Cake
What makes Sweet Potato Honey Bun Cake different from regular honey bun cake?
The addition of sweet potato gives this cake a moist texture and unique flavor that sets it apart from conventional honey bun cakes. The warm spices also enhance the overall experience, making it a comforting dessert.
Can I use fresh sweet potatoes instead of canned?
Absolutely! Fresh sweet potatoes work wonderfully in this recipe. Just make sure to cook and thoroughly mash them before adding them to the batter.
How do I know when the cake is done baking?
The cake is ready when it turns golden brown and begins to pull away from the sides of the pan. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean or with just a few crumbs attached.
Is it possible to prepare the batter in advance?
Yes! You can make the batter the night before and store it in the refrigerator. Ensure that it is in an airtight container. Just remember to bring it back to room temperature before baking for even results.
How can I make the cake gluten-free?
To make a gluten-free version of the Sweet Potato Honey Bun Cake, simply replace the yellow cake mix with a certified gluten-free cake mix. Make sure that all other ingredients are gluten-free as well.
Sweet Potato Honey Bun Cake
Equipment
- Mixing Bowls:
- 9×13-inch baking pan
- Whisk
Ingredients
- 1½ cups sweet potato mashed
- 15.25 oz. yellow cake mix
- 4 oz. cream cheese softened
- ¾ cup vegetable oil
- 4 large eggs room temperature
- 1 Tbsp. vanilla extract
- ½ cup light brown sugar packed
- ¾ tsp. ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp. ground ginger
- ¼ tsp. ground nutmeg
- 1¼ cup confectioners’ sugar
- 3 Tbsp. milk
- 1 Tbsp. pure maple syrup
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 9×13 inch pan with nonstick baking spray.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the cake mix, mashed sweet potato, cream cheese, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix on medium-low speed until well combined.
- In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg for the filling.
- Pour half of the cake batter into the prepared pan, then sprinkle the sugar and spice mixture over it. Top with the remaining batter and swirl gently with a knife.
- Bake for 27 to 29 minutes, or until golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow to cool for 30 minutes in the pan.
- For the icing, whisk together the confectioners’ sugar, milk, and maple syrup until smooth.
- Once the cake is cooled, pour the icing over the top and let sit for 10 minutes before slicing into 24 pieces.
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