Sweet Potato Honeybun Cake with Pecans & Grated Sweet Potato Icing

Welcome to the world of indulgence! Imagine biting into a warm, spongy cake packed with the goodness of sweet potatoes and honey, then topped with a decadent layer of pecans and grated sweet potato icing. Sweet, nutty, and oh-so-satisfying, this Sweet Potato Honeybun Cake is the treat you never knew you needed, but now can’t live without. Whether you’re baking it for a special occasion or simply to enjoy a comforting dessert, this cake is guaranteed to bring joy to any table.

Why You’ll Love Sweet Potato Honeybun Cake with Pecans & Grated Sweet Potato Icing

This cake isn’t just about satisfying a sweet tooth—it’s about creating cozy, happy moments. From the moment you mix the ingredients to the last bite, the sweet, spiced flavors will surround you like a warm hug. Trust me, you’re going to love this recipe! Here’s why:

Versatile: Whether it’s a weekend family treat or a showstopper at a holiday gathering, this cake works for all occasions. Picture this on your dessert table, and watch it disappear in no time.

Budget-Friendly: This cake uses simple ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen. No need for fancy stuff—just good old pantry staples that come together in a delicious way.

Quick and Easy: This recipe is a breeze, even for beginners! If you’ve ever been intimidated by baking, don’t worry. This cake is foolproof and so satisfying to make.

Customizable: You can adjust the flavors and ingredients to suit your taste. More cinnamon? Sure! Less sweetness? Absolutely! It’s a flexible recipe that you can tweak to your liking.

Crowd-Pleasing: I’m telling you—everyone will love it. The texture is perfect, the flavors are spot-on, and it’s just the right level of sweetness. This one is sure to be a favorite!

Ingredients

Here’s the magic behind this sweet and comforting cake—simple ingredients that combine to create something extraordinary. Let’s dive into the key players:

Sweet Potatoes:

These guys are the base of the cake, giving it a natural sweetness and moistness. Grated sweet potato also makes the icing extra special!

Honey:

Sweet, golden, and perfect for giving the cake a gentle, floral sweetness. It pairs beautifully with the warm spices.

Pecans:

Toasted and chopped, these add a delightful crunch and earthy flavor to the cake and topping. The perfect complement to the soft, tender cake.

Flour:

All-purpose flour is the foundation of the cake, creating a soft, moist crumb that holds everything together.

Eggs:

Binding the ingredients, eggs help create that light, fluffy texture that makes this cake so irresistible.

Brown Sugar:

Adding sweetness and depth to the cake, brown sugar is your secret weapon for a rich flavor.

Baking Soda & Powder:

These leavening agents ensure the cake rises perfectly and gets that lovely, light texture.

Cinnamon & Nutmeg:

These warm spices are the flavor backbone of the cake, giving it that cozy, autumnal vibe.

Butter:

Rich and creamy, butter adds moisture and flavor to the cake, ensuring it’s wonderfully soft.

Vanilla Extract:

A touch of vanilla enhances the flavor profile, making every bite even more delicious.

(Note: The full ingredient list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Let’s get to the fun part! Baking this cake is so easy, and I promise the aroma will have you hooked from the very first step.

Preheat Your Oven:

Preheat your oven to 350°F. This ensures your cake cooks evenly and gives it that perfect golden-brown color.

Mix Dry Ingredients:

In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Set aside.

Combine Wet Ingredients:

In a separate large bowl, beat together the melted butter, honey, and brown sugar until creamy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the grated sweet potatoes and vanilla extract.

Add Dry Ingredients to Wet:

Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Be careful not to overmix; just combine until everything is incorporated.

Add Pecans:

Gently fold in half of the chopped pecans. These will add a nice crunch to the cake.

Bake:

Pour the batter into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish and spread evenly. Bake for about 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Prepare the Icing:

While the cake is baking, whisk together melted butter, powdered sugar, grated sweet potato, and a dash of cinnamon until smooth. The grated sweet potato will give the icing a soft texture and extra sweetness.

Ice the Cake:

Once the cake has cooled slightly, spread the sweet potato icing evenly over the top. Sprinkle the remaining pecans on top for an extra crunch.

Serve and Enjoy: Slice, serve, and enjoy the deliciousness! This cake is best served warm, but it’s also fantastic at room temperature.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 12
Calories per serving: 310

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
Total Time: 50-55 minutes

How to Serve Sweet Potato Honeybun Cake with Pecans & Grated Sweet Potato Icing

This cake is perfect on its own, but if you want to make it even more special, here are some ideas for what to serve alongside it:

Fresh Whipped Cream: A dollop of whipped cream adds a creamy contrast to the spiced cake. You could even add a little vanilla to the cream for extra flavor.

Coffee or Hot Tea: This cake pairs beautifully with a warm cup of coffee or tea. The warmth and slight bitterness balance out the sweetness of the cake.

Ice Cream: Vanilla or cinnamon ice cream would be the perfect sidekick to this cake, making it a next-level dessert.

Fruit Compote: A light berry compote or caramelized apples could add a fruity touch that complements the warm, cozy flavors of the cake.

Additional Tips

Here are a few extra tips to help you make this cake even more fabulous:

• Prep Ahead: Grate the sweet potatoes and chop the pecans the night before to save time.
• Spice It Up: If you like a little heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the cake batter.
• Dietary Adjustments: If you need a gluten-free version, substitute the flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.
• Storage Tips: Store leftover cake in an airtight container for up to 3 days. It also freezes beautifully for up to 2 months.
• Double the Batch: You can easily double this recipe and freeze one for later—future you will thank you!

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I substitute sweet potato with pumpkin?
A1: Yes, pumpkin would work as a substitute, though it will give the cake a slightly different flavor and texture. It’s a great option if you’re looking for a change!

Q2: Can I make this cake ahead of time?
A2: Absolutely! You can bake it the night before and store it covered at room temperature. Just ice it before serving.

Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want it to last longer, freeze individual slices for up to 2 months.

Q4: Can I freeze this cake?
A4: Yes! After the cake has cooled, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw at room temperature or pop it in the microwave for a few seconds.

Q5: How can I reheat this cake?
A5: Reheat in the microwave for 20-30 seconds or in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes until warm.

Q6: Can I double the recipe?
A6: Yes! If you want to make a bigger batch, just double the ingredients and use a larger baking dish.

Q7: Can I make this cake gluten-free?
A7: Yes! You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.

Q8: What other nuts can I use instead of pecans?
A8: Walnuts or almonds would be great alternatives to pecans.

Q9: Can I use a different type of icing?
A9: Of course! If you prefer, you can use a cream cheese frosting or a simple glaze instead of the sweet potato icing.

Q10: Can I make this cake without icing?
A10: Yes! The cake is delicious on its own without the icing, though the icing definitely adds that extra touch of sweetness.

Conclusion

There you have it—your new favorite cake! This Sweet Potato Honeybun Cake with Pecans & Grated Sweet Potato Icing is everything you want in a dessert: comforting, flavorful, and just the right amount of sweetness. Whether you’re sharing it with friends or keeping it all to yourself (we won’t judge!), this cake is sure to bring smiles all around. So, grab your ingredients and get baking—you won’t regret it!

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