Sweet Potato Honey Bun Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Icing
Introduction
Sweet Potato Honey Bun Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Icing is a delightful dessert that combines the rich flavors of sweet potatoes with the comforting taste of honey buns. This cake is moist, sweet, and topped with creamy icing, making it perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re having a family gathering or just a quiet day at home, this cake will surely bring joy to your table.
Why Make This Recipe
This recipe is not just an ordinary cake; it brings a unique twist to traditional baked goods. The sweet potatoes add moisture and a subtle sweetness, while the cinnamon cream cheese icing elevates the flavor. Plus, it’s an easy recipe that anyone can follow, making it great for both beginner and experienced bakers. Your friends and family will love the taste, and they won’t believe it’s made with sweet potatoes!
How to Make Sweet Potato Honey Bun Cake
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp nutmeg
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup mashed sweet potatoes
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 3 tbsp milk or heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
- 1/4 cup caramel sauce, for drizzling
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease and flour a bundt pan or a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy (about 2–3 minutes).
- Beat in the eggs one at a time. Add the mashed sweet potato, sour cream, and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 45–50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool completely.
- In a mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese, powdered sugar, cinnamon, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and spreadable. Adjust the consistency with more milk, if needed.
- Spread the cinnamon cream cheese icing over the cooled cake. Sprinkle with chopped pecans and drizzle with caramel sauce.
- Slice and serve this rich, moist, and flavorful cake.
How to Serve Sweet Potato Honey Bun Cake
Serve the Sweet Potato Honey Bun Cake at room temperature with a hearty slice. You can enjoy it plain or with a scoop of ice cream for an extra treat. It also makes a great addition to coffee or tea gatherings.
How to Store Sweet Potato Honey Bun Cake
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to keep it fresh for longer, place it in the refrigerator, where it will last for up to a week. Just be sure to let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving for the best taste.
Tips to Make Sweet Potato Honey Bun Cake
- Use fresh sweet potatoes for the best flavor. If you are short on time, canned sweet potato puree works fine too—just be sure it’s pure and has no added sugars.
- Don’t overmix the batter; this helps keep the cake light and fluffy.
- If you want a more intense flavor, add a pinch of allspice or ginger to the spice mix.
Variation
For a fun twist, consider adding chocolate chips or raisins to the batter for added texture and sweetness. You could also replace pecans with walnuts or omit nuts altogether if you prefer a nut-free version.
FAQs
1. Can I use another kind of squash instead of sweet potatoes?
Yes, you can use pumpkin or butternut squash puree as substitutes for sweet potatoes in this recipe.
2. Is the cake suitable for freezing?
Yes, you can freeze the cake without icing. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. It will last for up to three months in the freezer. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.
3. What can I use instead of cream cheese icing?
You can use whipped cream or a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk if you want a lighter option instead of cream cheese icing.
Enjoy making and sharing this delicious Sweet Potato Honey Bun Cake with your loved ones!