Sweet Potato Honey Bun Cake with Pecans is a warmly spiced, moist dessert that blends the earthiness of sweet potatoes with the crunch of pecans and the sweet finish of a honey glaze. Perfect for fall gatherings or a cozy dessert any time of year, this cake offers a delightful mix of texture and flavor in every slice.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Comforting flavors: Cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger bring warm spice notes.
Rich and moist: Sweet potatoes add natural moisture and flavor.
Sweetly glazed: A honey-sugar glaze makes every bite indulgent.
Nutty texture: Chopped pecans provide a satisfying crunch.

ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Cake:

mashed sweet potatoes (about 2 medium)
granulated sugar
brown sugar, packed
vegetable oil
large eggs
all-purpose flour
baking soda
baking powder
ground cinnamon
ground nutmeg
ground ginger
salt
vanilla extract
chopped pecans

For the Glaze:

powdered sugar
honey
unsalted butter, melted
milk
vanilla extract

directions

Prepare the Sweet Potatoes
Preheat oven to 350 °F (175 °C). Prick sweet potatoes with a fork and bake for about 45 minutes or until tender. Peel and mash once cool.
Make the Cake Batter
In a large bowl, mix mashed sweet potatoes, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and oil. Blend well. Add eggs one at a time, mixing after each. Stir in vanilla extract.
Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt.
Blend and Fold
Gradually mix dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. Gently fold in chopped pecans.
Bake
Pour batter into a greased 9×13 inch baking pan. Bake for 45–50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow to cool slightly.
Prepare the Glaze
In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, honey, melted butter, milk (start with 2 tablespoons), and vanilla extract until smooth. Adjust consistency if needed.
Glaze the Cake
While the cake is still warm, drizzle the glaze evenly over the top. Let it set before slicing.

Servings and timing

Servings: 12
Prep time: 20 minutes (plus time to bake sweet potatoes)
Cook time: 45–50 minutes
Total time: ~1 hour 10 minutes

Variations

Add-ins: Incorporate raisins or dried cranberries for added sweetness.
Nut-free option: Omit pecans or replace with sunflower seeds for crunch.
Spice it up: Add a pinch of clove or allspice for extra warmth.
Make it a loaf: Bake in two loaf pans for a sweet breakfast treat.

storage/reheating

Store covered at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To reheat, microwave individual slices for 10–15 seconds or warm in a 300 °F (150 °C) oven for about 10 minutes.

FAQs

Can I use canned sweet potatoes?

Yes, but ensure they are plain (not candied) and drained well before mashing.

How do I make the cake even more moist?

Add a tablespoon of sour cream or yogurt to the batter for extra richness.

Can I use a different glaze?

Absolutely—a cream cheese glaze or maple glaze also pairs beautifully.

Can I freeze this cake?

Yes. Wrap tightly in plastic and foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Is it okay to use a hand mixer?

Yes, but mix on low speed to avoid overmixing once dry ingredients are added.

What kind of oil works best?

Neutral oils like vegetable or canola oil are ideal. You can also use melted coconut oil for a subtle flavor twist.

Can I bake this as cupcakes?

Yes—adjust baking time to 20–25 minutes and use a toothpick to test doneness.

How do I prevent the cake from overbaking?

Check at 45 minutes with a toothpick. If it comes out clean or with a few crumbs, it’s ready.

Can I substitute the honey?

Maple syrup or agave nectar can be used, but honey complements the spices best.

What can I serve with this cake?

A scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream enhances the dessert experience.

Conclusion

Sweet Potato Honey Bun Cake with Pecans is a soul-warming dessert that combines the best of spiced cake and classic Southern sweetness. With its soft crumb, rich flavor, and simple glaze, it’s a perfect treat for holidays, potlucks, or a cozy night in.