Honey Bun Cake Recipe
If you’re craving a dessert that captures the warm, comforting flavors of a freshly baked cinnamon roll but with the ease of a cake, then this Honey Bun Cake Recipe is about to become your new best friend in the kitchen. It’s a delightful combination of moist yellow cake, swirls of cinnamon and brown sugar, all topped with a luscious vanilla glaze that melts in your mouth. This cake hits every sweet spot and brings that nostalgic café treat right into your home, perfect for sharing over coffee or as a comforting finish to any meal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What’s great about this Honey Bun Cake Recipe is how simple and straightforward the ingredients are. Each one plays a crucial role in creating a cake that’s tender, flavorful, and beautifully glazed. From the rich sour cream to the aromatic cinnamon, every component works harmoniously to give you that familiar “honey bun” feel in cake form.
- Yellow cake mix: The base for a fluffy, tender cake that bakes perfectly every time.
- 4 large eggs: Provide structure and richness to keep the cake moist.
- 1 cup sour cream: Adds moisture and a slight tang, enhancing the cake’s tenderness.
- 3/4 cup vegetable oil: Keeps the cake moist and helps blend the ingredients smoothly.
- 1 cup light brown sugar (packed): Offers a deep, caramel-like sweetness essential for that cinnamon swirl.
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon: The star spice that gives the cake its signature warm, aromatic flavor.
- 1 cup powdered sugar: For making the glaze that adds sweetness and gloss.
- 2 tablespoons milk: Balances the glaze, making it perfectly pourable.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds depth and a seductive aroma to the glaze.
How to Make Honey Bun Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Batter
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish—this ensures your cake doesn’t stick and comes out with beautiful edges. In a large bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, eggs, sour cream, and vegetable oil. Beat everything together until the batter is smooth and fully combined, making sure not to overmix for a tender crumb.
Step 2: Create the Cinnamon Swirl Mixture
In a separate small bowl, mix together the brown sugar and ground cinnamon. This mixture will become your irresistible cinnamon swirl layer, so try to get it well combined for an even flavor distribution.
Step 3: Assemble the Layers
Pour half of the cake batter into your prepared baking dish and spread it evenly. Next, sprinkle the brown sugar-cinnamon mixture right over this first layer, creating that signature swirl spot. Carefully spoon the remaining batter on top and spread gently to cover the cinnamon layer. For a beautiful marbled effect, lightly swirl the layers together using a knife—this step is what gives the Honey Bun Cake Recipe its stunning visual appeal and those delightful pockets of cinnamon flavor.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Bake your assembled cake in the preheated oven for 35 to 40 minutes. Keep an eye on it, but use the classic toothpick test to check doneness: insert a toothpick in the center, and if it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, your cake is ready!
Step 5: Whisk Up the Glaze
While your cake is baking, mix together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract for a simple yet irresistible glaze. This sweet topping is what elevates the Honey Bun Cake Recipe from delicious to downright swoon-worthy.
Step 6: Glaze and Cool
Once the cake is out of the oven, still warm, pour the vanilla glaze evenly over the surface. The warmth helps the glaze to slightly soak into the cake, adding that glossy shine and an extra touch of sweetness. Allow the cake to cool slightly before slicing so everything sets beautifully.
How to Serve Honey Bun Cake Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra touch of elegance and flavor, sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the glaze just after pouring it while still warm. A light dusting of additional powdered sugar or a few cinnamon sticks on the side can also enhance the presentation and invite a cozy vibe at your table.
Side Dishes
This cake pairs beautifully with a steaming cup of coffee or chai tea, making it an ideal choice for breakfast or afternoon treats. For a fuller dessert experience, serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to balance the cinnamon’s warmth and sweetness.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving your Honey Bun Cake Recipe layered with fresh berries or sliced bananas between slices on a dessert platter for a playful twist. You can also cut the cake into smaller squares, drizzle extra glaze, and serve as finger-friendly treats at brunches or parties.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can store leftover Honey Bun Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. If you prefer, refrigerating extends its freshness for about 4 to 5 days, just make sure to keep it covered well to prevent drying.
Freezing
This cake freezes beautifully. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then store in the freezer for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best texture.
Reheating
To bring back that fresh-from-the-oven feeling, warm individual slices in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds. The glaze will soften, and the cake will be perfectly moist and comforting again.
FAQs
Can I use a different cake mix for this Honey Bun Cake Recipe?
Absolutely! While yellow cake mix is classic and gives a light texture, you can experiment with white or butter cake mixes for subtle flavor variations. Just keep in mind that different mixes may alter moisture levels slightly.
Is there a way to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, simply substitute the yellow cake mix with a gluten-free option that is suitable for baking. Make sure the substitute mix behaves similarly in terms of texture and baking time for best results.
Can I add nuts or raisins to the cinnamon swirl?
Definitely! Adding chopped pecans, walnuts, or raisins to the brown sugar and cinnamon mixture adds wonderful texture and flavor bursts that complement the cake beautifully.
What’s the best way to get a nice swirl effect in the cake?
Use a butter knife or skewer to gently swirl the two layers of batter together right before baking. The key is to avoid overmixing—just a few figure-eight motions will create the perfect marbling.
Can I make the glaze ahead of time?
You sure can, but it’s best to keep it refrigerated and give it a good whisk before pouring over the warm cake. This way, you preserve its smooth texture and easy pourability.
Final Thoughts
This Honey Bun Cake Recipe is truly one of those soul-warming treats that feels like a hug in dessert form. Every bite brings the nostalgic pleasure of cinnamon rolls baked into a simple cake that’s perfect any time of day. I wholeheartedly encourage you to try making this cake—your kitchen will smell heavenly, and your friends and family will thank you with happy smiles and requests for seconds!
Print
Honey Bun Cake Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Honey Bun Cake is a delightful, easy-to-make dessert featuring a moist yellow cake layered with a cinnamon and brown sugar swirl, topped off with a sweet vanilla glaze. Perfect as a coffee cake or a treat for any occasion, it combines simple ingredients into a richly flavored, comforting dessert.
Ingredients
Cake Batter
- 1 box yellow cake mix
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup sour cream
- 3/4 cup vegetable oil
Cinnamon Swirl
- 1 cup light brown sugar (packed)
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Mix Cake Batter: In a large mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, 4 large eggs, 1 cup sour cream, and 3/4 cup vegetable oil. Stir or beat until the mixture is smooth and well incorporated.
- Prepare Cinnamon Swirl: In a separate small bowl, mix together 1 cup light brown sugar (packed) and 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon until evenly blended.
- Layer the Batter and Swirl: Pour half of the cake batter into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly. Evenly sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture over the batter. Then spoon the remaining batter gently on top and spread to cover the cinnamon layer.
- Create Marbled Effect: Using a knife, gently swirl through the batter layers to create a marbled pattern without mixing the layers completely.
- Bake: Place the dish in the oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, indicating the cake is fully cooked.
- Make the Glaze: While the cake bakes, whisk together 1 cup powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons milk, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract in a small bowl until smooth.
- Glaze the Cake: When the cake comes out of the oven and is still warm, pour the glaze evenly over the top to soak in and add sweetness.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the cake to cool slightly before slicing and serving to let the glaze set.
Notes
- For extra sweetness and texture, add chopped pecans or walnuts to the cinnamon sugar layer before baking.
- Warm individual slices in the microwave for 10–15 seconds to enjoy it fresh and warm, reminiscent of just-out-of-the-oven bakery treats.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
