If you have a soft spot for sweet, cinnamon-infused treats, this Honey Bun Cake Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. Imagine the irresistible aroma of cinnamon and brown sugar swirling through moist, tender cake, topped with a luscious glaze that practically melts in your mouth. It’s like the coziest little cake hug that brightens up any day, perfect for celebrations, brunch, or a comforting dessert to enjoy with your favorite cup of coffee. Simple ingredients come together in such a magical way, delivering a dessert that feels homemade and decadent all at once.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in the Honey Bun Cake Recipe plays a crucial role in bringing out that distinct balance of moistness, sweetness, and spice. These kitchen staples create layers of flavor and texture that make this cake unforgettable.
- Yellow cake mix: The base that gives you a moist, tender crumb without fuss.
- Large eggs: They bind everything together and add richness to the cake.
- Sour cream: Keeps the cake extra moist and adds a subtle tanginess.
- Vegetable oil: Ensures the cake stays soft and maintains its tender texture.
- Brown sugar: Adds deep caramel notes perfect for the cinnamon swirl.
- Ground cinnamon: This warm spice is the soul of the recipe, creating that classic Honey Bun flavor.
- Chopped pecans (optional): Give your cake a delightful crunch and nutty accent.
- Powdered sugar: The base for the glaze that adds sweet smoothness on top.
- Unsalted butter (melted): Adds richness and silkiness to the glaze.
- Milk: Helps create the perfect consistency for the glaze.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances the flavor complexity in both the cake and glaze.
How to Make Honey Bun Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish lightly—it’s what will give your cake that golden, non-stick finish and ensure an easy release when it’s time to serve.
Step 2: Mixing the Batter
In a large bowl, whisk together the yellow cake mix, eggs, sour cream, and vegetable oil. Blend until your batter is smooth and silky with no lumps. This smoothness is key for that tender crumb that melts on your tongue.
Step 3: Creating the Cinnamon Swirl
In a separate bowl, stir together the brown sugar, cinnamon, and chopped pecans if you’re including them. This mix is going to create that irresistible cinnamon swirl right in the middle of your cake—pure magic.
Step 4: Layering the Batter and Swirl
Spread half of your cake batter evenly into the greased pan. Then sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over the batter to create a beautiful swirl layer. Finally, spoon the remaining batter over the cinnamon topping and gently spread it to cover fully, so the flavors meld perfectly while baking.
Step 5: Bake Until Golden
Bake your cake for 40 to 45 minutes. The moment a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, your cake is ready. This step is crucial to avoid overbaking, which can dry out the wonderful moistness we want.
Step 6: Whip Up the Glaze
While the cake cools for just a bit, whisk together powdered sugar, melted butter, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and pourable. This glaze is the finishing touch that brings it all together with its sweet, buttery charm.
Step 7: Glaze and Serve
Drizzle the glaze generously over your warm cake, allowing it to seep into every nook and cranny. Let it settle and absorb before slicing it up so each bite bursts with sweet, cinnamon goodness.
How to Serve Honey Bun Cake Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance your Honey Bun Cake presentation by sprinkling a few extra chopped pecans or a dusting of cinnamon on top. A light drizzle of honey or a dollop of whipped cream can also add an extra layer of deliciousness and visual appeal.
Side Dishes
This cake pairs beautifully with drinks like a hot cup of coffee, chai tea, or even a cold glass of milk for a nostalgic twist. For a full brunch spread, consider serving it alongside fresh fruit or creamy yogurt to balance the sweetness.
Creative Ways to Present
Try cutting the cake into bite-sized squares for serve-yourself dessert tables or layering slices with vanilla ice cream for a decadent treat. Wrapping individual pieces in parchment makes for perfect picnic or party grab-and-go snacks.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your Honey Bun Cake Recipe fresh by storing leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer keeps, refrigeration is fine but bring the cake back to room temperature before serving for the best taste.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, this cake freezes beautifully. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil to protect against freezer burn. Thaw overnight in the fridge and add a quick glaze if desired to refresh its moistness.
Reheating
Warm up individual slices gently in the microwave for about 15 seconds or in a low oven to revive that just-baked softness. Adding a little extra glaze or butter before serving can make it feel freshly made all over again.
FAQs
Can I use walnuts instead of pecans in the Honey Bun Cake Recipe?
Absolutely! Walnuts are a delicious substitute and will add their own lovely crunch and flavor, keeping the spirit of the cake intact.
Is it necessary to use a cake mix for this recipe?
While the cake mix makes this recipe incredibly easy and reliable, you can experiment with homemade yellow cake batter if you prefer from-scratch baking. Just keep in mind the balance of wet and dry ingredients.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! Swap the sour cream for a dairy-free alternative like coconut yogurt and use a plant-based milk for the glaze. The texture and flavor will still be delightful.
How can I make this cake extra moist?
Be careful not to overbake, and make sure to glaze it while warm. The glaze seeps into the cake for a luscious moist finish.
What’s the best way to store leftovers to keep them fresh?
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for short-term or wrap tightly and refrigerate for up to a week. Avoid exposing the cake to air, which dries it out quickly.
Final Thoughts
I truly believe this Honey Bun Cake Recipe is one of those comforting, soul-satisfying desserts that deserves a spot in your kitchen arsenal. Every bite offers that warm cinnamon swirl and cake-soaked-in-glaze feeling that just feels like home. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll reach for it again and again whether for a special occasion or just because. Go ahead and bake yourself a slice of happiness!
Print
Honey Bun Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Honey Bun Cake is a moist, cinnamon-swirl cake made from a yellow cake mix and a delicious cinnamon-sugar pecan filling. Topped with a rich glaze made from powdered sugar, butter, milk, and vanilla, this easy-to-make dessert perfectly mimics the flavors of classic honey buns in cake form. It’s an ideal treat for breakfast or dessert lovers craving a sweet, spiced, and indulgent cake.
Ingredients
Cake Batter
- 1 box yellow cake mix
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup sour cream
- 3/4 cup vegetable oil
Cinnamon Sugar Filling
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans (optional)
Glaze
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 2 to 3 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 thoroughly to prevent sticking.
- Make the cake batter: In a large mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, eggs, sour cream, and vegetable oil. Mix until the batter is smooth and all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Prepare the cinnamon sugar filling: In a separate bowl, stir together the packed brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and chopped pecans if you are using them.
- Layer the batter and filling: Spread half of the cake batter evenly into the greased baking pan. Evenly sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture over this first layer of batter. Then spoon the remaining batter over the top and gently spread it out to cover the filling layer completely.
- Bake the cake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes. To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center of the cake; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
- Make the glaze: While the cake is cooling slightly, whisk together the powdered sugar, melted butter, milk (start with 2 tablespoons and add more if needed to reach desired consistency), and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
- Glaze the cake: Drizzle the glaze evenly over the warm cake, allowing it to soak in and create a sweet, glossy topping.
- Serve: Allow the glaze to set a bit before slicing. Serve the Honey Bun Cake warm or at room temperature for the best flavor experience.
Notes
- To keep the cake moist, avoid overbaking and apply the glaze while the cake is still warm.
- You can substitute chopped walnuts for pecans or omit the nuts entirely for a nut-free version.
- This cake pairs beautifully with a cup of coffee or tea for breakfast or dessert.
- Store leftovers covered at room temperature for 2 days or refrigerated for up to 4 days.
