I have a special place in my heart for Honey Bun Cake recipe, it’s one of those comforting desserts that instantly brings back memories of family gatherings, afternoon coffee breaks, and weekend baking marathons. If you’ve never had the pleasure of tasting this delightful cake, you’re in for a treat. The combination of soft, buttery cake swirled with cinnamon and topped with a sugary glaze is a flavor explosion that everyone will love.
This Honey Bun Cake is not just another dessert; it’s a true crowd-pleaser, ideal for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it at a brunch, a cozy family gathering, or as a sweet snack with your coffee, this cake will quickly become a favorite. The best part? It’s incredibly easy to make, even for beginners. The moist cake, rich glaze, and cinnamon swirl make every bite a heavenly experience. And trust me, once you try it, you’ll understand why it’s called “Honey Bun Cake.”
Table of contents
Why this Honey Bun Cake Works
What sets this Honey Bun Cake apart from other cinnamon cakes or buns is its unique texture and simplicity. The cake has a wonderfully soft, fluffy crumb thanks to the generous amount of butter and sugar, which keeps it moist even after a few days. The key to the perfect honey bun flavor lies in the swirl of cinnamon sugar running through the middle, creating a tender, sweet surprise in each bite.
Another reason this recipe is a winner? You don’t need a complicated dough process like traditional cinnamon rolls. This cake is quick and easy to assemble, which means you can have a fresh, homemade dessert without the time commitment. The glaze is simple to make but adds that finishing touch of sweetness that pulls everything together. Whether you prefer a light drizzle or a more generous coating of glaze, it’s completely customizable to your taste.
What makes this cake so versatile is how you can play with the flavors. Want to add a little extra crunch? Toss in some chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts. Or, add a bit of vanilla extract for a deeper flavor. For a more decadent twist, try substituting a rich cream cheese glaze instead of the traditional sugar glaze.
Recipe Card
Honey Bun Cake Recipe
12
servings15
minutes35
minutes320
kcalA moist and delicious honey bun cake recipe that combines a cinnamon swirl with a sweet glaze. Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or any time you crave something sweet.
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Ingredients
- For the Cake
1 box yellow cake mix
4 large eggs
1 cup sour cream
3/4 cup vegetable oil
1 cup brown sugar
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- For the Glaze
2 cups powdered sugar
1/3 cup milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 tablespoons honey
Directions
- Prepare the Batter: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, eggs, sour cream, and vegetable oil. Mix until smooth. In a separate bowl, mix the brown sugar and cinnamon. - Layer and Swirl: Pour half of the cake batter into the prepared pan.
Sprinkle the brown sugar and cinnamon mixture evenly over the batter. Pour the remaining cake batter on top, then use a knife to swirl the layers together. - Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- While the cake is baking, prepare the glaze. Whisk together powdered sugar, milk, vanilla, and honey until smooth.
- Once the cake is done, let it cool for 10 minutes, then pour the glaze over the warm cake. Allow it to set before slicing.
Notes
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Make-Ahead: This cake can be baked a day in advance. Just glaze before serving for the best texture.
- Customization: Add chopped nuts or raisins to the cinnamon filling for extra flavor.
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Tips for perfect Honey Bun Cake
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Always make sure your butter, eggs, and milk are at room temperature. This helps them combine more evenly, resulting in a smoother batter and a lighter, fluffier cake.
- Don’t Overmix the Batter: When mixing your cake batter, be careful not to overmix. Overmixing can result in a dense cake. Stir until just combined, and you’ll have the perfect, soft texture.
- Swirl the Cinnamon Mix Evenly: When layering the cinnamon-sugar mixture, be sure to evenly distribute it through the batter. A good swirl ensures you get that perfect cinnamon flavor in every bite.
- Test for Doneness: Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake to check if it’s done. If it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, the cake is ready. If it comes out wet, give it a few more minutes in the oven.
- Let It Cool Before Glazing: Allow the cake to cool for at least 15 minutes before applying the glaze. If the cake is too hot, the glaze will melt right off, instead of setting into a nice, glossy finish.
Recipe Variants
1. Cream Cheese Honey Bun Cake
If you want to elevate your Honey Bun Cake to a whole new level, try adding a layer of cream cheese in the center. The tangy cream cheese perfectly balances the sweetness of the cake and glaze, creating a rich and indulgent dessert. To make this version, simply mix 8 oz of softened cream cheese with an egg and a bit of sugar, and swirl it into the cinnamon mixture before baking.
2. Apple Cinnamon Honey Bun Cake
For a cozy autumn twist, try adding diced apples to your Honey Bun Cake. The sweet, tender apples pair wonderfully with the cinnamon swirl, adding a touch of freshness and extra sweetness. Toss the diced apples with a little sugar and cinnamon before folding them into the batter.
3. Chocolate Chip Honey Bun Cake Recipe
Chocolate lovers will adore this variation! Simply fold in some mini chocolate chips into the cake batter for a chocolatey surprise. The semi-sweet chips will melt perfectly into the warm cake, making each bite extra special. For even more chocolate indulgence, drizzle some melted chocolate over the top after glazing.
4. Gluten-Free Honey Bun Cake
If you need a gluten-free version, it’s easy to substitute a gluten-free flour blend for the all-purpose flour in this recipe. Just make sure to check the specific flour blend instructions, as some might require you to add a binding agent like xanthan gum. You’ll still get that signature soft texture without any gluten.
FAQs
Yes! You can replace the boxed cake mix with 2 cups of flour, 1 cup of sugar, 1 tablespoon of baking powder, and a pinch of salt.
Absolutely! Use a non-dairy sour cream and milk substitute to make this cake dairy-free.
Try adding a teaspoon of almond extract to the glaze for a unique twist.
Yes, you can freeze it! Allow the cake to cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 3 months.
Closing Note
There you have it, a foolproof Honey Bun Cake recipe that’s bound to become a go-to dessert in your baking repertoire. Whether you’re sharing it at a family gathering or enjoying it with a cup of coffee, this cake is sure to be a hit. I love how versatile it is, and with the ability to add your own twists, you can make it your own.
If you enjoyed this honey bun cake recipe, you’ll love our Chocolate Pound Cake Recipe for another sweet, moist, and decadent treat!
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