Honey Bun Cake

ByMia Harper
Delicious Honey Bun Cake with glaze and cinnamon topping on a plate.
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Honey Bun Cake is a delightful treat that combines the flavors of a soft, moist cake with the sweetness of cinnamon and brown sugar, reminiscent of a classic honey bun. This has been a cherished recipe for family gatherings, brunches, and cozy afternoons with a cup of coffee. No matter the occasion, Honey Bun Cake warms hearts and satisfies sweet cravings with its gooey texture and delicious icing.

Recipe Information

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
  • Total Time: 45-50 minutes
  • Servings: 12
  • Difficulty Level: Easy

Nutrition Information

  • Calories per serving: 320
  • Protein: 4g
  • Carbohydrates: 46g
  • Fat: 14g
  • Fiber: 0g
  • Sugar: 25g
  • Sodium: 280mg

Why Make This Honey Bun Cake

Honey Bun Cake is perfect for any occasion, from a weekend brunch to a casual dessert after dinner. Its easy preparation makes it accessible for bakers of all levels, while the sweet and savory combination of flavors enchants everyone who tries it. Moreover, with minimal ingredients, this cake is both economical and convenient, allowing you to whip it up with items you might already have in your pantry.

How to Make Honey Bun Cake

Follow these easy steps to create a delicious Honey Bun Cake that will surely impress your family and friends.

Ingredients:

  • 1 box yellow cake mix
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 2 tablespoons milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions:

  • Step 1: Preheat the Oven

    Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your cake bakes evenly and achieves that perfect fluffy texture.

  • Step 2: Prepare the Batter

    In a large bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, eggs, sour cream, and vegetable oil. Mix with a hand mixer or whisk until the batter is smooth and well combined, which should take about 2 minutes.

  • Step 3: Make the Cinnamon Sugar Mixture

    In a separate bowl, mix the brown sugar and ground cinnamon together. This will create the sweet layer that gives the cake its signature flavor.

  • Step 4: Assemble in Baking Dish

    Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. Pour half of the cake batter into the dish, and then sprinkle half of the brown sugar mixture on top. Follow this with the remaining cake batter, and top with the rest of the brown sugar mixture.

  • Step 5: Swirl

    Use a knife to gently swirl the topping into the batter, ensuring that some of the cinnamon mixture is mixed through, but not completely blended.

  • Step 6: Bake

    Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The tops should be golden brown with a delicious aroma filling your kitchen.

  • Step 7: Make the Glaze

    For the glaze, mix the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.

  • Step 8: Drizzle

    Once the cake has cooled for about 10-15 minutes, drizzle the glaze over the top for a beautiful finish.

How to Serve Honey Bun Cake

Honey Bun Cake is best served warm or at room temperature. Cut it into squares and enjoy it plain or pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent dessert. It also makes a great accompaniment to coffee or tea during breakfast or afternoon snacks.

How to Store Honey Bun Cake

Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days. If you want to keep it fresh for longer, you can refrigerate it for up to a week. Honey Bun Cake can also be frozen for up to 3 months; just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil before storing.

Expert Tips for Perfect Honey Bun Cake

  • Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature before mixing for a fluffier cake.
  • If you prefer a little texture, you can add chopped nuts, like pecans or walnuts, to the cinnamon sugar layer.
  • Adjust the glaze consistency by adding more or less milk based on your preference for a thicker or thinner drizzle.

Delicious Variations

  • Chocolate Chip Honey Bun Cake: Fold in a cup of chocolate chips into the batter for an extra sweet treat.
  • Nutty Addition: Add 1 cup of chopped nuts into the batter for a delightful crunch.
  • Spiced Honey Bun Cake: Incorporate other spices like nutmeg or pumpkin spice for a seasonal twist.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Can I use a different flavor of cake mix?
    Yes! A spice cake or even a chocolate cake mix can give you a unique twist to this recipe.

  • What can I use instead of sour cream?
    You can substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt for a similar tanginess and creaminess.

  • How do I know when the cake is done?
    Check with a toothpick; if it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, the cake is done.

  • Can I make this cake ahead of time?
    Absolutely! You can bake the cake a day in advance and keep it covered at room temperature.

  • What is the best way to reheat the cake?
    For the best flavor and texture, reheat individual pieces in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds.

Conclusion

Honey Bun Cake is a delightful and simple treat that the whole family will love. This approachable recipe delivers a beautiful cake with a heavenly sweetness and warm cinnamon flavor. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just want to indulge yourself, this cake is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. Grab your ingredients and bring the comforting aroma of freshly baked Honey Bun Cake to your kitchen today!

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Honey Bun Cake

  • Author: mia-harper
  • Total Time: 45-50 minutes
  • Yield: 12 servings 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian
Print Recipe

Description

A soft, moist cake combined with the sweetness of cinnamon and brown sugar, reminiscent of a classic honey bun. Perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 box yellow cake mix
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 2 tablespoons milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. In a large bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, eggs, sour cream, and vegetable oil. Mix until smooth.
  3. In a separate bowl, mix the brown sugar and ground cinnamon.
  4. Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. Pour half of the cake batter into the dish, sprinkle half of the brown sugar mixture, add the remaining batter, and top with the remaining brown sugar mixture.
  5. Use a knife to swirl the topping into the batter.
  6. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
  7. For the glaze, mix the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
  8. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cake.

Notes

Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week. Can be frozen for up to 3 months.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 320
  • Sugar: 25g
  • Sodium: 280mg
  • Fat: 14g
  • Saturated Fat: 2g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 46g
  • Fiber: 0g
  • Protein: 4g
  • Cholesterol: 70mg

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