Honey Bun Cake

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Honey Bun Cake is a moist, tender cake with a rich swirl of cinnamon and brown sugar, reminiscent of the classic honey bun pastry. Finished with a sweet glaze on top, this Southern favorite is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert. Its irresistible flavor and ease of preparation make it a go-to for family gatherings and potlucks.

ingredients

this Recipe

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

yellow cake mixsour creameggsvegetable oilbrown sugarground cinnamonpowdered sugarmilkvanilla extract

directions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

In a large bowl, mix together the cake mix, sour cream, eggs, and vegetable oil until smooth.

In a separate bowl, combine brown sugar and ground cinnamon.

Pour half of the cake batter into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly.

Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture over the batter.

Pour the remaining batter on top and spread gently to cover the sugar layer.

Use a knife to swirl the batter slightly, creating a marbled effect.

Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

While the cake is baking, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract to make the glaze.

Once the cake is out of the oven and slightly cooled, drizzle the glaze evenly over the top.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields approximately 12 servings.Preparation time: 10 minutesBaking time: 35-40 minutesCooling and glazing time: 15 minutesTotal time: 60-65 minutes

Variations

Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the cinnamon-sugar layer for a nutty crunch.

Use a spice cake mix for an extra boost of warm flavor.

Drizzle caramel sauce over the glaze for added richness.

Replace the glaze with cream cheese frosting for a decadent twist.

storage/reheating

Store Honey Bun Cake covered at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerated for up to 1 week.To reheat, warm individual slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds.To freeze, wrap slices tightly and store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.

FAQs

What does Honey Bun Cake taste like?

It tastes like a cinnamon roll in cake form, with a moist crumb and sweet glaze.

Can I make this without sour cream?

Yes, you can substitute with plain Greek yogurt or buttermilk.

Is this cake very sweet?

It has a moderate sweetness balanced by the tanginess of sour cream and warm spice from the cinnamon.

Can I use homemade cake mix?

Yes, a homemade yellow cake mix works well in place of boxed.

How do I keep the swirl from sinking?

Avoid overmixing after layering the batter and cinnamon sugar. A gentle swirl is best.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, it’s great made a day in advance and stays moist.

Can I use a bundt pan?

Yes, but adjust baking time and grease the pan thoroughly.

Is this cake good for breakfast?

Absolutely—it’s like a coffee cake with a cinnamon-sugar twist.

Can I add raisins?

Yes, mix them into the batter or cinnamon layer if desired.

Is this cake kid-friendly?

Yes, it’s a favorite among both kids and adults.

Conclusion

Honey Bun Cake delivers all the flavors of a classic pastry in a convenient, crowd-pleasing cake. Whether served warm with coffee or as a sweet end to a meal, its cinnamon-sugar layers and tender crumb make it a beloved treat for any occasion. Simple to prepare and full of comforting flavor, it’s sure to become a staple in your recipe box.

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