Honey Bun Cake
Craving the warm, gooey flavors of a honey bun but want a homemade twist? This Traditional Honey Bun Cake recipe delivers! It’s easier than you think to create this delightful dessert that captures the essence of your favorite pastry in cake form.
This recipe uses a classic cake mix for convenience, but the real magic happens with the cinnamon sugar swirl filling.Packed with brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and chopped pecans (optional), it infuses the cake with those irresistible honey bun notes. Topped with a simple glaze, this cake is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Looking for additional tips? For an extra decadent experience, add a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of chopped pecans before serving. This cake is perfect for afternoon tea parties, potlucks, or simply as a sweet treat at home. So preheat your oven, gather your ingredients, and get ready to bake up a taste of nostalgia!
Questions I often get asked about this recipe:
Can I use a different cake mix?
Yes, any yellow cake mix will work. You can also try a vanilla cake mix for a slightly different flavor profile.
I don’t have sour cream. Can I use something else?
Yes, you can substitute an equal amount of plain yogurt or buttermilk thinned with a splash of milk.
My cake isn’t cooked through after 35 minutes. What should I do?
Every oven is different, so baking times can vary slightly. Check the cake at the 30-minute mark and continue baking in 5-minute increments until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
How can I tell if my glaze is the right consistency?
The glaze should be pourable, but not runny. If it’s too thick, add a little more milk, one teaspoon at a time, until it reaches the desired consistency.
Can I add any other spices to the cake?
Sure! A pinch of nutmeg or ginger would add a warm depth of flavor.
How can I make this recipe from scratch?
You can definitely use a homemade yellow cake batter recipe instead of the cake mix.
Can I frost this cake instead of using a glaze?
Absolutely! A cream cheese frosting would pair well with the cinnamon flavors.
What you need to make Honey Bun Cake:
Cake:
1 (15.25 ounce) package yellow cake mix
2/3 cup vegetable oil
4 large eggs
1 container (8 ounces) sour cream
3/4 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup chopped pecans (optional)
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
Glaze:
1 cup powdered sugar
1 tablespoon milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
How to make it:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (325°F for a dark or nonstick pan). Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.
In a large bowl, beat together the cake mix, oil, eggs, and sour cream with an electric mixer on medium speed for 2 minutes, scraping the sides occasionally.
Divide the batter evenly between two bowls.
In one bowl, stir in the brown sugar, pecans (if using), and cinnamon. This will create your swirl filling.
Pour half of the plain cake batter into the prepared pan. Spread the cinnamon sugar mixture on top of the batter.
Carefully pour the remaining plain cake batter over the swirl filling.
Use a knife to gently swirl the batters together a couple of times to create a marbled effect. Be careful not to overmix.
Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
While the cake cools, prepare the glaze by whisking together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a small bowl until smooth and pourable.
Once the cake is cool, drizzle the glaze generously over the top.
Tips:
For an extra decadent touch, add a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of chopped pecans before serving.
This cake is best enjoyed at room temperature, but can also be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Latest Reviews:
Simple Perfection! This recipe was so easy to follow and resulted in a delicious cake. The glaze was the perfect finishing touch. I’ll definitely be making this again! 5 stars! Sarah B.
Family Favorite! My family devoured this cake! The cinnamon sugar swirl was a hit, and the cake itself was moist and flavorful. We loved it with a dollop of whipped cream. Thanks for sharing! John M.
Perfect for Potlucks! This recipe is a keeper! It’s easy to take to potlucks because it travels well and always gets rave reviews. I might try adding some chopped dried fruit next time for a twist. Lisa C.
Printable Recipe:
Honey Bun Cake
This recipe captures the gooey, sweet flavors of a classic honey bun in a delicious cake form.
Ingredients
- Cake:
- 1 (15.25 ounce) package yellow cake mix
- 2/3 cup vegetable oil
- 4 large eggs
- 1 container (8 ounces) sour cream
- 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans (optional)
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (325°F for a dark or nonstick pan). Grease a 9x13 inch baking pan.
- In a large bowl, beat together the cake mix, oil, eggs, and sour cream with an electric mixer on medium speed for 2 minutes, scraping the sides occasionally.
- Divide the batter evenly between two bowls.
- In one bowl, stir in the brown sugar, pecans (if using), and cinnamon. This will create your swirl filling.
- Pour half of the plain cake batter into the prepared pan. Spread the cinnamon sugar mixture on top of the batter.
- Carefully pour the remaining plain cake batter over the swirl filling.
- Use a knife to gently swirl the batters together a couple of times to create a marbled effect. Be careful not to overmix.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- While the cake cools, prepare the glaze by whisking together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a small bowl until smooth and pourable.
- Once the cake is cool, drizzle the glaze generously over the top.
If you enjoyed this recipe, please share it on your social media! I would love for more people to try this delicious and easy-to-make recipe. If you have any questions or feedback, please feel free to leave a comment below. I would love to hear from you! Shhh… Join our secret foodie group on Facebook
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