Easy Honey Bun Cake Recipe

For a dessert that tastes like cinnamon coffee cake but feels like a regular cake, try this honey bun cake recipe. This tasty treat has layers of cinnamon and brown sugar. A simple vanilla glaze tops it.

Pin

This dessert is easy to make and full of comforting flavors. Whether you enjoy it in the morning or as a late-night treat, this homemade yellow cake mix will delight you.

To improve your baking, a Vanilla Pound Cake Recipe is a classic choice. It always impresses. Rich, buttery, and bursting with vanilla flavor, it’s perfect for any occasion.

For a unique twist, try a Syrup Cake Recipe. It adds great moisture and sweetness.

Each layer soaks in a tasty syrup that boosts the flavor. For some spice, a Cinnamon Coffee Cake offers a warm taste. It goes perfectly with a morning cup of coffee. With a simple Butter Cake as the base, these recipes offer endless possibilities to create delightful, flavorful cakes right at home.

Honey Bun Ingredients

• For the Cake:
  • 1 box yellow cake mix
  • 4 large eggs, at room temperature
  • 1 cup sour cream, at room temperature
  • ¾ cup vegetable oil
  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
• For the Vanilla Glaze:
  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • 4 tablespoons milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Using ingredients at room temperature, like eggs and sour cream, helps create a smoother, richer cake batter and results in a lighter texture when baked.

Pin

Kitchen Tools Required

To make this honey bun cake recipe, you’ll need:

• 9×13 inch baking pan (greased)
• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Toothpick (to check doneness)
• Spatula

Using an electric mixer will help blend your ingredients smoothly, saving time and ensuring even mixing. Also, it makes the batter light and fluffy. But, if you don’t have one, you can always use a whisk, although the texture might be a bit denser.

Preparation for Baking The Honey Bun Cake Recipe

1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare Your Pan:
   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan with cooking spray or butter to ensure your honey bun cake won’t stick and will come out easily. Also, be sure to line the pan with parchment paper for extra ease when removing the cake. But, if you prefer, you can skip the parchment paper and just grease the pan well. Generally, this will help avoid any sticking issues.
2. Set Up Your Ingredients at Room Temperature:
   Bringing your sour cream, eggs, and other ingredients to room temperature helps them mix more smoothly, creating a batter that bakes evenly and has a soft, tender texture. So, it’s a small step that makes a big difference. Also, it ensures your cake turns out light and fluffy, but don’t forget to plan ahead for this step!

Step-by-Step Honey Bun Cake Recipe Instructions

1. Prepare the Cake Batter:
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, eggs, sour cream, and vegetable oil, and mix until smooth and well incorporated. Use an electric mixer to beat the ingredients until you have a smooth, thick batter. This batter will be the base of your honey bun cake and gives it the familiar homemade yellow cake flavor.
2. Make the Brown Sugar and Cinnamon Mixture:
   In a separate bowl, mix the brown sugar and ground cinnamon. This sugar mixture will create the delicious cinnamon swirl, adding a touch of warmth and sweetness with each bite. So, make sure it’s well blended before layering it with the cake batter. Generally, this is a simple step that makes all the difference.
3. Layer the Cake Batter and Cinnamon Mixture:
   Pour half of the cake batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly before adding the cinnamon-brown sugar mixture and the remaining batter. Spread it evenly, then sprinkle half of the brown sugar and cinnamon mixture on top. Add the remaining cake batter over the cinnamon layer, followed by the rest of the cinnamon mixture. Use a butter knife to swirl the layers gently, creating a beautiful marbled effect.

Pin

Creating the Perfect Cinnamon Swirl

The cinnamon swirl is the essence of a honey bun cake, and it’s easy to achieve. By swirling the brown sugar mixture just enough, you’ll create layers of flavor without fully blending them. So, you’ll have perfectly swirled cinnamon goodness in each bite. Also, this technique ensures every slice has a distinctive ribbon of cinnamon goodness. But, don’t overdo the swirling!

Baking the Honey Bun Cake

Bake the cake in the preheated oven for 35–40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and free of batter. Once baked, allow the cake to cool in the pan. This resting period helps the cake settle and makes it easier to add the glaze later.

Preparing the Vanilla Glaze

In a small bowl, combine powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract. Whisk until smooth. The glaze should be thick yet pourable. Adjust the milk or powdered sugar if needed to achieve the perfect consistency for drizzling.

Applying the Glaze

Once the cake has cooled completely, pour the simple vanilla glaze over the top. This glaze adds a layer of sweetness and visually appealing shine to your honey bun cake. Make sure to pour evenly, so every bite has a hint of vanilla glaze.

Pin

Variations of the Honey Bun Cake Recipe

• Chocolate Cinnamon Swirl Cake: Add a tablespoon of cocoa powder to the cinnamon mixture for a chocolatey twist.
• Nutty Honey Bun Cake: Add chopped pecans or walnuts for a nutty texture that complements the cinnamon swirl.
• Cream Cheese Glaze: Swap the vanilla glaze for a cream cheese glaze to add richness to the cake.

Serving Suggestions

Honey bun cake pairs wonderfully with a warm cup of coffee or tea. You can also serve it with fresh berries or a scoop of vanilla ice cream if you’re looking for a more indulgent treat.

Storage Instructions

To store your honey bun cake, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it in an airtight container. Keep it at room temperature for up to 3 days for maximum freshness. So, if you have leftovers, you can store them easily. Generally, for longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week or freeze for up to three months. Simply thaw and warm slices in the microwave for a few seconds to enjoy.

Tips for Success The Honey Bun Cake

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Room temperature sour cream and eggs blend better and create a smoother batter.
• Don’t Over-Swirl the Cinnamon Mixture: Swirling too much will blend the cinnamon and batter too evenly, losing the layered effect.
• Check Doneness with a Toothpick: A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean to ensure the cake is fully baked.

Healthier Alternatives

For a lighter version, substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream and reduce the amount of sugar in the glaze. This way, you’ll enjoy a honey bun cake that’s a bit lighter without sacrificing flavor. Also, this option will add a subtle tang, but it won’t alter the texture of the cake.

Pin

Conclusion

This honey bun cake recipe is a delightful twist on the traditional cinnamon roll, offering the same cozy flavors in a simple, bake-friendly format. Also, its layers of cinnamon and brown sugar, topped with a smooth vanilla glaze, make it the ideal treat for any occasion. But, the best part is that it’s so easy to make. Generally, this homemade cake may quickly become a family favorite.

FAQs

So, If you enjoy, please Follow my facebook page to be notified every time I publish a recipe!

Love this recipe? Give it a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ review in the recipe card below!