Honey Bun Cake Recipe: A Delicious and Easy Treat for All Occasions
If you’re looking for a cake that’s as fun to make as it is to eat, you’ve come to the right place. This honey bun cake recipe captures the classic taste of a honey bun in a moist, decadent cake form, topped with a gooey cinnamon-sugar swirl. It’s like having a slice of nostalgia with every bite, perfect for family gatherings, weekend baking, or just a sweet treat with your coffee. Let’s dive in and make this delicious dessert from scratch!
What is a Honey Bun Cake?
The honey bun cake is a classic Southern dessert inspired by the flavors of honey buns, a beloved treat found in bakeries and breakfast tables alike. This easy cake recipe combines a moist yellow cake base with swirls of cinnamon and brown sugar, creating a coffee cake-like texture. Then, it’s topped with a sweet glaze, which seeps into the cake, giving it that indulgent honey bun essence. You’ll love this recipe for its simplicity, flavor, and versatility.
Table of Contents
Recipe Card
| Prep Time | Cook Time | Total Time | Servings | Yield |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 15 minutes | 45 minutes | 1 hour | 12 slices | 1 Bundt cake |
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, packed
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
For the Glaze:
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup milk (whole or 2% works best)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Directions
Step 1: Prepare the Batter
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray or butter.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, eggs, sour cream, and vegetable oil. Blend the ingredients together until the batter is silky smooth and all components are thoroughly combined.
Step 2: Create the Cinnamon-Sugar Swirl
- In another bowl, combine the brown sugar and ground cinnamon thoroughly. Pour half of the cake batter into the prepared pan, ensuring it’s spread evenly across the bottom.
- Sprinkle half of the cinnamon-sugar mixture over the batter, creating an even layer. Pour the remaining cake batter on top, then sprinkle the rest of the cinnamon-sugar mixture on top, gently swirling it with a knife for a marbled effect.
Step 3: Bake the Cake
- Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool for 10-15 minutes.
Step 4: Prepare the Glaze
- While the cake is cooling, prepare the glaze by whisking together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a bowl until smooth. Adjust the milk if needed to achieve a pourable consistency.
Step 5: Glaze the Cake
- Pour the glaze over the cake while it’s still warm, allowing it to soak into the surface. Allow it to rest for a few minutes before slicing, then dig in and enjoy every bite!
Nutrition Facts (per slice)
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approx.)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 35g
- Sodium: 290mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
Why You’ll Love This Honey Bun Cake Recipe
- Simple to Make: Using a yellow cake mix as the base keeps the recipe simple, perfect for both beginners and seasoned bakers.
- Moist and Flavorful: The sour cream and cinnamon-sugar swirl add extra moisture and depth of flavor, making it a standout among easy cake recipes.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: This cake is versatile enough for family dinners, potlucks, or holiday gatherings, adding a homemade touch to any table.
Key Ingredients and Substitutions
- Yellow Cake Mix: You can use any boxed yellow cake mix as the base. If you prefer to make the cake from scratch, you can substitute it with homemade yellow cake ingredients.
- Sour Cream: This adds moisture and richness to the cake. You can swap it for Greek yogurt if you don’t have sour cream on hand.
- Cinnamon and Brown Sugar: Essential for creating that signature honey bun swirl. Feel free to adjust the cinnamon to taste if you prefer a milder or stronger flavor.
Expert Tips for Success
- Don’t Overmix: Mix the batter just until combined to avoid a dense texture.
- Swirl Gently: Swirling the cinnamon-sugar mixture is key to achieving a marbled effect, but be gentle so the layers remain distinct.
- Glaze While Warm: Pouring the glaze over the cake while it’s still warm allows it to soak in and create that signature sticky honey bun finish.
Variations and Customizations
- Add Pecans: For a Southern twist, add a layer of chopped pecans to the cinnamon-sugar swirl.
- Drizzle with Honey: Enhance the honey flavor by drizzling a little honey over the glaze.
- Use Cream Cheese Glaze: Substitute milk in the glaze with cream cheese for a tangy twist.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
- Room Temperature: Keep the cake covered at room temperature for a maximum of two days.
- Refrigerator: To keep it longer, refrigerate the cake in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Freezer: Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw and reheat before serving.
Serving Suggestions
This delightful cake is the ideal companion to a steaming cup of coffee or tea, and it also pairs wonderfully with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream. Serve it as a dessert, breakfast treat, or an afternoon snack.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Can I make this cake from scratch instead of using a yellow cake mix?
Yes, you can make a homemade yellow cake base if you prefer. Just combine flour, baking powder, salt, sugar, and eggs, and follow the same recipe steps.
Q2: How do I keep the cake moist?
The addition of sour cream in the batter keeps the cake moist, but be sure not to overbake it, as that can dry it out.
Q3: Can I use other types of glaze?
Absolutely! A cream cheese glaze or even a simple honey drizzle can work beautifully on this cake.
Q4: What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
Microwave individual slices for 10-15 seconds to warm them up and bring back that fresh-baked feel.
Q5: Can I make this cake gluten-free?
Yes, simply substitute the yellow cake mix with a gluten-free variety, and the rest of the recipe will work the same.
Related Recipes
If you loved this honey bun cake recipe, you might enjoy trying these other crowd-pleasers:
- Sour Cream Coffee Cake: A fluffy, cinnamon-spiced cake perfect for any time of day.
- Butter Cake Recipe: Simple, moist, and rich, this is a classic butter cake for every occasion.
- Sock It to Me Cake: A classic bundt cake with a cinnamon pecan filling, ideal for brunches and gatherings.
Conclusion
This honey bun cake recipe is truly a treat, combining the flavors of a beloved pastry with the ease of a simple cake recipe. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting, this recipe brings the joy of homemade baking to your kitchen with minimal effort and maximum flavor. Give it a try and savor each sweet, cinnamon-swirled bite – your family and friends will thank you!
Give it a try, and delight in the rich sweetness and comforting warmth of this Honey Bun Cake! It’s perfect for sharing, whether as a sweet breakfast or a cozy dessert. Don’t forget to snap a picture and share your #BeesRecipes creations on Instagram – we can’t wait to see your unique take on this delicious Honey Bun Cake!