Honey Bun Cake

Honey Bun Cake: The Sweet, Cinnamon-Infused Classic You’ll Love

What Is Honey Bun Cake?

Honey Bun Cake is a deliciously moist dessert that brings back memories of classic Southern comfort food. Inspired by the iconic honey bun pastry, this cake is layered with rich brown sugar, swirled with warm cinnamon, and topped with a sweet glaze that melts right into every bite. It’s the perfect choice for breakfast, brunch, or an after-dinner treat.

Why Everyone Loves This Classic Dessert

There’s something timeless about the flavor of a warm honey bun cake. Here’s why home bakers and dessert lovers keep coming back to this recipe:

• Moist texture from sour cream makes it irresistible.

• Cinnamon-sugar swirl delivers bakery-style goodness without the effort.

• Glaze topping adds that final sweet touch.

Its simplicity makes it ideal for busy families, casual gatherings, and potlucks. Best of all, you can prepare it in under an hour. According to Southern Living, it’s a must-try staple in Southern households.

Whether you’re a baking pro or just getting started, honey bun cake is nearly foolproof. The use of cake mix speeds up the process, so you spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying each bite. For those looking for step-by-step visuals, Allrecipes offers a beginner-friendly guide.

This cake is a delightful twist on traditional coffee cake, making it a standout addition to your recipe box. From its soft crumb to the cinnamon-kissed layers, honey bun cake is the kind of treat that never goes out of style.

Ingredients

Honey Bun Cake

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• Author: Sarah White
• Total Time: 50 min
• Yield: 12 1x

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 box yellow cake mix

• ¾ cup vegetable or canola oil

• 4 eggs

• 8 oz sour cream

• 1 cup brown sugar

• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

• 2 cups powdered sugar

• 4 tablespoons milk

• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper.

2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, oil, eggs, and sour cream. Stir by hand for about 50 strokes until smooth.

3. Pour half of the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly.

4. In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar and cinnamon. Sprinkle evenly over the batter in the pan.

5. Pour the remaining batter over the cinnamon-sugar layer and gently smooth it out.

6. Use a knife or skewer to gently swirl the layers, creating a marbled effect. Do not overmix.

7. Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

8. While the cake is baking, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a bowl until smooth to make the glaze. Add milk if needed to reach desired consistency.

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

10. Allow to cool completely before slicing or enjoy warm for a gooey treat.

• Prep Time: 10 min
• Cook Time: 40 min

Step-by-Step Method for the Perfect Honey Bun Cake

👩‍🍳 Mixing the Batter Just Right

To begin your honey bun cake, preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C). Grease a 9×13-inch pan or line it with parchment for easy removal. In a large bowl, combine yellow cake mix, oil, eggs, and sour cream. Stir by hand—around 50 strokes will do the trick—to form a smooth batter.

Next, pour half of the batter into the prepared pan. In a separate bowl, mix brown sugar and ground cinnamon until evenly blended. Sprinkle the mixture generously over the batter.

🌀 Create the Signature Swirl

Pour the remaining batter over the top and gently smooth it out. Use a butter knife or skewer to swirl the layers together. Be careful not to overmix—the swirl is what gives the honey bun cake its iconic marbled effect.

🔥 Bake and Glaze to Finish

Bake the cake for 35–40 minutes. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean. While it bakes, prepare the glaze by whisking powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Add extra milk if it feels too thick.

Once baked, let the cake cool slightly. Drizzle the glaze over the warm surface. This step allows the glaze to seep into the top, enhancing both flavor and texture.

This step-by-step process ensures a honey bun cake that’s moist, gooey, and full of cinnamon-sugar goodness. Whether you’re a baking novice or seasoned pro, this method delivers reliable, bakery-style results at home.

Advanced Tips to Elevate Your Honey Bun Cake

✨ Make It Bakery-Worthy at Home

To give your honey bun cake a professional touch, start by using room-temperature eggs and sour cream. This improves texture and makes mixing easier. Sift the cake mix before adding to remove lumps and lighten the crumb.

For extra richness, add a tablespoon of butter to the batter. Want a crunchier topping? Add a handful of chopped pecans or walnuts into the brown sugar and cinnamon mix.

🌡️ Don’t Skip the Cooling Phase

Letting the cake cool slightly before glazing is essential. If the cake is too hot, the glaze will melt and disappear. But if it’s too cold, the glaze won’t absorb well. Aim for a warm—but not hot—surface.

You can also double the glaze if you want a thicker layer. Just keep the consistency pourable to avoid pooling.

🍰 How to Serve It Best

Serve your honey bun cake slightly warm with a cup of coffee or tea. It’s ideal for brunch spreads or cozy dessert nights. You can even top each slice with whipped cream for extra indulgence.

These expert tweaks make a big difference. With small adjustments, your honey bun cake can truly stand out—both in flavor and presentation.

Storage Tips and Make-Ahead Tricks

🧊 Keeping Your Honey Bun Cake Fresh

To store your honey bun cake properly, first let it cool completely. Once cooled, cover the cake tightly with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container. This will help preserve its moist texture and keep the glaze from drying out. At room temperature, the cake stays fresh for up to 3 days.

If you prefer refrigeration, wrap the cake well to prevent it from absorbing fridge odors. It can last in the fridge for up to a week, but allow it to sit at room temperature before serving for the best texture.

❄️ Can You Freeze Honey Bun Cake?

Absolutely. Freezing is a great option for batch baking. Slice the cake and wrap each piece individually in plastic wrap. Then place the wrapped pieces in a freezer-safe bag or container. This makes it easy to thaw single servings whenever you crave a bite.

To thaw, leave the slice at room temperature for 1–2 hours. You can also microwave it for 15 seconds to restore the gooey warmth. The honey bun cake still tastes amazing after freezing and reheating.

⏱️ Make It Ahead for Any Occasion

Planning a brunch or potluck? You can bake your honey bun cake a day in advance. For best results, wait to add the glaze until just before serving. This keeps the top from getting soggy.

These tips make it easier to enjoy your favorite honey bun cake anytime—with zero last-minute stress. Whether storing leftovers or prepping ahead, you’ll keep that soft, cinnamon-swirled perfection intact.

Healthier and Dietary-Friendly Honey Bun Cake Variations

🌾 Gluten-Free and Dairy-Free Swaps

You can easily adapt this honey bun cake for special diets. Use a gluten-free yellow cake mix to eliminate wheat. For a dairy-free version, swap sour cream with dairy-free yogurt or applesauce, and use a plant-based milk in the glaze. The result is just as tasty and moist.

These simple substitutions let more people enjoy the warm, nostalgic flavor of honey bun cake without compromise.

🥄 Lower Sugar, Still Delicious

Looking to reduce sugar? Try replacing brown sugar with monk fruit sweetener or coconut sugar. Choose a sugar-free cake mix if you’re cutting carbs. Even with these changes, the honey bun cake keeps its rich cinnamon depth and soft bite.

You can also use light glaze or skip it entirely for a more balanced dessert.

💪 Protein and Fiber Boosts

To make your honey bun cake more nutritious, stir in a scoop of vanilla protein powder with the dry mix. You can also add finely ground flaxseed or chia seeds. These ingredients boost fiber without affecting taste or texture.

Whether you’re adjusting for health or preference, the honey bun cake remains a satisfying option that fits different lifestyles. It proves that comfort food can be both delicious and adaptable.