Honey Bun Cake Recipe

Moist and buttery, this honey bun cake is swirled with cinnamon and brown sugar, then topped with a rich honey glaze. Perfect for breakfasts, potlucks, or dessert, it’s a sweet treat everyone will love!

A honey bun cake is like a warm hug on a plate. With its moist layers infused with cinnamon and brown sugar swirls, topped off with a luscious honey glaze, it’s a treat that satisfies both your sweet tooth and your craving for comfort. This cake has the perfect balance of sweetness, spice, and texture that keeps everyone coming back for seconds. Whether you’re hosting a cozy family brunch or bringing dessert to a party, this honey bun cake recipe is a surefire crowd-pleaser.

What is a Honey Bun Cake?

A honey bun cake is inspired by the classic honey bun pastry, but in cake form. It’s baked with simple pantry ingredients, yet its flavor is anything but ordinary. This variation elevates the classic recipe with a rich cinnamon swirl and a honey glaze that soaks into the warm cake. The result is a moist, tender dessert that tastes like it came straight from a bakery.

If you’re a fan of sweet and spiced treats, you might also love Tippins Cornbread Recipe or Artsy Chic Cake—both unique, flavorful, and perfect for sharing!

Ingredients for Honey Bun Cake

This recipe uses a combination of fresh and pantry staples. Each ingredient plays a key role in creating the moist texture and incredible flavor.

1. Yellow Cake Mix

Yellow cake mix is the foundation of this recipe, providing a soft, buttery base. You can opt for a trusted store-bought mix or use a homemade version for a more personal touch. This ingredient saves time while delivering consistent results.

2. Eggs

Eggs give the cake its structure and richness. For best results, use large eggs at room temperature to ensure even mixing.

3. Sour Cream

Sour cream is the secret to the cake’s moist texture. It adds a subtle tang that balances the sweetness. Don’t skip it—this ingredient makes all the difference!

4. Vegetable Oil

Vegetable oil ensures the cake is tender and soft. It’s a better choice here than butter because it keeps the texture light and fluffy.

5. Brown Sugar & Cinnamon

This dynamic duo creates the iconic cinnamon swirl. Use fresh brown sugar and high-quality ground cinnamon for a robust flavor.

6. Powdered Sugar, Honey, Milk, and Vanilla

These ingredients combine to make the glaze. Honey adds a floral sweetness, while milk helps achieve the perfect drizzling consistency. Use pure vanilla extract for a richer taste.

Looking for more dessert ideas with bold flavors? Try the Strawberry Snickerdoodle Cookie Recipe for a fruity, spiced twist, or check out the Snickers Strawberry Cheesecake for a decadent alternative.

Why You’ll Love This Dish

This honey bun cake is more than just a dessert; it’s an experience. Its moist texture and warm cinnamon aroma make it ideal for holiday breakfasts, potlucks, and festive gatherings. Serve it at Thanksgiving or Christmas brunch, and watch it disappear within minutes.

In some regions, the honey bun cake has become a potluck favorite because it’s easy to make, travels well, and tastes even better the next day. Pair it with Captain D's Slaw Recipe or Bertuccis Sausage Soup Recipe for a memorable meal.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Honey Bun Cake

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish. Gather all your ingredients so you can move through the steps seamlessly.

Step 2: Mix the Batter

In a large bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, eggs, sour cream, and vegetable oil. Mix until smooth. The batter should be thick but easy to pour.

Step 3: Create the Cinnamon Swirl

In a small bowl, stir together the brown sugar and cinnamon. Pour half of the cake batter into the greased pan and sprinkle half of the cinnamon-sugar mixture over it. Repeat with the remaining batter and cinnamon sugar.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Bake the cake for 40–45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Your kitchen will smell heavenly as it bakes!

Step 5: Make the Honey Glaze

While the cake is still warm, whisk together powdered sugar, honey, milk, and vanilla in a small bowl. Drizzle the glaze over the cake, allowing it to soak into the layers.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Let the cake cool completely before slicing. Serve it as-is, or with a dollop of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.

Looking for a savory complement to this dessert? Try the Big Benny Bao Bun or Mei and Kyong Egg Fried Rice for an unexpected but delightful pairing.

Tips for Perfect Honey Bun Cake

• Don’t overmix the batter: This keeps the cake tender and fluffy.
• Use fresh spices: Cinnamon loses its potency over time, so make sure it’s fresh for the best flavor.
• Let the glaze soak in: Pour it over the warm cake for maximum absorption.

This honey bun cake pairs beautifully with hot coffee or tea, making it a great choice for breakfast or dessert. For more ideas, check out the Heaven and Hell Sheet Cake Recipe for a unique layered dessert, or explore the Viral Cottage Cheese Flatbread Recipe for a savory twist.

This honey bun cake recipe is your go-to for a dessert that’s easy, indulgent, and unforgettable. Let me know how it turns out for you!

Decadent Honey Bun Cake with Cinnamon Swirl

This honey bun cake combines the classic flavors of cinnamon and honey in a moist, rich cake with a luxurious homemade honey glaze. Perfect for dessert or brunch!

Ingredients

• 1 box yellow cake mix
• 4 large eggs
• 1 cup sour cream
• 3/4 cup vegetable oil
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1/3 cup honey
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking pan.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, eggs, sour cream, and vegetable oil. Mix until smooth and well combined.
3. In a separate bowl, mix the brown sugar and cinnamon together.
4. Pour half of the cake batter into the prepared pan. Sprinkle half of the brown sugar and cinnamon mixture evenly over the batter.
5. Add the remaining cake batter on top and sprinkle the rest of the cinnamon sugar mixture over it.
6. Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
7. While the cake bakes, whisk together powdered sugar, honey, milk, and vanilla extract to make the glaze.
8. Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool slightly. Pour the honey glaze evenly over the warm cake, allowing it to soak in.
9. Let the cake cool completely before slicing and serving.

15 minutes prep time with 40 minutes cook time.

Serves 12 and contains approximately 320 calories per serving.

American / Dessert, Brunch

Rated 4.9 by 157 reviewers.

Recipe Tags: honey bun cake, cinnamon swirl cake, honey glaze dessert, brunch recipes, easy cake recipes

Published by: Show Recipe