Honey Bun Cake Recipe

A cake that’s soft, moist, and infused with the warm flavors of cinnamon and brown sugar – Honey Bun Cake is the ultimate comfort dessert! This cake brings together the sweetness of a classic honey bun and the indulgence of a homemade cake, making every bite absolutely irresistible. Topped with a luscious vanilla glaze that seeps into the cake, this recipe is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a simple treat to enjoy with coffee.

The best part? It’s incredibly easy to make! With a simple yellow cake mix as the base, combined with rich sour cream and a buttery cinnamon swirl, this cake achieves a bakery-style taste with minimal effort. Whether you’re baking for a gathering or just want a cozy dessert at home, this Honey Bun Cake is a guaranteed hit!

About The Recipe

If you’ve ever had a honey bun straight from the package, you know exactly what inspired this cake. It’s that nostalgic, sweet, and sticky treat that we all loved growing up. But let me tell you—this homemade version takes it to another level.

This cake is ridiculously soft, thanks to the addition of sour cream, and the cinnamon sugar swirl gives it that signature honey bun flavor. Instead of a complicated yeast dough, we’re using a simple cake batter that bakes up beautifully every time. Then, a silky vanilla glaze melts right into the warm cake, creating a dessert that’s both decadent and effortless.

I can’t count how many times I’ve made this cake for family brunches or weekend treats, and it disappears almost instantly every time! It’s sweet but not too sweet, perfectly spiced, and easy to throw together even on a busy day.

Trust me, once you try this Honey Bun Cake, it will quickly become one of your go-to favorite bakes!

Why You’ll Love This Honey Bun Cake

• Super easy to make – Uses a boxed cake mix for a quick and effortless recipe!
• Perfectly moist – The sour cream keeps it soft and rich.
• A delicious cinnamon swirl – The brown sugar and cinnamon layer adds warmth and flavor.
• No yeast required – Unlike traditional honey buns, this cake comes together in no time.
• Topped with a sweet vanilla glaze – A simple but delicious finishing touch!
• Great for any occasion – Serve it for breakfast, brunch, or dessert!

Equipment Needed

Before we dive into the ingredients, let’s make sure you have all the right tools on hand. This recipe is simple, and you likely already have everything you need in your kitchen!

• Mixing Bowls – For preparing the cake batter and cinnamon swirl.
• Whisk – Helps mix the ingredients smoothly without lumps.
• Hand Mixer or Stand Mixer – Makes mixing the batter easier and ensures a fluffy texture.
• 9×13-inch Baking Dish – The perfect size for this cake to bake evenly.
• Butter Knife or Skewer – Used to swirl the cinnamon sugar mixture into the batter.
• Wire Rack – To cool the cake before adding the glaze.

Ingredients

For the Cake:

• 1 box (15.25 ounces) butter yellow cake mix – The base for a moist and buttery cake.
• 1 container (8 ounces) sour cream – Adds richness and keeps the cake incredibly soft.
• 4 large eggs, room temperature – Helps with structure and fluffiness.
• ¾ cup (163.5 g) vegetable oil – Keeps the cake moist without making it heavy.
• ½ cup water – Ensures the batter has the right consistency.

Ingredient Breakdown:

• Cake Mix: Using a boxed cake mix saves time while still delivering an incredibly soft cake.
• Sour Cream: This is the key to keeping the cake rich and moist.
• Eggs: They give the cake structure and a light, fluffy texture.
• Vegetable Oil: This makes the cake tender and ensures it stays moist for days.
• Water: It helps balance the batter’s consistency.

For the Cinnamon Swirl:

• 1 cup (200 g) light brown sugar, packed – Adds sweetness and deep caramel-like flavor.
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon – The essential warm spice for the classic honey bun taste.

Ingredient Breakdown:

• Brown Sugar: It gives the cake that signature caramelized sweetness.
• Cinnamon: Adds warmth and spice that perfectly complements the cake.

For the Glaze:

• 2 cups (250 g) confectioners’ sugar – Creates a smooth and sweet glaze.
• ¼ cup (61 g) whole milk – Helps thin out the glaze for a pourable consistency.
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract – Adds depth of flavor and enhances the glaze.

Ingredient Breakdown:

• Confectioners’ Sugar: The fine texture ensures a smooth, glossy glaze.
• Whole Milk: Adds creaminess and helps the glaze seep into the cake.
• Vanilla Extract: Balances out the sweetness with a rich, aromatic touch.

How to Make Honey Bun Cake

This Honey Bun Cake is not just easy to make but also incredibly rewarding. With just a few steps, you’ll have a warm, cinnamon-infused cake with a sweet vanilla glaze ready to enjoy. Follow these simple instructions to get the perfect result every time!

Step 1: Prepare the Cake Batter

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray and set it aside.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cake mix, sour cream, eggs, vegetable oil, and water.
3. Using a whisk or hand mixer, mix the ingredients together until the batter is smooth and well combined. Avoid overmixing, as this can make the cake dense.

Step 2: Make the Cinnamon Swirl

1. In a small bowl, mix together the light brown sugar and ground cinnamon. Stir well to ensure an even blend of sugar and spice.
2. Set the mixture aside while you prepare the layering process.

Step 3: Layer and Swirl the Batter

1. Pour half of the cake batter into the prepared baking dish. Spread it out evenly using a spatula.
2. Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the batter, making sure to cover the entire surface.
3. Gently pour the remaining cake batter over the cinnamon layer, smoothing it out with a spatula.
4. Using a butter knife or skewer, swirl the batter and cinnamon mixture together, creating a beautiful marbled effect. Be careful not to overmix—the goal is to create distinct swirls, not to fully blend the layers.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

1. Place the cake in the preheated oven and bake for 38-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
2. Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool slightly while you prepare the glaze.

Step 5: Make the Glaze and Finish the Cake

The vanilla glaze is the final touch that makes this Honey Bun Cake extra special. It seeps into the warm cake, creating a sweet, slightly crackly coating that enhances every bite!

Prepare the Glaze

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the confectioners’ sugar, whole milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. The glaze should be pourable but not too runny. If it’s too thick, add a splash of milk; if it’s too thin, add a little more powdered sugar.

Glaze the Cake

1. While the cake is still slightly warm, pour the vanilla glaze evenly over the top.
2. Let the glaze soak into the cake for a few minutes before slicing. This will enhance the flavor and ensure a moist texture.

Cool and Serve

• Allow the cake to cool completely before cutting into squares. This helps the glaze set, creating that classic honey bun finish.
• Serve warm or at room temperature with a cup of coffee, tea, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat!

FAQs and Troubleshooting

Why did my cake turn out dry?

Dryness can occur if the cake is overbaked. Be sure to check for doneness at the 38-minute mark using a toothpick. If it comes out with just a few crumbs, your cake is ready! Also, measuring ingredients accurately—especially flour and liquids—helps maintain the right texture.

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Absolutely! This cake stays moist for 2-3 days at room temperature when covered. You can also refrigerate it for up to a week or freeze individual slices for 2-3 months. Just warm it slightly before serving for the best flavor.

Can I use a different cake mix?

Yes! While a butter yellow cake mix gives the most classic flavor, you can use vanilla, spice, or even white cake mix for a slight variation. Just follow the same measurements and method.

Can I add nuts or other toppings?

Definitely! Chopped pecans or walnuts add a delicious crunch to the cinnamon swirl. You can also sprinkle a little extra cinnamon sugar on top before baking for an extra caramelized finish.

How to Store Honey Bun Cake

• Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Refrigerator: Keeps fresh for up to 7 days when stored in a covered dish.
• Freezer: Slice and freeze in an airtight container for 2-3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Final Thoughts

This Honey Bun Cake is the ultimate comfort dessert—easy to make, rich in flavor, and perfect for any occasion. The cinnamon-sugar swirl combined with the sweet vanilla glaze makes every bite a delicious treat. Whether you’re serving it for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, it’s guaranteed to be a crowd favorite!

Now that you have the full recipe, are you ready to try baking this? Let me know if you need any modifications or if you’d like additional serving suggestions!