If you’re looking for a dessert that’s both comforting and irresistible, this Honey Bun Cake is where it’s at! Picture a soft, cinnamon-swirled cake with a sweet glaze drizzled over the top—it’s like biting into a warm, gooey honey bun but in cake form! Trust me, once you take your first bite, you’ll be hooked. Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or just because, this cake is sure to become a favorite in your household.
Why You’ll Love Honey Bun Cake
This cake isn’t just about the flavor—it’s about the experience. Here’s why it’s the dessert you’ll want to make again and again:
Simple to Make:
Don’t let the amazing flavors fool you—this cake is ridiculously easy to make. With just a few ingredients and one bowl, you can whip it up in no time. It’s practically foolproof, so even if you’re not a baking expert, you can still pull it off!
Sweet and Cinnamon-Swirled:
The swirl of cinnamon throughout the cake gives it that classic honey bun flavor we all love. It’s a perfect balance of sweetness and spice that makes every bite feel like a treat.
Perfect for Any Occasion:
Whether it’s for a family breakfast, a weekend brunch, or a potluck, this cake is always a hit. It’s the kind of dessert that looks fancy but is actually super simple to make, so it’s great for impressing guests without a ton of effort.
Customizable:
If you love nuts, toss some chopped pecans or walnuts into the batter for a crunchy twist. You can also experiment with adding different spices like nutmeg or cardamom for a unique flavor profile.
Ingredients
(Note: The full ingredient list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Cake Mix:
This is the base of the cake. You’ll need a box of yellow cake mix, which makes the cake light and fluffy, just like a honey bun.
Eggs:
Two eggs will help give the cake its structure and richness.
Sour Cream:
Sour cream adds moisture and tenderness to the cake, making it melt in your mouth.
Butter:
Butter brings richness and flavor to the cake. It also helps with that perfect, golden texture.
Cinnamon Sugar:
This is where the magic happens! A combination of cinnamon and sugar creates that delicious swirl in the cake, giving it that irresistible honey bun flavor.
Powdered Sugar:
The glaze for the cake is made with powdered sugar, which adds the perfect sweetness and a smooth finish.
Vanilla Extract:
Vanilla extract is key in rounding out the flavor. It adds warmth and depth to the cake and glaze.
Instructions
Let’s get started on this sweet treat! Here’s how to make your own Honey Bun Cake:
Preheat Your Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the cake bakes evenly and turns out perfectly golden brown.
Prepare the Cake Batter:
In a large bowl, combine the cake mix, eggs, sour cream, and melted butter. Mix until smooth. The batter should be thick and creamy.
Add the Cinnamon Sugar Swirl:
In a separate small bowl, combine the cinnamon and sugar. Spoon half of the cake batter into a greased bundt pan, and then sprinkle half of the cinnamon-sugar mixture over it. Pour the rest of the batter on top, and finish by sprinkling the remaining cinnamon-sugar mixture over the top. Use a knife to gently swirl the cinnamon and sugar into the batter.
Bake the Cake:
Bake the cake for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The top should be golden brown and slightly cracked.
Prepare the Glaze:
While the cake is baking, make the glaze. In a small bowl, mix powdered sugar, melted butter, vanilla extract, and a little milk until smooth and pourable.
Cool and Glaze the Cake:
Once the cake is done, let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes before removing it. Once it’s out, drizzle the glaze evenly over the top of the warm cake. The glaze will soak into the cracks, adding extra sweetness to every bite.
Serve and Enjoy:
Slice and serve your Honey Bun Cake while it’s still warm for that perfect soft, gooey texture. It’s great with a cup of coffee or tea, or simply on its own!
How to Serve Honey Bun Cake
Honey Bun Cake is delicious on its own, but here are a few ideas for pairing:
With Coffee or Tea:
This cake makes a perfect breakfast or afternoon treat when paired with your favorite coffee or tea.
With Fresh Berries:
Serve a slice of Honey Bun Cake with fresh berries for a light contrast to the sweetness of the cake.
With Whipped Cream or Ice Cream:
Top each slice with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgence.
At Parties or Potlucks:
This cake is always a hit at gatherings. It’s easy to transport and feeds a crowd, making it the perfect dessert to bring to your next party.
Additional Tips
Here are a few extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:
Storage Tips:
Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also store it in the fridge for up to a week if you want it to last longer.
Make It Ahead:
This cake is great for making ahead of time. You can bake it a day or two before you plan to serve it, and just glaze it before serving.
Freeze for Later:
You can freeze this cake too! Once it’s cooled completely, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. When you’re ready to eat it, let it thaw and then glaze it.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use a different cake mix?
A1: Yes, you can use any flavor of cake mix you prefer, but yellow cake mix gives the most traditional Honey Bun Cake flavor.
Q2: Can I make this cake without sour cream?
A2: If you don’t have sour cream, you can substitute with plain yogurt or buttermilk for a similar texture.
Q3: Can I use a different pan?
A3: If you don’t have a bundt pan, you can use a 9×13-inch baking dish. Just keep an eye on the baking time, as it might need a little less time to bake.
Q4: Can I double the recipe?
A4: Yes, you can double the recipe and bake it in a larger pan, like a 10-inch bundt pan. Just make sure to adjust the baking time accordingly.
Q5: Can I freeze leftover Honey Bun Cake?
A5: Absolutely! Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil before freezing. It’ll stay fresh for 2-3 months.
Q6: Can I make this cake without glaze?
A6: While the glaze adds a sweet finishing touch, you can skip it if you prefer a less sweet cake. The cinnamon-sugar swirl in the cake is flavorful enough on its own.
Q7: Can I add nuts to the cake?
A7: Yes! Chopped pecans or walnuts would add a nice crunch and work really well with the cinnamon swirl.
Q8: How can I make this cake more moist?
A8: Make sure not to overmix the batter, as this can make the cake dense. You can also try adding a little extra sour cream or substituting part of the butter with oil for extra moisture.
Q9: Can I make the glaze without butter?
A9: Yes, you can make the glaze with just powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk, though the butter does add richness.
Q10: Can I serve this cake cold?
A10: Honey Bun Cake is best served warm, but it’s still delicious at room temperature if you need to make it ahead.
Final Thoughts
This Honey Bun Cake is the ultimate sweet treat that’s easy to make, packed with flavor, and guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re baking it for a special occasion or just because you’re craving something sweet, this cake will not disappoint. Enjoy every bite—you’ve earned it!
Print
Honey Bun Cake
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This moist and buttery Honey Bun Cake is swirled with cinnamon sugar and topped with a sweet vanilla glaze. Inspired by the classic honey bun, this easy bundt cake is perfect for breakfast or dessert!
Ingredients
Cake:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
Cinnamon Swirl:
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 tsp cinnamon
Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tbsp milk (or evaporated milk/water)
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and flour a bundt pan or spray with non-stick baking spray.
- In a large bowl, whisk together melted butter, milk, and sour cream. Add sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract.
- Whisk in flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt until smooth. Set aside.
- In a small bowl, mix brown sugar and cinnamon.
- Pour ⅓ of the batter into the prepared bundt pan. Sprinkle with half of the cinnamon-sugar mixture. Repeat the layers, ending with the last portion of batter.
- Gently swirl the batter with a butter knife.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool for 15 minutes, then invert onto a cake plate.
- Make the glaze: Whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract. Drizzle over the cake while it’s still slightly warm.
- Slice and enjoy!
Notes
- Add nuts: Mix in ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts for added crunch.
- Storage: Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for 3 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
- Warm it up: Heat a slice for 10 seconds in the microwave for a fresh-out-of-the-oven taste!
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 340
- Sugar: 32 g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 65mg