Fresh Finds Recipes

  • Crockpot
  • Desserts
  • Dinner
  • Contact Me
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Crockpot
  • Desserts
  • Dinner
  • Contact Me
search icon
Homepage link
  • Crockpot
  • Desserts
  • Dinner
  • Contact Me
×

Honey Bun Cake

Published: May 24, 2025 by Jamie · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

Love it? Share it!

  • Share
  • Send
Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

Imagine transforming a classic bakery treat into a homemade masterpiece that fills your kitchen with warmth and irresistible aroma. This delightful Honey Bun Cake brings the beloved pastry to life in a full-sized, moist, and utterly delectable cake form that will make your taste buds dance with joy.

Honey Bun Cake

Inspired by the iconic honey bun pastry, this cake takes a simple yellow cake mix and elevates it to new heights of deliciousness. With its swirls of cinnamon sugar and luscious vanilla glaze, it's a dessert that promises to become a family favorite in no time.

Whether you're looking for a sweet breakfast treat, a comforting dessert, or a nostalgic baked indulgence, this Honey Bun Cake delivers pure, unadulterated pleasure in every single bite.

Honey Bun Cake: A Nostalgic Dessert Dream

Get ready to experience a cake that transforms the humble honey bun into a show-stopping dessert. This recipe combines convenience with homemade charm, creating a dessert that's both familiar and extraordinary.

Imagine cutting into a cake that's incredibly moist, with ribbons of cinnamon sugar running through its soft, tender crumb. The sweet vanilla glaze adds the perfect finishing touch, making each slice a moment of pure bliss.

Serving Suggestions:

  • Pair with a hot cup of coffee
  • Serve as a decadent breakfast treat
  • Enjoy as an afternoon pick-me-up
  • Pack in lunchboxes for a sweet surprise
  • Complement with a scoop of vanilla ice cream

Pro Tips for the Perfect Honey Bun Cake:

Mixing Mastery: Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for the smoothest batter possible. This helps create a more uniform and tender cake.

Swirl Technique: When creating the cinnamon sugar swirl, use a butter knife with a light touch. Overmixing can muddle the beautiful marbled effect.

Glaze Guidelines: Pour the glaze while the cake is still warm, allowing it to seep into every delicious crevice.

Storage Secrets: Cover the cake loosely with plastic wrap to maintain its moisture and freshness.

Make-Ahead Magic: This cake tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld together.

Honey Bun Cake

Honey Bun Cake Recipe Details:

  • Preparation time: 15 minutes
  • Baking time: 35-40 minutes
  • Servings: 12-16
  • Equipment: 9x13-inch baking dish, mixing bowls, hand mixer or whisk

Ingredients:

For the Cake Base:

  • 1 box yellow cake mix
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • ¾ cup vegetable oil
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

For the Vanilla Glaze:

  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • ¼ cup milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F. Generously grease a 9x13-inch baking dish, ensuring every corner is well-coated to prevent sticking.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, sour cream, vegetable oil, and eggs. Using a hand mixer or whisk, beat the mixture until it becomes smooth and creamy. This should take approximately 2 minutes, creating a silky-smooth batter.
  3. In a separate small bowl, mix the brown sugar and ground cinnamon. This will be the delightful swirl that gives the cake its signature honey bun character.
  4. Pour half of the cake batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly to create a uniform base. Sprinkle the brown sugar and cinnamon mixture generously and evenly over this first layer.
  5. Carefully pour the remaining cake batter on top of the cinnamon sugar layer. Gently spread the batter to cover the entire surface.
  6. Take a butter knife and create gentle swirls through the batter. Be careful not to overmix – you want beautiful marbled ribbons of cinnamon sugar, not a completely blended mixture.
  7. Bake in the preheated oven for 35 to 40 minutes. To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center of the cake. It should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
  8. While the cake is baking, prepare the glaze. In a bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and free of lumps.
  9. Once the cake is out of the oven, use a skewer or fork to poke small holes across the top. This allows the glaze to seep deeply into the warm cake.
  10. Slowly pour the prepared glaze over the hot cake, ensuring it covers the entire surface and seeps into the holes.
  11. Allow the cake to cool at room temperature, letting the glaze set and the flavors meld together.

Ready to Indulge!

Slice into this heavenly Honey Bun Cake and watch as your family and friends swoon over its incredible flavor and texture. Each bite is a perfect balance of sweet, warm cinnamon, and rich cake.

Storage Solutions:

  • Store at room temperature, covered, for up to 3 days
  • Refrigerate for extended freshness up to 5 days
  • Can be frozen for up to 1 month (without glaze)
  • Bring to room temperature before serving
  • Refresh with a light drizzle of glaze if needed

Whether it's a lazy weekend morning or a special occasion, this Honey Bun Cake promises to be the star of any gathering. Its nostalgic flavor and irresistible texture will transport you back to childhood memories of sweet, comforting treats.

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Honey Bun Cake

Honey Bun Cake

Print Recipe
Pin Recipe

Get ready to experience a cake that transforms the humble honey bun into a show-stopping dessert. This recipe combines convenience with homemade charm, creating a dessert that's both familiar and extraordinary.

  • Total Time: 54 minute
  • Yield: 12-16 1x

Ingredients

Scale

For the Cake Base:

  • 1 box yellow cake mix
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • ¾ cup vegetable oil
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

For the Vanilla Glaze:

  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • ¼ cup milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F. Generously grease a 9x13-inch baking dish, ensuring every corner is well-coated to prevent sticking.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, sour cream, vegetable oil, and eggs. Using a hand mixer or whisk, beat the mixture until it becomes smooth and creamy. This should take approximately 2 minutes, creating a silky-smooth batter.
  3. In a separate small bowl, mix the brown sugar and ground cinnamon. This will be the delightful swirl that gives the cake its signature honey bun character.
  4. Pour half of the cake batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly to create a uniform base. Sprinkle the brown sugar and cinnamon mixture generously and evenly over this first layer.
  5. Carefully pour the remaining cake batter on top of the cinnamon sugar layer. Gently spread the batter to cover the entire surface.
  6. Take a butter knife and create gentle swirls through the batter. Be careful not to overmix – you want beautiful marbled ribbons of cinnamon sugar, not a completely blended mixture.
  7. Bake in the preheated oven for 35 to 40 minutes. To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center of the cake. It should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
  8. While the cake is baking, prepare the glaze. In a bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and free of lumps.
  9. Once the cake is out of the oven, use a skewer or fork to poke small holes across the top. This allows the glaze to seep deeply into the warm cake.
  10. Slowly pour the prepared glaze over the hot cake, ensuring it covers the entire surface and seeps into the holes.
  11. Allow the cake to cool at room temperature, letting the glaze set and the flavors meld together.
  • Author: Jamie
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35-40 minutes

Did you make this recipe?

Share a photo and tag us — we can't wait to see what you've made!

Honey Bun Cake
Tweet
Share
Share
Pin9
9 Shares

More Cakes

  • Creme of Coconut Cake
    Creme of Coconut Cake
  • Harry Caray "Holy Cow!" Cake
    Harry Caray "Holy Cow!" Cake
  • Brown Sugar Caramel Pound Cake
    Brown Sugar Caramel Pound Cake
  • Earthquake Cake
    Earthquake Cake

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating ★☆ ★☆ ★☆ ★☆ ★☆

Welcome!

Meet Jamie, a chef who shares easy, tasty recipes everyone loves, plus helpful tips to make cooking simple and fun every day!

More about me

Popular

  • Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake Cones
    Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake Cones
  • Easy Homemade Chocolate Turtle Cake Recipe
    Easy Homemade Chocolate Turtle Cake Recipe
  • Pecan Pie Cake
    Pecan Pie Cake
  • Lazy Day Oatmeal Cake
    Lazy Day Oatmeal Cake

Seasonal

  • Strawberry Cheesecake Trifle
    Strawberry Cheesecake Trifle
  • Glazed Lemon Pound Cake
    Glazed Lemon Pound Cake
  • Peanut Butter Chocolate Eclair Cake
    Peanut Butter Chocolate Eclair Cake
  • Mounds Cake
    Mounds Cake

Footer

↑ back to top

About

  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms & Conditions

Newsletter

  • Sign Up! for emails and updates

Contact

  • Contact Me
  • About Me

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Copyright © 2025 Fresh Finds Recipes