Honey bun cake is a delightful treat that captures the essence of the classic honey bun pastry in cake form. It features a moist yellow cake base, a sweet cinnamon sugar swirl, and a luscious vanilla glaze on top. Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a cozy coffee break, this cake is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.
What Is Honey Bun Cake?
If you’re unfamiliar with honey bun cake, think of it as a cake version of the popular honey bun pastry—a sweet roll with a cinnamon swirl and honey glaze. The cake mimics these flavors with a cinnamon sugar swirl baked into a buttery yellow cake and finished with a sweet glaze, making it irresistibly gooey and flavorful.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Cake:
– 1 box yellow cake mix (or make from scratch with flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt)
– 4 large eggs
– 2/3 cup vegetable oil or butter
– 8 ounces sour cream or Greek yogurt
– 1 cup brown sugar
– 3 teaspoons ground cinnamon
– 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
– 1/2 cup water or milk
For the Glaze:
– 1 to 2 cups powdered sugar (confectioners’ sugar)
– 1/4 cup milk or whole milk
– 1 to 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
– Optional: a tablespoon of honey or melted butter for extra richness
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Honey Bun Cake
1. Preheat and Prepare Your Pan
Set your oven to 325°F to 350°F (depending on your recipe choice). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
2. Mix the Cake Batter
In a large bowl, combine the cake mix (or dry ingredients if making from scratch), eggs, oil, sour cream, vanilla, and water or milk. Beat on medium speed for about 2-3 minutes until smooth and well combined.
3. Make the Cinnamon Sugar Swirl
In a small bowl, stir together the brown sugar and cinnamon. This mixture will create the signature swirl that makes this cake so special.
4. Layer the Batter and Swirl
Pour half of the cake batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly. Sprinkle half of the cinnamon sugar mixture over the batter. Then, pour the remaining batter on top and sprinkle the rest of the cinnamon sugar. Use a butter knife or skewer to gently swirl the cinnamon sugar into the batter, creating a marbled effect.
5. Bake the Cake
Place the pan in the oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the cake is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. Avoid overbaking to keep the cake moist.
6. Prepare the Glaze
While the cake is baking or cooling slightly, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Adjust the consistency by adding more powdered sugar if too thin, or more milk if too thick. For extra flavor, add a tablespoon of honey or melted butter.
7. Glaze and Serve
Once the cake has cooled for about 5-10 minutes, poke holes all over the top with a fork to allow the glaze to seep in. Pour the glaze evenly over the warm cake. Let it set for a few minutes before slicing. Serve warm or at room temperature for best flavor.
Tips for Making the Perfect Honey Bun Cake
– Use room temperature eggs and dairy for a smoother batter.
– Don’t overmix the batter once the flour is added; this keeps the cake tender.
– Swirl the cinnamon sugar gently to create a beautiful marbled effect without blending it completely.
– The glaze is best poured over warm cake to soak in and add extra moisture.
– Enjoy with a cup of coffee or a glass of milk for a comforting treat.
Variations to Try
– Add chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts to the cinnamon sugar swirl for crunch.
– Use cream cheese in the glaze for a tangy frosting twist.
– Swap out the vanilla extract for almond extract for a different flavor profile.
– Make mini honey bun cupcakes using the same batter and swirl technique.
Honey bun cake is a simple yet impressive dessert that brings all the cozy flavors of cinnamon, brown sugar, and vanilla together. Whether you use a boxed mix or bake from scratch, this cake is a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to make and enjoy any time of year.
Indulge in this sweet, cinnamon-swirled delight and watch it disappear fast at your next gathering!