Honey bun cake is a nostalgic dessert loved for its moist, cinnamon-swirled layers and irresistible powdered sugar glaze. Inspired by the flavors of a honey bun, this cake offers all the sweetness and warmth of a cinnamon roll in a soft, tender cake form. Whether you’re hosting a family gathering, baking for a holiday, or simply craving a quick treat, this recipe is a must-try. With simple ingredients and step-by-step instructions, it’s a foolproof way to bring the joy of homemade desserts to your table. Let’s uncover everything you need to know about making the best honey bun cake that will leave everyone asking for seconds.
Table of Contents
Ingredients for the Perfect Honey Bun Cake
Cake Ingredients
To create the perfect honey bun cake, you’ll need a combination of pantry staples and rich, flavorful additions. These ingredients are simple yet essential for achieving the moist, sweet results that make this cake a classic Southern dessert.
- 1 box yellow cake mix (or a homemade substitute if you prefer)
- 3 large eggs for structure and richness
- 1 cup sour cream or buttermilk to keep the cake tender and moist
- 1/2 cup melted butter for added flavor and softness
- 1 cup brown sugar to create the cinnamon swirl
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon for that warm, aromatic flavor
- Optional: 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts for texture
Glaze Ingredients
The glaze is what makes this honey bun cake truly indulgent. It seeps into the warm cake, adding sweetness and keeping it irresistibly moist.
- 2 cups powdered sugar for a smooth, sweet glaze
- 4 tablespoons milk (adjust the amount for your desired consistency)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract or almond extract for a hint of flavor
Explore other Southern-style baking classics for more inspiration!
Why Honey Bun Cake is a Must-Make Recipe
There are countless reasons why this honey bun cake recipe has stood the test of time. First, it’s incredibly easy to prepare, making it perfect for beginners or busy home cooks. Additionally, the flavors of cinnamon and brown sugar are universally loved, making it a hit at family gatherings, brunches, and potlucks. This cake is also highly versatile—serve it warm with coffee for breakfast, enjoy it as a dessert, or even pack it for a picnic. Its moist texture, thanks to sour cream or buttermilk, ensures that it stays fresh for days. With its simple ingredients and delicious results, this honey bun cake truly lives up to its name as a sweet classic.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Honey Bun Cake
Prepare the Batter
To start, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan. This ensures that your honey bun cake bakes evenly and doesn’t stick to the pan. In a large mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, melted butter, eggs, and sour cream. Using an electric mixer or whisk, beat the ingredients until the batter is smooth and free of lumps. This step is crucial for a light and fluffy cake texture.
Layer the Cake
Once the batter is ready, pour half of it into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly to cover the bottom. In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar and ground cinnamon. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the batter, ensuring every bite of the honey bun cake is infused with the signature cinnamon-sugar flavor. Next, pour the remaining batter over the top and use a knife to gently swirl the layers together. This creates the beautiful marbled effect that makes honey bun cake so visually appealing.
Bake the Cake
Place the cake in the preheated oven and bake for 30–40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The baking time may vary depending on your oven, so keep an eye on the cake as it bakes. Avoid opening the oven door frequently, as this can cause the cake to sink. When the cake is done, it will have a golden-brown top and a springy texture.
Make the Glaze
While the honey bun cake is baking, prepare the glaze. In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. For a thicker glaze, add more powdered sugar; for a thinner glaze, add a bit more milk. The glaze should be pourable but not too runny, allowing it to seep into the warm cake without sliding off.
Pair this cake with other festive desserts like King Cake for your next celebration!
Finish the Cake
Once the cake is out of the oven, let it cool for about 10 minutes. Use a fork or skewer to poke holes all over the surface of the cake. This step is essential for allowing the glaze to seep into the layers, enhancing both the flavor and moisture of the honey bun cake. Pour the glaze evenly over the warm cake, spreading it with a spatula to ensure complete coverage. Let the cake sit for another 10–15 minutes to allow the glaze to set before slicing and serving.
Tips and Tricks for the Best Honey Bun Cake
- For a richer flavor, substitute sour cream with full-fat Greek yogurt. This adds a slight tanginess that pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the cinnamon swirl.
- If you love texture in your desserts, sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the cinnamon-sugar layer before adding the second half of the batter.
- Use a homemade yellow cake mix if you prefer to skip store-bought options. Simply combine 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 1/2 cups sugar, 2 teaspoons baking powder, and a pinch of salt to make your own mix.
- For a seasonal twist, replace the cinnamon with pumpkin spice during fall. This creates a pumpkin spice honey bun cake that’s perfect for autumn gatherings.
- Always let the cake cool slightly before glazing. If it’s too hot, the glaze will run off instead of soaking into the cake.
Serving and Storage Suggestions
Honey bun cake is best served slightly warm, making it a perfect companion to a hot cup of coffee or tea. It’s equally delicious as a dessert after dinner, paired with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. This cake is also ideal for brunch spreads, potlucks, and holiday gatherings, thanks to its universal appeal and ease of preparation.
To store your honey bun cake, place it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. For longer storage, refrigerate the cake for up to a week. Before serving, bring refrigerated cake to room temperature or microwave individual slices for 15–20 seconds. If you have leftovers, consider freezing individual portions wrapped tightly in plastic wrap. Thaw frozen slices at room temperature or warm them in the microwave for a fresh-from-the-oven experience.
Variations to Try
- Cream Cheese Frosting: Skip the glaze and top the cooled cake with a rich cream cheese frosting for an even more indulgent treat.
- Apple Cinnamon Honey Bun Cake: Add finely chopped apples to the cinnamon-sugar layer for a fruity twist.
- Chocolate Swirl Honey Bun Cake: Replace the cinnamon-sugar layer with a mixture of cocoa powder and sugar for a chocolatey version of the classic.
- Rum Glaze: Add a tablespoon of rum to the glaze for a sophisticated, boozy flavor that pairs wonderfully with the cinnamon.
- Gluten-Free Version: Use a gluten-free cake mix to make this dessert suitable for those with dietary restrictions.
Try a rich chocolate glaze inspired by How to Make Dubai Chocolate Recipe.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Honey Bun Made Of?
A honey bun is a sweet pastry made from enriched dough that’s typically flavored with cinnamon and sugar. It often includes ingredients like flour, sugar, butter, milk, eggs, and yeast or baking powder. Honey buns are swirled with cinnamon, baked, and then glazed with a sugary coating for a sweet, sticky finish. Some versions may also include a hint of honey in the dough or glaze to enhance the flavor.
What Makes a Pound Cake Different from a Regular Cake?
Pound cake is distinct because of its traditional recipe that calls for equal parts of four main ingredients: flour, butter, sugar, and eggs. This creates a dense, rich, and buttery texture. Unlike many regular cakes, pound cakes typically don’t rely on additional leavening agents like baking powder or soda. Regular cakes, in contrast, are often lighter, fluffier, and more versatile in terms of flavors and frostings. They may use ingredients like milk, oil, and other flavorings to achieve a variety of textures and tastes.
How Many Calories in a Honey Bun Cake?
The calorie count in a honey bun cake can vary based on the recipe and serving size. On average, a slice of honey bun cake (approximately 1/12 of a 9×13-inch pan) contains around 300–400 calories, depending on the amount of sugar, butter, and glaze used. If additional ingredients like nuts or cream cheese frosting are added, the calorie count can be higher. For more accurate details, it’s best to calculate based on your specific ingredients.
What is the Glaze on a Honey Bun?
The glaze on a honey bun is typically a simple mixture of powdered sugar, milk, and a touch of vanilla extract. This creates a smooth, sweet coating that hardens slightly as it cools, giving the honey bun its signature sticky and shiny finish. Some variations of the glaze may include honey, almond extract, or even a pinch of salt to balance the sweetness.
Conclusion
Honey bun cake is more than just a dessert—it’s a slice of comfort and nostalgia that brings people together. Its moist texture, rich cinnamon swirl, and sweet glaze make it a standout choice for any occasion. Whether you’re baking for your family, hosting a brunch, or looking for a simple yet impressive treat, this honey bun cake recipe will never disappoint. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and create a dessert that’s sure to be remembered and loved.
For more baking inspiration, check out Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake and other quick dessert recipes.