If you’ve ever longed for that nostalgic swirl of cinnamon and sweet glaze found on your favorite breakfast pastry, Honey Bun Cake is about to become your newest baking obsession. This Southern classic transforms humble ingredients into a melt-in-your-mouth dessert (or breakfast!) that features a tender yellow cake, a lavish ribbon of brown sugar and cinnamon, and a glossy vanilla glaze that sinks dreamily into every bite. Whether you’re serving it up for brunch, sharing it at a potluck, or sneaking a warm slice with your morning coffee, this Honey Bun Cake never fails to earn rave reviews.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Honey Bun Cake comes together with a handful of pantry staples you probably already have on hand. Each ingredient plays a special role, from the buttery richness of sour cream to the warming cinnamon swirl and that customarily dreamy glaze on top.
- Yellow Cake Mix: The perfect base for a tender, moist crumb with just the right touch of sweetness and simplicity.
- Eggs (4 large): These bring structure and help create that melt-in-your-mouth texture everyone loves in a Honey Bun Cake.
- Sour Cream (1 cup): Adds unbeatable richness and keeps the cake wonderfully moist for days.
- Vegetable Oil (3/4 cup): For a soft, luscious crumb that’s never dry or crumbly.
- Light Brown Sugar (1 cup, packed): This infuses the cake with gentle molasses notes and gives the signature cinnamon swirl its caramel appeal.
- Ground Cinnamon (1 tablespoon): The star of the show in the swirl, cinnamon brings warmth and that familiar, comforting aroma.
- Powdered Sugar (2 cups): The base for our glaze, it ensures a silky, sweet finish that seeps into the cake.
- Milk (1/4 cup): Marries with the powdered sugar for a perfectly pourable glaze.
- Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon): Rounds out the glaze with a cozy, aromatic backdrop.
How to Make Honey Bun Cake
Step 1: Prep the Baking Dish
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and generously grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent any sticky situations. Taking the moment to prep helps ensure the Honey Bun Cake lifts out beautifully, and those treasured swirls stay intact.
Step 2: Mix the Batter
In a large mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, eggs, sour cream, and vegetable oil. Blend them until the mixture is completely smooth and glossy, about two minutes. You’ll notice the batter looks luxuriously thick and creamy thanks to the sour cream—this is exactly what you want for that signature tender crumb.
Step 3: Swirl the Cinnamon Sugar
In a smaller bowl, stir together the packed brown sugar and ground cinnamon. Pour half of your cake batter into the prepared dish and spread it out evenly. Sprinkle that cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the batter—don’t worry if it looks like a lot! Carefully spoon the remaining batter over top and gently spread it. Swirl the layers together just a bit with a butter knife for that beloved marbled look reminiscent of a classic Honey Bun Cake.
Step 4: Bake To Perfection
Slide your cake pan into the preheated oven and bake for 35–40 minutes, or until a toothpick emerges from the center mostly clean. The entire kitchen will be filled with that irresistible cinnamon sugar bakery aroma—trust me, this is a scent you want to bottle up!
Step 5: Glaze While Hot
While the Honey Bun Cake bakes, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until velvety smooth. As soon as the cake comes out of the oven, immediately pour the glaze evenly over the hot cake, letting it sink into every nook and cranny. This step is pure magic: the warm cake absorbs the sweet vanilla glaze, creating a shiny top with a soft, almost doughnut-like layer beneath.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
Allow the cake to cool so the glaze can set and soak in properly. You can serve the cake slightly warm for gooier layers or let it cool completely for easy slicing. Either way, every bite is drenched in deliciousness!
How to Serve Honey Bun Cake
Garnishes
Although Honey Bun Cake is perfectly delightful on its own, a few finishing touches can make it even more special. Try a dusting of extra cinnamon, a handful of toasted pecans, or a swirl of whipped cream for a festive flair. If you’re feeling extra indulgent, a drizzle of caramel sauce will tip it right over the top!
Side Dishes
Pair your Honey Bun Cake with sliced fresh fruit or a cup of tangy Greek yogurt for a breakfast-worthy treat. For dessert, it’s heavenly with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a frothy latte on the side. The cake’s sweet warmth makes it a natural fit for brunch spreads as well.
Creative Ways to Present
Cut the Honey Bun Cake into neat squares for serving at brunch buffets or coffee mornings. For something more playful, use a biscuit cutter to make cake rounds, or stack small cubes with toothpicks for easy party bites. You can even layer slices with cream cheese frosting to turn it into a rustic trifle!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Thankfully, Honey Bun Cake stores beautifully and often tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld and the glaze seeps deeper into the crumb. Cover any leftovers tightly with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container and keep at room temperature for up to three days.
Freezing
To freeze Honey Bun Cake, cool it completely, then cut into individual servings for easy grabbing. Wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap, followed by a layer of foil, and stash them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep well for up to three months and make quick, delightful snacks anytime your sweet tooth strikes!
Reheating
If you love your Honey Bun Cake warm and gooey, just place individual slices in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds until gently warmed through. For larger portions, a few minutes in a low oven (around 300°F) will do the trick—this refreshes the glaze and brings back that fresh-baked taste.
FAQs
Can I add nuts or other mix-ins to my Honey Bun Cake?
Absolutely! Chopped pecans or walnuts stirred into the cinnamon-sugar layer bring a subtle crunch and nutty flavor, making each slice even more irresistible. You can also add a sprinkle of mini chocolate chips for a decadent twist.
What’s the best way to get a perfect cinnamon swirl?
For that eye-catching marbled swirl, gently drag a butter knife through the batter after layering everything in the pan. Aim for a figure-eight motion—just enough to create ribbons without totally mixing the layers together.
Can I use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream?
Yes! Greek yogurt works beautifully in this recipe. It keeps the Honey Bun Cake ultra-moist while adding a gentle tang. Just substitute the sour cream with an equal amount of full-fat plain Greek yogurt.
Is it necessary to use cake mix, or can I make it from scratch?
Cake mix speeds up the process and guarantees a light, fluffy result, but if you love making cakes from scratch, feel free to use your favorite homemade yellow cake base. Just be sure to adjust for the amount and follow the same layering and glazing steps.
Can I make Honey Bun Cake ahead for a party?
Definitely—this cake actually improves as it sits, with the glaze and cinnamon merging into every crumb. Bake a day in advance, cover tightly, and slice just before serving for stress-free entertaining.
Final Thoughts
There’s real comfort and joy to be found in baking something as simple yet swoon-worthy as Honey Bun Cake. Whether you’re making it for your family, friends, or a treat just for yourself, I promise its buttery crumb, sweet cinnamon swirl, and luscious glaze will always hit the spot. Give it a try, and see why this beloved classic is sure to win your heart (and your taste buds) every single time!
Print
Honey Bun Cake Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the irresistible flavors of this Honey Bun Cake, a delightful treat that combines the sweetness of cinnamon swirls with a moist, glazed cake base. Perfect for breakfast or dessert, this easy recipe is a sure crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
Cake:
- 1 box yellow cake mix
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup sour cream
- 3/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
For the glaze:
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Mix cake batter: In a large bowl, combine yellow cake mix, eggs, sour cream, and vegetable oil. Mix until smooth.
- Prepare cinnamon-sugar mix: In a small bowl, mix brown sugar and cinnamon.
- Layer the batter: Pour half of the batter into the dish, sprinkle cinnamon-sugar mix, then pour the remaining batter.
- Bake: Bake for 35–40 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Make the glaze: Whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla for the glaze.
- Glaze the cake: Pour the glaze over the hot cake and let it cool before serving.
Notes
- For added flavor, consider adding chopped pecans to the cinnamon-sugar layer.
- This cake stays moist and tastes even better the next day.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 37 g
- Sodium: 320 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 55 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg
