Are you ready to bake something that envelops your home in the delightful aroma of spices and sweetness? Honey Bun Cake is one dessert that not only pleases the taste buds but also creates a comforting atmosphere with its warm, gooey goodness.
Why We Love This Honey Bun Cake Recipe
What makes Honey Bun Cake such a beloved recipe? For many, it’s the nostalgia associated with it—the memories of baking in the kitchen, the gooey streets of cinnamon and brown sugar leading to happy faces. The simplicity of the recipe makes it accessible to beginners yet perfect for seasoned bakers who love a good, old-fashioned cake. The flavor combination is fantastic—it captures the essence of a honey bun but with the added bonus of being a soft, decadent cake.
Moreover, it’s versatile. You can serve it for breakfast, dessert, or even as a snack. The drizzled glaze on top adds a final touch of sweetness that makes it utterly irresistible. No wonder so many families have made it a staple in their recipe books! You’ll also find that the ingredients are commonly found in your pantry, making this sweet indulgence an easy and delightful option for any occasion.
Ingredients about Honey Bun Cake
To whip up this delicious Honey Bun Cake, you will need the following ingredients:
- 1 (15.25-ounce) box yellow cake mix
- 3 large eggs
- 3/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon cinnamon
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 4 teaspoons whole milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
With these ingredients at hand, you’re all set to create a cake that will impress everyone around.
How to Make Honey Bun Cake Directions
Now that you have gathered the ingredients, let’s dive into the step-by-step process of making this delightful dessert. Don’t worry, it’s straightforward, and you’ll find it quite fun to prepare!
Preheat and Prepare:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 13×9-inch baking pan to ensure that your cake comes out easily once baked.
Mix the Cake Batter:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, eggs, vegetable oil, and sour cream. Whisk everything together until the mixture is smooth and well combined. You want a fluffy batter that’s free of lumps.
Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar Mixture:
In a separate small bowl, blend the packed light brown sugar with the tablespoon of cinnamon. This mix will create those delightful swirls of flavor in the cake.
Layer the Batter:
Spread half of the cake batter evenly into the prepared baking pan. Then, sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture generously over this layer.
Add the Remaining Batter:
Carefully dollop the remaining cake batter on top of the cinnamon-sugar layer. You can do this in small spoonfuls, spreading it out gently to cover the entire surface.
Swirl it Around:
Using a knife, gently swirl through the batter to create a marbled pattern. This step is important, as it will allow the flavors to mix beautifully while baking!
Bake:
Place the pan in the oven and bake for about 35 to 40 minutes. Keep an eye on it! You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs attached.
Cool and Glaze:
Once baked, allow the Honey Bun Cake to cool for a few minutes in the pan. Meanwhile, prepare the glaze by whisking together the powdered sugar, whole milk, and vanilla extract in a separate bowl until it’s smooth.
Drizzle with Sweetness:
After letting the cake cool slightly, drizzle the glaze generously over the top of the warm cake. This step adds an extra layer of sweetness that completes your dessert.
Cool Completely:
Let the cake cool completely before slicing into it. This will help the glaze set and make cutting much easier.
With these steps, you’ll have a luscious Honey Bun Cake ready to be served!
How to Serve Honey Bun Cake
Serving Honey Bun Cake is just as joyful as making it. Here are some delightful ideas on how to present this sweet treat:
Breakfast or Brunch Delight:
Start your day by serving slices of warm Honey Bun Cake alongside a cup of coffee or tea. It makes for a comforting breakfast option and pairs perfectly with fresh fruit.Dessert After Dinner:
Serve warm slices for dessert after your meal, perhaps with a scoop of ice cream or dollop of whipped cream for added indulgence.Snack Time:
Pack a slice for a midday snack or offer pieces at gatherings. The ease of serving makes it a great choice to share with friends and family.With a Twist:
Get creative! Serve it with some caramel or chocolate sauce drizzled on top for a fun twist that adds depth to the flavors.
No matter how you serve it, Honey Bun Cake is sure to bring smiles all around!
Expert Tips: Honey Bun Cake
Baking can be tricky, but with a few expert tips, you can ensure your Honey Bun Cake is a success every time:
Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your eggs and sour cream are at room temperature before mixing. This helps create a smoother batter and allows for better incorporation of ingredients.
Don’t Overmix: When combining the cake mix and wet ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake.
Check for Doneness: Instead of relying solely on time, start checking the cake a few minutes before the recommended baking time. Oven temperatures can vary, and you don’t want to overbake it.
Cooling is Key: Allowing the cake to cool slightly before glazing will help the glaze set better, giving you a prettier finish.
Taste Test: Feel free to taste the cinnamon-sugar mixture before layering it into the cake. Adjust the level of cinnamon to your preference for a spicier or milder taste.
These simple tips will elevate your Honey Bun Cake and ensure you achieve delicious results.
How to Store Honey Bun Cake
Once you’ve enjoyed your Honey Bun Cake, you might have some leftovers. Here’s how to store it properly to maintain its delightful flavor:
Room Temperature: You can keep the cake at room temperature for up to three days. Make sure to cover it with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to keep it fresh and moist.
Refrigeration: If you want to extend its life a bit, consider refrigerating it. Wrapped properly, it will last about a week in the fridge.
Freezing: Honey Bun Cake can also be frozen for longer storage. Slice the cake and wrap individual pieces in plastic wrap, then store them in a freezer-safe bag or container. It can last up to three months in the freezer. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
These storage tips will help you enjoy your cake longer without sacrificing flavor or texture!
Variation of Honey Bun Cake
One of the best things about Honey Bun Cake is how adaptable it is. Here are a few fun variations you can try:
Nutty Delight: Add chopped nuts such as pecans or walnuts to the cinnamon-sugar layer for an added crunch.
Fruit-Filled: Consider folding in fresh fruits like berries or chopped apples into the batter for a fruity twist that enhances the flavors.
Chocolate Lovers: Swirl some chocolate chips into the batter for an indulgent surprise with each bite.
Flavored Glaze: Give the glaze a bit of personality by adding different extracts like almond or lemon for a refreshing hint of flavor.
Experimenting with these variations will keep the Honey Bun Cake exciting and new every time you make it!
FAQ
What is Honey Bun Cake made of?
Honey Bun Cake is made of simple ingredients such as yellow cake mix, eggs, vegetable oil, sour cream, light brown sugar, cinnamon, and a glaze of powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla. These ingredients come together to create a delicious and moist cake.
How do you serve Honey Bun Cake?
You can serve Honey Bun Cake as a breakfast treat, dessert, or snack. It pairs well with coffee, tea, or even ice cream for an enjoyable experience.
How do I store Honey Bun Cake?
Store Honey Bun Cake at room temperature or in the refrigerator. Wrap it tightly to keep it moist, and it can last for several days or even longer if frozen.
Can I make variations of Honey Bun Cake?
Absolutely! You can add nuts, fruits, or chocolate chips for different flavor profiles. You can also try different flavors for the glaze to personalize it further.
How long does Honey Bun Cake last?
When stored properly, Honey Bun Cake can last for up to three days at room temperature, about a week in the fridge, and can be frozen for up to three months.
Honey Bun Cake
Equipment
- 13×9 inch baking pan
- Mixing Bowls:
- Whisk
Ingredients
- 1 box yellow cake mix (15.25 ounces)
- 3 large eggs
- ¾ cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 Tbsp. cinnamon
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 4 tsp. whole milk
- ½ tsp. vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 13×9-inch baking pan.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, eggs, vegetable oil, and sour cream. Whisk until smooth and well combined.
- In a separate bowl, mix the brown sugar and cinnamon together to create the cinnamon sugar mixture.
- Spread half of the cake batter into the prepared baking pan. Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over this layer.
- Dollop the remaining cake batter over the cinnamon-sugar layer and gently spread it out.
- Using a knife, gently swirl through the batter to create a marbled effect.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out with a few moist crumbs.
- Allow the cake to cool for a few minutes, then prepare the glaze by whisking together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Drizzle the glaze generously over the warm cake. Let the cake cool completely before slicing.
Send me this recipe!
Just enter your email below and get it sent straight to your inbox!