This Easy Honey Bun Cake Recipe made with a yellow boxed cake mix is the perfect blend of moist, cinnamon-spiced goodness topped with a quick vanilla glaze. It’s a delicious dessert that’s sure to satisfy your sweet tooth and become a family favorite! It really does taste like a little Debbie honey bun in cake form!

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There’s something utterly magical about the aroma of cinnamon and sugar wafting through your kitchen, especially when it’s the result of baking a delicious Honey Bun Cake. This timeless dessert, made effortlessly with a box of yellow cake mix, captures the essence of your favorite bakery treat in a delightful and easy to make form. Whether you’re preparing it for a special occasion or simply want to satisfy your sweet cravings with this honeybun cake recipe and a glass of milk! This tried and true recipe will quickly become a cherished addition to your recipe collection. I’m so thankful my Step Mom passed it along to me many years ago!

Picture a golden brown yellow cake base, moist and tender, acting as the canvas for a layer of cinnamon infused brown sugar. The clever combination of a yellow cake mix with a cinnamon sugar layer transforms this dessert into a masterpiece of comfort and flavor! Can you tell I’m getting excited about this cake?? As it bakes, the aroma filling your home will evoke memories of cherished gatherings and the warmth of family. All from a cake you ask? Yes! All from this little yummy coffee cake.

One of the most alluring aspects of this doctored cake mix recipe is its simplicity. By using a yellow cake mix as the foundation, you’re able to create a dessert that’s both sophisticated in taste and effortless in execution. The combination of the velvety cake crumb, the layer of cinnamon-sugar, and the sweet glaze that crowns the top forms a symphony of flavors that’s bound to impress even the most discerning palates. I’m trying to tell say: You need to make this cake! Like stop what you’re doing and go make it right now! My husband, who never eats sweets, loves this cake. It’s that good!

Ingredients you’ll need for this homemade honey bun cake:

Simple ingredients:

Yellow cake mix: I prefer to use Duncan Hines brand, but Betty Crocker will work also
Eggs: room temperature
Vegetable oil: You can use avocado oil, or oil of your choice
Sour cream: I like to use full fat content, but any will work
Brown sugar: Light brown sugar
Ground cinnamon
Powdered sugar
Milk: Water may be used instead of milk
Vanilla extract

Tip: Carefully read the entire recipe

Make sure to read through the directions first. You’ll need to layer half of the cake batter in the pan, followed by the brown sugar mixture, and then the remaining batter. I didn’t do that the first time I made it, and I ended up having to scoop out the batter and continue with the recipe.

How to make Honeybun Cake:

Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×13-inch cake pan with cooking spray and set aside.
In a large bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, eggs, vegetable oil, and sour cream. Mix until well combined and smooth.
In a separate small bowl, mix together the brown sugar and ground cinnamon until fully incorporated.
Pour half of the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it out evenly.
Sprinkle all of the brown sugar mixture evenly over the batter. Top with the rest of the batter. It’s okay if you don’t have enough to reach the outer edges, just smooth out the best you can.
Place the cake in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
While the cake is baking, prepare the glaze. In a bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Let the cake cool for about 10-15 minutes before you drizzle the glaze over the top of the cake with a spoon. It will soak in as it sets. Allow the glaze to set before serving.

Note: This cake produces a thin glaze after it soaks in, reminiscent of a classic honey bun. However, if you prefer a thicker glaze that holds its shape more, decrease the liquid to 2 Tablespoons milk.