Easy Honey Bun Cake

This post contains links to affiliate websites, such as Amazon, and we receive an affiliate commission for any purchases made by you using these links. We appreciate your support!

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 delicious vanilla glaze. If you love the taste of Little Debbie Honey Buns, then you’re going to fall head over heels in love with this honey bun recipe! Perfect for a quick treat that feels homemade, this cake is sure to be a hit with the whole family. Whether you’re whipping it up for a special occasion or just craving something sweet, this honey bun cake recipe pairs perfectly with a cold glass of milk. 

Need more Easy Desserts, check these out: Easy Cherry Crisp, Blueberry TurnoversEasy Cake Mix Blueberry Muffins. If you’re looking for a fun homemade cake, try this Twinkie Cake Recipe.

Save this Recipe for later!

We'll email this recipe to you, so you can come back to it!

This honeybun cake is the perfect mix of moist cake and sweet cinnamon goodness, making it an easy recipe using simple ingredients and will a new family favorite.. With its golden brown crust and a delicious center, it’s like having your favorite honey buns in cake form. Made with a box of yellow cake mix and topped with a sweet vanilla glaze, it’s hard to resist. Whether you dig into it warm from the oven or wait for the glaze to set, this honey bun cake is the ultimate sweet treat. It’s a simple, no-fuss dessert that everyone will love, and it’s sure to become a go-to in your recipe collection! It’s been a favorite in my family ever since my Step Mom shared it with me years ago.

What you’ll love about this Honey Bun Cake Recipe:  

  • EASY TO MAKE – This cake starts with a boxed yellow cake mix, making it incredibly simple and quick to prepare.
  • DELICIOUSLY MOIST – Thanks to the addition of sour cream, this cake is wonderfully moist and flavorful, with just the right amount of sweetness.
  • CINNAMON SWIRL GOODNESS – The brown sugar and cinnamon swirl adds a rich, warm flavor that pairs perfectly with the soft cake.
  • PERFECT FOR ANY OCCASION – Whether it’s a family dessert or a treat to share with friends, this cake is always a crowd-pleaser!

Recipe Ingredients

You’ll need the following ingredients to make this amazing Honey Bun Recipe:

  • Yellow cake mix
  • Large eggs
  • Sour cream
  • Vegetable oil
  • Light brown sugar
  • Ground cinnamon
  • Powdered sugar
  • Milk
  • Vanilla extract
ingredients for 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 EASY HONEY BUN CAKE STEP-BY-STEP      

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×13-inch cake pan with cooking spray and set aside.
  2. In a large bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, eggs, vegetable oil, and sour cream. Mix until well combined and smooth.
  3. In a separate small bowl, mix together the brown sugar and ground cinnamon until fully incorporated.
  4. Pour half of the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it out evenly. 
  5. 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.
  6. Place the cake in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  7. While the cake is baking, prepare the glaze. In a bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
  8. 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.
Honey Bun process shots

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.

Storage and Reheating

Storage: Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Reheating: This cake is delicious served at room temperature, but you can also warm individual slices in the microwave for a few seconds if you prefer a warm dessert.
Freezing: The cake can be frozen without the glaze. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw and glaze before serving.

Additions & Substitutions

ADDITIONS:

  • Nuts: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the cinnamon sugar mixture for added crunch.
  • Chocolate Chips: Sprinkle in some chocolate chips for a chocolate-cinnamon twist.

SUBSTITUTIONS:

  • Greek Yogurt: Substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt for a similar tang and moisture.
  • Butter: Use melted butter instead of vegetable oil for a richer flavor.

FAQs about this honeybun cake recipe: 

  1. Can I use a homemade cake mix instead of boxed?
    Yes, you can substitute the boxed mix with your favorite homemade yellow cake recipe.
  2. Can I make this into cupcakes?
    Yes, simply divide the batter into cupcake liners and adjust the baking time accordingly.
  3. Can I double the recipe?
    Absolutely, just use a larger baking pan or two 9×13-inch pans and double the ingredients.

What Can I Serve with this Honeybun Cake?

This bun cake is delicious on its own, but it’s also perfect served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. A hot cup of coffee, tea, or hot cocoa pairs wonderfully with this cinnamon coffee cake.

I’m excited for you to try this Easy Honey Bun Cake? After you make it, please leave a rating to let me know your thoughts on it – I’m eager to hear if you loved it as much as we do! 

Honey bun cake slice on plates.

Easy Honey Bun Cake

Vicky Hadley~Little Chef Within
Dig into this deliciousness of Honey Bun Cake, where a simple yellow cake mix transforms into a sweet and satisfying treat. No fancy skills required—just mix, bake, and relish every bite of the irresistible cinnamon swirl.
4.67 from 3 votes
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 37 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 12 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 1 box yellow cake mix (15.25 ounce)
  • 4 eggs large
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • ¾ cup vegetable oil
  • 1 cup light brown sugar packed
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • 4 Tablespoons milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 325°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 36-38 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.
  • When the cake comes out of the oven, let it cool for about 10-15 minutes before you drizzle the glaze over the top of the cake. Allow the glaze to set before serving.
Keyword cake
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

Love this? Please share!

Similar Posts

4 Comments

  1. THAT LOOKS SO YUMMY. I WILL HAVE TO TRY IT ONE DAY NEXT WEEK. THANKS FOR ANOTHER GREAT RECIPE.

    1. I’m trying to get in touch with you. Your name was chosen by rafflecopter as the Play-Doh giveaway. Please email me.

  2. Thanks so much for sharing your delicious Honeybun Cake with us at Full Plate Thursday. Hope you have a great week and come back to see us real soon!
    Miz Helen

4.67 from 3 votes (3 ratings without comment)

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating