Honey Bun Cake

Nothing feels as comforting as a sweet, warm dessert that’s simple to make and impossible to resist. Honey Bun Cake has become a treasured recipe in our household—a little indulgence that brings everyone together, whether it’s a Sunday morning treat or a last-minute dessert for unexpected guests. The first time I made this cake, I was hoping to recreate the nostalgic flavor of honey buns from my childhood, but what I got was even better. The moist, tender cake with a sweet glaze on top had everyone coming back for seconds—and even thirds! Watching my kids dive into their slices, licking every crumb off their plates, made my heart swell.

What I love most about this cake is how easy it is to prepare. With a few pantry staples and a little bit of love, you can whip this up in no time. It’s the kind of recipe that busy moms like me keep on standby for when life gets hectic but dessert is still a must. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a novice in the kitchen, this Honey Bun Cake is practically foolproof. It’s also incredibly versatile—serve it with coffee for breakfast, pack it for lunchbox surprises, or dress it up with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert. It’s safe to say that this cake has become a permanent fixture in my recipe rotation, and I’m confident it will find its way into yours too.

Questions I Often Get Asked About This Recipe:

Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! Honey Bun Cake stores wonderfully. You can bake it a day ahead, cover it tightly, and leave it at room temperature. The flavors actually develop and become even better overnight.

What kind of glaze works best?
A simple powdered sugar glaze with a hint of vanilla is perfect for this cake. It’s sweet without overpowering the delicate honey flavor.

Can I substitute ingredients?
Yes! If you don’t have sour cream, plain Greek yogurt works beautifully. For a dairy-free option, use coconut yogurt and almond milk.

How should I store leftovers?
Store any leftover cake in an airtight container. It’ll stay fresh on the counter for up to three days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Can I freeze this cake?
Yes, you can! Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. When ready to eat, just thaw at room temperature.

What You Need to Make Honey Bun Cake:

Ingredients:

1 box (15.25 oz) yellow cake mix

4 large eggs

1 cup sour cream

¾ cup vegetable oil

¾ cup brown sugar

2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

1 cup powdered sugar

2 tablespoons milk

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Tools:

Mixing bowls

Electric mixer or whisk

9×13-inch baking dish

Spatula

Wire rack

How to Make Honey Bun Cake:

Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

Mix the Batter: In a large bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, eggs, sour cream, and vegetable oil. Mix until smooth and creamy.

Layer the Cake: Pour half of the batter into the prepared baking dish. In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar and cinnamon, then sprinkle the mixture evenly over the batter. Pour the remaining batter on top and spread it out gently.

Bake: Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Make the Glaze: While the cake bakes, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a small bowl.

Glaze the Cake: Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool for 10 minutes on a wire rack. Drizzle the glaze evenly over the warm cake.

Serve: Slice and serve warm or at room temperature. Enjoy!

Tips for Making the Best Honey Bun Cake:

Don’t skip the cinnamon-sugar layer: This is what gives the cake its signature swirl of sweetness.

Use room-temperature ingredients: Eggs and sour cream at room temperature blend more smoothly into the batter, ensuring a tender crumb.

Double the glaze: If you love a sweeter cake, make an extra batch of glaze to drizzle on each slice before serving.

Add a pinch of salt: A tiny pinch of salt in the glaze balances out the sweetness beautifully.

Experiment with flavors: Add a teaspoon of almond extract to the glaze for a unique twist.

Reader Reviews:

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “This cake was a hit with my entire family! My kids even asked for it in their lunchboxes the next day.” – Sarah

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Loved how easy this was to make. Next time, I’ll add a little more cinnamon for extra flavor.” – Amanda

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Perfect for busy nights! The glaze really makes it special.” – Lisa

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “This reminded me of my favorite bakery’s honey buns. I’ll definitely make it again!” – Rachel

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Good recipe, but it was a tad sweet for my taste. I’ll reduce the glaze next time.” – Mike

Printable Recipe:

Check Out Some Of Our Other Recipes / Crafts

Blissful Blueberry Shortcake Cake

Easy Molasses Sugar Cookies

Smothered Hamburger Steak

Make Delicious Ice Cream in a Bag in Just 15 Minutes

If You Enjoyed This Recipe, Please Share!

There’s something magical about sharing a delicious recipe. If you love this Honey Bun Cake as much as my family does, please share it with your friends and family! Whether you post it on Facebook, pin it on Pinterest, or send it in a group chat, spreading the joy of this cake is a wonderful way to connect with loved ones. And don’t forget to tag me—I’d love to see your creations and hear your thoughts!