Honey Bun Cake
There’s something undeniably delightful about a cake that tastes like a warm, gooey cinnamon roll. Enter the Honey Bun Cake. This sweet treat combines the comforting flavors of cinnamon and vanilla with a soft, buttery cake, creating a dessert that’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an indulgent afternoon snack. The best part? It’s incredibly easy to make, thanks to the use of a simple yellow cake mix. With its moist texture and irresistible glaze, this cake is sure to become a family favorite.
Why This Recipe Works
The Honey Bun Cake is a genius creation that brings together the best elements of a cinnamon roll and a cake. Utilizing a yellow cake mix allows for a quick and easy preparation, while the addition of sour cream ensures that the cake remains moist and tender. The brown sugar and cinnamon mixture creates a delightful swirl throughout the cake, reminiscent of classic cinnamon rolls. Finally, a simple glaze drizzled on top adds a sweet finish that ties everything together perfectly.
The Essentials
To create your own Honey Bun Cake, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 (15.25-ounce) package yellow cake mix
- 4 large eggs
- 1 (8-ounce) carton sour cream
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
- 2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
- 1/4 cup half and half, or milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for glaze)
Setup & Equipment
Before you get started, gather the necessary equipment:
- Mixing bowls – for combining wet and dry ingredients.
- Electric mixer – to ensure a smooth batter.
- Measuring cups and spoons – for accurate ingredient measurements.
- 9×13 inch baking pan – where your cake will bake to perfection.
- Cooling rack – to cool your cake once it’s out of the oven.
- Whisk – for mixing the glaze.
Cooking Honey Bun Cake: The Process
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your cake bakes evenly and rises beautifully.
Step 2: Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar Mixture
In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar and ground cinnamon. Set this mixture aside, as it will create that delightful swirl in your cake.
Step 3: Mix the Cake Batter
In a large mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, eggs, sour cream, melted butter, vegetable oil, water, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using). Use an electric mixer to blend the ingredients together until smooth and well combined.
Step 4: Layer the Cake
Pour half of the cake batter into the prepared 9×13 inch baking pan. Sprinkle half of the cinnamon sugar mixture over the batter. Pour the remaining batter on top, followed by the rest of the cinnamon sugar mixture. Use a knife to gently swirl the two together, creating a marbled effect.
Step 5: Bake the Cake
Bake the cake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on it as oven times may vary.
Step 6: Prepare the Glaze
While the cake is baking, whisk together the powdered sugar, half and half (or milk), and vanilla extract in a small bowl until smooth. Adjust the consistency by adding more powdered sugar for thickness or more liquid for a thinner glaze.
Step 7: Cool and Glaze the Cake
Once the cake is baked, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer the cake to a cooling rack. Once it has cooled completely, drizzle the glaze over the top of the cake, allowing it to seep into the cracks for added sweetness.
Variations by Season
The beauty of the Honey Bun Cake is its versatility. Here are a few variations to consider based on the season:
- Fall: Add some pumpkin spice to the batter or top with chopped pecans for extra crunch.
- Winter: Incorporate peppermint extract into the glaze for a festive twist.
- Spring: Use lemon zest in the glaze for a fresh, bright flavor.
- Summer: Top with fresh berries for a fruity addition.
Flavor Logic
The flavor profile of Honey Bun Cake is a delightful mix of sweet and warm spices. The brown sugar creates a rich, caramel-like sweetness, while the cinnamon adds a warm, aromatic touch. The cake itself is soft and buttery, providing a perfect canvas for the glaze that brings it all together. The addition of almond extract is optional, but it adds a nutty undertone that complements the other flavors beautifully.
Save It for Later
If you find yourself with leftover Honey Bun Cake, don’t worry! Here’s how to store it:
- Refrigerator: Store the cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Freezer: Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and then foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Honey Bun Cake Q&A
Can I use a different cake mix flavor?
Absolutely! While yellow cake mix is traditional, you can experiment with other flavors like chocolate or spice cake for a unique twist on the Honey Bun Cake.
What can I use instead of sour cream?
If you don’t have sour cream on hand, you can substitute it with Greek yogurt, which will give you a similar tangy flavor and moisture.
How do I know when the cake is done baking?
A toothpick inserted into the center of the cake should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs, indicating that your Honey Bun Cake is perfectly baked.
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes! You can bake the cake a day in advance and store it covered at room temperature. Drizzle the glaze just before serving for the best results.
Try These Next
If you love this Honey Bun Cake, you might also enjoy these delicious recipes:
- Cinnamon Rolls – Another delightful cinnamon treat!
- Bread Pudding With Caramel Sauce – A comforting dessert perfect for any occasion.
Ready to Cook?
Now that you have all the steps laid out for creating your very own Honey Bun Cake, it’s time to roll up your sleeves and get baking! This cake is not only a crowd-pleaser but also a comforting dessert that will fill your kitchen with the irresistible aroma of cinnamon and sugar.
Whether you enjoy it warm from the oven or with a cup of coffee the next day, this cake is sure to bring a smile to your face. So gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and savor every delicious bite of your homemade Honey Bun Cake. Happy baking!
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Honey Bun Cake
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar and ground cinnamon. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, eggs, sour cream, melted butter, vegetable oil, water, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using). Use an electric mixer to blend until smooth.
- Pour half of the cake batter into the prepared baking pan. Sprinkle half of the cinnamon sugar mixture over the batter, then pour the remaining batter on top. Sprinkle the rest of the cinnamon sugar mixture and swirl gently.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- While baking, whisk together the powdered sugar, half and half (or milk), and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Allow the cake to cool for 10 minutes in the pan, then transfer to a cooling rack. Drizzle with glaze once cooled.
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Freeze individual slices wrapped in plastic and foil for up to 3 months.
- Experiment with different cake mix flavors for a unique twist!
