The Ultimate Honeybun Cake Recipe: A Sweet Slice of Nostalgia

Have you ever craved the warm, cinnamon-swirled goodness of a honey bun but wanted an easier way to enjoy those flavors? This honeybun cake recipe transforms the classic convenience store treat into a decadent sheet cake that's perfect for gatherings, potlucks, or simply satisfying your sweet tooth. Making this honeybun cake recipe at home allows you to control ingredients, customize flavors, and create a dessert that's infinitely more delicious than store-bought versions. The combination of tender vanilla cake, ribbons of cinnamon-sugar, and a luscious glaze creates an irresistible treat that disappears within minutes. Plus, this honey bun cake with cream cheese frosting variation takes it to another level of indulgence, delivering bakery-quality results with minimal effort.

Ingredients List

    • 1 box yellow cake mix (15.25 oz)
    • 4 large eggs
    • ¾ cup vegetable oil
    • 1 cup sour cream
    • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
    • 1 cup packed brown sugar
    • 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon

For the Glaze:

    • 2 cups powdered sugar
    • 4 tablespoons whole milk
    • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
    • Optional: 4 oz cream cheese, softened (for cream cheese variation)

Timing / Cooking Schedule

Prep time: 15 minutes

Cooking time: 40 minutes

Total time: 55 minutes (plus cooling time)

This quick timeline makes it ideal for last-minute entertaining or weekend baking projects. The hands-on work is minimal, with most time spent simply letting the oven do its magic.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Pan and Preheat Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Generously grease a 9x13-inch baking pan with butter or non-stick spray. This prevents sticking and ensures easy slicing later.

Step 2: Mix the Cake Batter In a large mixing bowl, combine the cake mix, eggs, vegetable oil, sour cream, and vanilla extract. Beat with an electric mixer on medium speed for 2-3 minutes until smooth and creamy. The sour cream adds incredible moisture to this honeybun cake recipe.

Step 3: Create the Cinnamon Swirl In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar and cinnamon until well combined. Pour half of the cake batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly. Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture over the batter layer, then carefully pour the remaining batter on top.

Step 4: Swirl for Visual Appeal Use a butter knife or skewer to gently swirl the cinnamon mixture through the batter, creating beautiful marble patterns. Don't overmix—you want distinct ribbons of cinnamon throughout.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection Bake for 38-42 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The top should be golden brown and spring back when lightly touched. Avoid opening the oven door during the first 30 minutes to prevent sinking.

Step 6: Prepare the Glaze While the cake cools slightly, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth. For a honey bun cake with cream cheese frosting, beat softened cream cheese into the glaze mixture for extra richness.

Step 7: Glaze While Warm Pour the glaze over the cake while it's still slightly warm (after 10-15 minutes of cooling). This allows the glaze to seep into the cake's nooks and crannies, adding moisture and flavor.

Nutritional Information

Nutritional Information

Per serving (serves 12):

    • Calories: 425
    • Protein: 5g
    • Carbohydrates: 58g
    • Fat: 20g
    • Fiber: 1g
    • Calcium: 6% DV
    • Iron: 8% DV

Tips, Variations, or Cooking Advice

Dietary Swaps: For a lighter version, substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream and use a sugar-free cake mix. Gluten-free cake mixes work beautifully without any other adjustments.

Flavor Variations: Add ½ cup chopped pecans to the cinnamon swirl for crunch, or incorporate maple extract into the glaze for autumn-inspired flavor. Try adding a tablespoon of instant espresso powder to enhance the cinnamon notes.

Make-Ahead Option: Bake the cake a day ahead and store unglazed. Add the glaze 1-2 hours before serving for the freshest presentation.

Portion Control: This recipe easily doubles for crowd-sized gatherings. Bake in two pans or use a large sheet pan, adjusting baking time by 5-10 minutes.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overmixing the Swirl: Excessive swirling creates a muddy appearance instead of distinct ribbons. Make only 6-8 gentle swirls through the batter.

Glazing Too Soon: Pouring glaze on piping-hot cake causes it to become too thin and runny. Wait 10-15 minutes for optimal consistency.

Using Low-Fat Substitutes: Reduced-fat sour cream or oil alternatives can create a dry, crumbly texture. Stick with full-fat ingredients for best results.

Incorrect Oven Temperature: Too high heat causes over-browning on top while leaving the center undercooked. Always verify oven accuracy with a thermometer.

Skipping Pan Preparation: Insufficient greasing leads to stuck cake and messy serving. Use both butter and flour or a quality baking spray with flour.

Storage / Leftovers Tips

Store your honeybun cake recipe creation covered with plastic wrap or aluminum foil at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for 5-7 days. The honey bun cake with cream cheese frosting version requires refrigeration due to the dairy content. For longer storage, freeze individual slices wrapped in plastic wrap and placed in freezer bags for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator or at room temperature for 2 hours. Reheat individual slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds to restore that fresh-baked warmth. The glaze may crystallize slightly when chilled, but it softens perfectly upon reheating. For best texture, bring refrigerated cake to room temperature 30 minutes before serving.