Have you ever craved the nostalgic sweetness of a honey bun but wished you could enjoy it in cake form? This honey bun cake recipe transforms that beloved breakfast pastry into a moist, cinnamon-swirled masterpiece that's perfect for any occasion. Making this honey bun cake recipe easy version at home not only saves you money compared to bakery desserts, but it also fills your kitchen with an irresistible aroma that will have everyone asking for seconds. 

Ingredients List

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

For the Glaze:

    • 2 cups powdered sugar
    • 4 tablespoons whole milk
    • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
    • Optional: ½ teaspoon cinnamon for extra warmth

Timing / Cooking Schedule

Prep time: 15 minutes

Cooking time: 40 minutes

Total time: 55 minutes

This quick turnaround makes it ideal for last-minute gatherings or Sunday brunch prep. You'll spend less time in the kitchen than it takes to watch your favorite sitcom!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Your Workspace Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and generously grease a 9x13-inch baking pan with cooking spray or butter. This prevents sticking and ensures easy removal.

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

Step 3: Create the Cinnamon Swirl In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar and cinnamon until well combined. This sweet-spice mixture creates those signature honey bun swirls.

Step 4: Layer and Swirl Pour half the batter into your prepared pan. Sprinkle half of the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the batter. Add the remaining batter on top, then sprinkle with the rest of the cinnamon sugar. Use a butter knife to gently swirl through the layers in a figure-eight motion—don't over-swirl or you'll lose the distinct ribbons. This honey bun cake recipe easy technique is what creates that beautiful marbled effect.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection Bake for 35-40 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 for 10-15 minutes, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Adjust consistency with more milk if too thick or more sugar if too thin.

Step 7: Glaze and Serve Drizzle the glaze generously over the warm cake, allowing it to seep into every crevice. Let it set for 5 minutes before slicing into generous squares.

Nutritional Information

Nutritional Information

Per serving (serves 12):

    • Calories: 425
    • Protein: 4g
    • Carbohydrates: 58g
    • Fat: 20g
    • Fiber: 1g
    • Calcium: 6% DV
    • Iron: 8% DV

Tips, Variations, or Cooking Advice

Dietary Swaps: For a gluten-free version, substitute with your favorite gluten-free cake mix. Greek yogurt works beautifully in place of sour cream for added protein.

Flavor Variations: Add ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts to the cinnamon layer for extra crunch. Cream cheese frosting makes a decadent alternative to the traditional glaze.

Make-Ahead Tip: Prepare the batter the night before and refrigerate. Bring to room temperature for 20 minutes before baking for best results.

Pan Alternatives: This recipe works wonderfully in a Bundt pan—just increase baking time to 50-55 minutes and check for doneness.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Over-Mixing the Batter: Mix just until ingredients are combined. Over-mixing develops gluten, resulting in a tough, dense cake instead of a tender crumb.

Skipping the Greasing Step: Always grease your pan thoroughly, even non-stick ones. Cakes with high sugar content are particularly prone to sticking.

Glazing Too Soon: Wait at least 10 minutes after baking before glazing. Glazing immediately causes it to become too thin and absorb completely, leaving no visible topping.

Uneven Swirling: Create gentle, deliberate swirls rather than aggressive mixing. The goal is distinct cinnamon ribbons, not a uniform brown cake.

Opening the Oven Early: Resist peeking! Temperature fluctuations cause cakes to collapse in the center. Trust your timer.

Storage / Leftovers Tips

Store your honey bun cake recipe covered with plastic wrap or aluminum foil at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate in an airtight container for up to one week—the cake actually becomes more moist as flavors meld.

For freezing, wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator or at room temperature for 2 hours. To reheat, microwave individual slices for 15-20 seconds or warm in a 300°F oven for 5-7 minutes. The glaze may absorb slightly during storage, so consider drizzling fresh glaze over reheated portions for that just-baked appearance. This honey bun cake recipe easy storage method ensures you can enjoy this delightful treat whenever cravings strike!