This Honey Bun Cake is a moist and tender dessert with swirls of cinnamon and brown sugar, topped with a sweet vanilla glaze. It's a simple recipe that feels like a warm hug and is perfect for breakfast, dessert, or any occasion!
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This recipe would go great with our easy Banana and beetroot smoothie.
Why This Recipe Works
- Quick and Easy: Starts with a boxed cake mix for a simple and fuss-free recipe.
- Cinnamon Swirls: The brown sugar and cinnamon filling gives it a sweet, spiced flavor reminiscent of a honey bun.
- Perfect Glaze: A vanilla glaze soaks into the cake for extra moisture and sweetness.
🥘 Ingredients
- Yellow Cake Mix: The base for a light and fluffy cake.
- Eggs: Add structure and richness to the cake.
- Vegetable Oil: Keeps the cake moist and tender.
- Sour Cream: Adds moisture and a slight tang for balance.
- Brown Sugar: Creates a sweet, caramel-like swirl.
- Cinnamon: Adds warmth and a classic honey bun flavor.
- Powdered Sugar: The key to a smooth and sweet glaze.
- Vanilla Extract: Enhances the flavor of both the cake and glaze.
- Milk: Helps achieve the perfect glaze consistency.
For the complete list of ingredients with measurements and instructions, please see the recipe card at the bottom of the post.
📖 Substitutions & Variations
- Dairy-Free Option: Use dairy-free sour cream and milk substitutes for a lactose-free version.
- Nutty Twist: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the cinnamon swirl for crunch.
- Chocolate Lovers: Sprinkle mini chocolate chips into the batter for a fun variation.
- Spiced Up: Add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the cinnamon mixture for a deeper flavor.
🔪How to Make Honey Bun Cake With Vanilla Glaze
Step One: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish. In a large mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, eggs, vegetable oil, and sour cream.
Step Two: Mix the batter until smooth.
Step Three: Pour half of the batter into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.
Step Four: In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar and cinnamon. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the batter in the dish.
Step Five: In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar and cinnamon. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the batter in the dish.
Step Six: Pour the remaining batter over the brown sugar layer, then gently swirl the layers together with a knife or skewer. Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Step Seven: While the cake bakes, prepare the glaze by mixing the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk in a small bowl until smooth.
Step Eight: Once the cake is out of the oven, let it cool for 5-10 minutes, then pour the glaze over the warm cake, spreading evenly.
👩🍳 Expert Tips
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: This helps the batter mix evenly for a fluffier cake.
- Don’t Overmix: Mix the batter just until combined to keep the cake light and tender.
- Swirl, Don’t Mix: Gently swirl the brown sugar and cinnamon mixture into the batter for the best marbled effect.
- Pour the Glaze Warm: Let the glaze soak into the warm cake for the ultimate moistness.
💭 FAQs
Yes, while yellow cake mix is traditional, you can try white or spice cake mix for a fun twist.
Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake; if it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, it’s done.
Yes, reduce the milk slightly or add more powdered sugar for a thicker consistency.
Yes! It’s delicious and warm, especially with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of ice cream.
Keep your cake covered at room temperature for up to 2 days or place in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Yes, wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before enjoying.
🧂Serving Suggestions
Looking for great toppings to for your honey bun cake? Try these:
- Cinnamon Sugar Dusting: Enhance the cinnamon flavor with a light dusting.
- Chopped Nuts: Sprinkle on top of the glaze for a crunchy finish.
- Drizzle of Honey: For an extra sweet and sticky treat.
- Sprinkles: Add a fun touch for special occasions.
🍽 Related Recipes
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Moist Honey Bun Cake With Vanilla Glaze
Ingredients
- 1, 15 Oz Box Of Yellow Cake Mix
- 4 Eggs
- ⅔ Cups Vegetable Oil
- 8 Oz Sour Cream
- ¾ Cups Brown Sugar
- 2 teaspoon Cinnamon
- 1, ½ Cups Powdered Sugar
- 2 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
- 1 teaspoon Milk
Instructions
- Spray a 9x13 baking dish with nonstick cooking spray and set it aside. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cake mix, eggs, vegetable oil, and sour cream. Mix with a hand mixer until everything is fully combined.
- Pour half of the cake batter into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly.
- In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar and cinnamon. Sprinkle the mixture evenly over the batter in the dish.
- Pour the remaining batter over the cinnamon sugar layer. Use a spoon or knife to spread it out evenly.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the cake is no longer jiggly in the middle.
- Let the cake cool for 30-45 minutes.
- While the cake cools, mix the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk in a medium bowl. Stir until smooth. If the icing is too thick, add a little more milk.
- Once the cake is cool, pour the icing over the top and spread it out evenly.
- Let the icing harden for about 25 minutes. You can speed this up by placing the cake in the fridge.
- Slice the cake into 12 pieces and serve.
Notes
Nutrition
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Honey Bun Cake is an instant favorite in our house! Can’t wait to make this again.