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Honey Bun Cake Recipe


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3.8 from 21 reviews

  • Author: Ava
  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 12 servings

Description

This Honey Bun Cake is a moist, cinnamon-swirl dessert inspired by the flavors of classic honey buns. Made with a golden butter cake mix, sour cream, and a pecan and cinnamon filling, it’s topped with a smooth cinnamon glaze for a perfect balance of sweetness and spice. Easy to prepare and great for any occasion, this cake offers a delightful twist on a bakery favorite.


Ingredients

Cake Batter

  • 1 box golden butter cake mix (or yellow cake mix)
  • 1 cup butter, softened
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 cup sour cream

Filling

  • ½ cup brown sugar (packed)
  • ½ cup pecans, chopped
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon, divided
  • ½ cup cake mix (reserved from the box)

Glaze

  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 3-4 tablespoons heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon


Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish thoroughly with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking, then set aside.
  2. Reserve Cake Mix: Remove ½ cup of the dry cake mix from the box and set it aside for the filling mixture.
  3. Make Cake Batter: In a large mixing bowl, combine the remaining cake mix with softened butter, eggs, and sour cream. Using an electric mixer, beat just until the batter is smooth and evenly mixed, taking care not to overmix.
  4. Layer Batter: Spread half of the prepared cake batter evenly across the bottom of the greased baking dish.
  5. Prepare Filling: In a small bowl, mix the reserved ½ cup cake mix with brown sugar, chopped pecans, and 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon until well combined. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the batter in the baking dish.
  6. Add Remaining Batter: Dollop spoonfuls of the remaining cake batter over the pecan filling. Use a spatula to gently spread and cover the filling completely with the batter, being careful not to mix the layers.
  7. Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. Remove from the oven and allow it to cool slightly.
  8. Make Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, remaining 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, and 3 tablespoons heavy cream until smooth. If the glaze is too thick, add an additional tablespoon of cream to reach desired consistency.
  9. Glaze and Serve: Spread the cinnamon glaze evenly over the warm cake. Cut into squares and serve while still slightly warm or at room temperature for best flavor and texture.

Notes

  • For extra moisture, ensure your butter is fully softened before mixing.
  • You can substitute walnuts for pecans if preferred.
  • Do not overmix the batter to keep the cake tender.
  • The glaze consistency can be adjusted by adding more or less heavy cream.
  • Store leftovers covered at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
  • Rewarm slices briefly in the microwave before serving for a freshly baked feel.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American