Honey Bun Cake is a sweet, soft, and delicious dessert. It tastes like cinnamon rolls but is easier to make. This cake is popular in Austin, Texas, and many people love it. Today, you will learn how to make this tasty cake at home. It needs simple ingredients and little time. Perfect for beginners and kids!
What is Honey Bun Cake?
Honey Bun Cake is a moist yellow cake with cinnamon sugar inside. It has a sweet glaze on top. The cinnamon sugar makes the cake taste like honey buns, a popular pastry. But this cake is easier because it uses yellow cake mix and a few extra ingredients.
This cake is soft, sweet, and full of cinnamon flavor. It is perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a snack. Many people say it reminds them of their grandma’s cooking.
Ingredients You Need
To make Honey Bun Cake, gather these ingredients:
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Yellow cake mix | 1 box (about 15.25 oz) |
| Sour cream | 1 cup |
| Brown sugar | 1 cup (packed) |
| Ground cinnamon | 2 teaspoons |
| Eggs | 3 large |
| Melted butter | 1/2 cup (1 stick) |
| Powdered sugar | 1 cup (for glaze) |
| Milk | 2-3 tablespoons (for glaze) |
| Vanilla extract | 1 teaspoon (for glaze) |
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these easy steps to bake your Honey Bun Cake:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 9×13 inch pan with butter or cooking spray.
- Mix the cake batter: In a large bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, sour cream, eggs, and melted butter. Stir well until smooth.
- Make the cinnamon sugar: In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar and cinnamon together.
- Pour half the batter into the greased pan. Spread it evenly.
- Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar
- Pour the remaining batter on top carefully. Spread it gently to cover the cinnamon sugar.
- Bake the cake
- Make the glaze: While the cake bakes, mix powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla in a small bowl. Stir until smooth.
- When the cake is hot out of the oven, pour the glaze over it. Use a spoon to spread it quickly.
- Let the cake cool completely before cutting into pieces.
Tips for the Best Honey Bun Cake
- Do not swirl cinnamon sugar into the batter.
- Sprinkle cinnamon sugar in the middle only.
- Add glaze while cake is still hot for best taste.
- Let cake rest and cool well before slicing.
- Use sour cream for moistness and softness.
- Use melted butter for rich flavor, or oil if needed.
- Try not to overbake; check cake a little early.
Why Use Sour Cream?
Sour cream makes the cake moist and soft. It adds a slight tang that balances the sweet cinnamon sugar. Without sour cream, the cake may be dry or crumbly. This is the secret to many moist cakes, including Honey Bun Cake.
How to Store Honey Bun Cake
Store your Honey Bun Cake covered in the fridge. It stays fresh for 3 to 4 days. If you want it longer, wrap it in plastic and freeze. Thaw it in the fridge before eating. You can warm slices in the microwave for a fresh taste.
What Makes This Cake Special?
Honey Bun Cake has a sweet cinnamon sugar layer inside. It tastes like cinnamon rolls but is simpler to bake. The glaze on top adds extra sweetness and shine. This cake is soft, moist, and full of flavor. It is a favorite for many families.

