If you like the flavor of the cinnamon roll like snack cakes, you are going to love this honey bun cake. It has cinnamon, brown sugar, and moist cake all in one tasty package.
This simple honey bun cake recipe starts with a cake mix, so it comes together quickly. However, there are extra added ingredients that make it really moist and tasty.
Then there’s the cinnamon brown sugar filling and vanilla glaze that take it to the next level. It is a simple dessert that is sure to become a favorite in your house like it is in ours.
The name of the cake is a little bit confusing because there is no honey in it. Instead, it is supposed to taste like the Little Debbie’s snacks.
It is perfect with a cup of coffee for dessert. Or you can certainly enjoy some for breakfast and call it a coffee cake if you want.
Who am I to judge? Have it whenever you want!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
It starts with a cake mix, so it is super simple. But you don’t follow the instructions on the box.
Instead, you add sour cream and extra eggs to make the cake even more rich and delicious. It gives it an almost pound cake feeling.
Then, you add a layer of cinnamon and brown sugar in the middle. It is hard to go wrong with those flavors!
When the cake is warm, you drizzle on a simple vanilla and powdered sugar glaze on top. It mimics the glaze on the snack cakes and ensures even more moisture in the cake.
There is no special equipment needed. If you have a bowl and a 9×13-inch pan, you can whip this up.
Storing Your Cake
This cake never lasts more than a day or two when my family is around. However, you can store it at room temperature for up to 4 days.
Just make sure it is covered so it doesn’t dry out.
You can freeze it for up to 3 months. Though the glaze may be a little extra sticky when you defrost it.
Try warming the cake up in the microwave for a few seconds before digging in. Then, have a glass of milk or cup of coffee ready.
More Cake Mix Recipes
If you like to start your baking with a mix, you are not alone. It is a great way to make a special dessert when you don’t have the time or brain space to start from scratch.
We also love making pineapple poke cake or cranberry poke cake. Or you could try making a chocolate cherry fudge bundt cake for something chocolaty.
For more tasty inspiration, check out my full collection of doctored cake mix recipes.
Honey Bun Cake
Ingredients
Cake
- 1 yellow cake mix
- ⅔ cup vegetable oil
- 4 eggs
- 1 cup sour cream
Filling
- ½ cup light brown sugar packed
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 Tablespoon milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350℉ and grease a 9×13-inch pan.
- In a large bowl beat together cake mix, oil, eggs, and sour cream on medium speed for 2 minutes.1 yellow cake mix, ⅔ cup vegetable oil, 4 eggs, 1 cup sour cream
- Spread half of the batter on the bottom of the prepared pan.
- Stir together cinnamon and brown sugar. Sprinkle over batter in pan.½ cup light brown sugar, 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- Carefully pour and spread remaining batter over the brown sugar mixture.
- Bake for 28-32 minutes.
- In a small bowl, stir together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla. Add more milk, a teaspoon at a time, until it reaches a drizzling consistency. Drizzle over warm cake.1 cup powdered sugar, 1 Tablespoon milk, 1 teaspoon vanilla
- Let cool then serve.
- Store covered at room temperature.