There’s nothing quite like the comforting taste of a homemade dessert, especially when it evokes nostalgic memories of childhood favorites. This gloriously soft and sweet homemade Honey Bun Cake recipe transforms a beloved Little Debbie classic into an even more irresistible treat, perfect for any occasion. Every bite of this from-scratch creation is a delicious journey, guaranteed to win over your family and guests with its rich flavor and tender crumb.
Imagine a warm, tender cake that tastes like a gooey, buttery cinnamon roll, but with the added touch of luscious honey in its sweet glaze. That’s precisely what this Honey Bun Cake delivers – a delightful fusion of two beloved pastries in one incredible dessert.
While many enjoy it as a decadent dessert, its cinnamon-infused sweetness makes it an ideal companion for your morning coffee or a cozy afternoon treat. This cake is incredibly versatile and utterly addictive, promising to become a new favorite in your baking repertoire.
Table of Contents
- Why You’ll Love This Homemade Honey Bun Cake
- Gather Your Ingredients
- Step-by-Step Baking Instructions
- Expert Baking Tips for the Perfect Honey Bun Cake
- Recipe Variations and Substitution Ideas
- Essential Kitchen Equipment
- Related Sweet Treat Recipes
- How to Store Leftover Honey Bun Cake
- Mel’s Kitchen Notes
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Why You’ll Love This Homemade Honey Bun Cake
This isn’t just another cake recipe; it’s an experience. Here’s what makes this homemade Honey Bun Cake an absolute must-try:
- A Unique Culinary Delight: Unlike common desserts, the Honey Bun Cake offers a distinctive flavor profile. It’s a delightful blend that combines the best elements of a classic yellow cake with the irresistible warmth of a cinnamon roll, creating something truly special that will impress everyone.
- Aromatherapy for Your Home: As this delectable honey bun cake bakes, your kitchen will be filled with the most heavenly aroma of cinnamon, vanilla, and sweet butter. It’s an inviting scent that promises comfort and deliciousness, making your home feel extra cozy.
- The Satisfaction of Baking from Scratch: There’s an unparalleled sense of accomplishment when you create something so delicious entirely from scratch. You control every ingredient, ensuring the highest quality and freshest taste, resulting in a cake that far surpasses any store-bought version.
- Unbelievably Moist and Gooey Texture: This recipe is specifically designed to yield an exceptionally moist and tender cake. The secret lies in the perfect balance of ingredients that create a soft, almost melt-in-your-mouth texture, reminiscent of the best cinnamon buns you’ve ever had.
- The Irresistible Honey Glaze: The final touch of honey in the glaze elevates this sweet treat to gourmet status. It adds a subtle floral sweetness and a beautiful sheen that makes the cake not only taste amazing but look absolutely divine.
- Simple Ingredients, Extraordinary Results: You’ll be amazed at how such basic pantry staples can be transformed into a cake with such complex and comforting flavors. This recipe proves that you don’t need fancy ingredients to create an outstanding buttery, sweet, and cinnamon-spiced masterpiece.
Gather Your Ingredients
Crafting this delightful Honey Bun Cake from scratch requires a few basic, yet essential, ingredients. Quality matters here, as each component contributes to the cake’s signature taste and texture. Here’s a detailed look at what you’ll need to create this comforting masterpiece:
For the Moist Yellow Cake:
- All-Purpose Flour: The foundation of our cake, providing structure.
- Baking Powder & Baking Soda: These leavening agents work together to give the cake its light and airy texture.
- Salt: A crucial ingredient that balances the sweetness and enhances all the other flavors.
- Unsalted Butter (softened): Creamed butter creates air pockets for a tender crumb and adds richness. Using unsalted allows you to control the total salt content.
- Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the cake and contributes to its moistness and delicate texture.
- Large Eggs & Egg Yolks: Eggs provide structure and richness, while extra yolks add moisture and a beautiful yellow hue, making the cake extra tender.
- Vanilla Extract: Essential for a classic, comforting flavor profile. Use good quality pure vanilla for the best taste.
- Sour Cream: This is a secret weapon for moisture! Sour cream adds richness, tenderness, and a slight tang that beautifully complements the sweetness.
- Buttermilk: Its acidity reacts with baking soda to create a light texture, while also tenderizing the cake and adding a subtle depth of flavor.
For the Signature Cinnamon Sugar Swirl:
- Light Brown Sugar: Provides a deeper, more caramel-like sweetness and a delightful chewiness compared to granulated sugar alone.
- Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and a slight crispness to the swirl.
- Ground Cinnamon: The star spice that gives the “honey bun” its distinctive, aromatic warmth. Be generous for maximum flavor!
For the Irresistible Vanilla Honey Glaze:
- Powdered Sugar (Confectioners’ Sugar): Forms the smooth base for the glaze, dissolving easily for a silky finish.
- Unsalted Butter (melted): Adds richness and a lovely sheen to the glaze.
- Honey: The namesake ingredient that infuses the glaze with its unique, natural sweetness and subtle floral notes. This is where the magic truly happens!
- Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor of the glaze, adding another layer of sweetness and aroma.
- Milk: Used to thin the glaze to the perfect pourable consistency. You can adjust the amount slightly to achieve your desired thickness.
Refer to the static recipe card below for precise quantities and measurements.
Step-by-Step Baking Instructions
This detailed guide will walk you through each step of creating your perfect homemade Honey Bun Cake. For a quick overview and exact measurements, please refer to the comprehensive recipe card located at the bottom of this post.
Pro Tip: For an even more visually appealing cinnamon swirl, gently drag a cocktail stick or toothpick through the top layer of sugar and batter in a swirling motion before baking. This creates a beautiful marbled pattern.
Expert Baking Tips for the Perfect Honey Bun Cake
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your butter, eggs, sour cream, and buttermilk are all at room temperature before you start mixing. This allows them to emulsify properly, creating a smooth batter and a more uniform, tender cake.
- Do Not Overmix: After adding the flour, mix until just combined. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, which can result in a tough, dense cake. Mix on low speed and stop as soon as you see no streaks of flour.
- Grease and Flour Your Pan Thoroughly: To prevent sticking, generously grease your 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or baking spray, then lightly dust it with flour. Tap out any excess flour. This ensures your cake releases beautifully.
- Layering the Cinnamon Sugar: When sprinkling the cinnamon sugar, try to distribute it as evenly as possible. This ensures a consistent swirl and flavor in every slice.
- Avoid Overbaking: Keep an eye on the cake during the last 10-15 minutes of baking. A cake that is overbaked will be dry. The cake is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs attached.
- Glaze While Warm: Apply the glaze while the cake is still warm (about 10 minutes out of the oven, not piping hot). The warmth helps the glaze spread smoothly and slightly absorb into the cake, creating that signature gooey texture.
- Achieving the Perfect Swirl: If you want more pronounced swirls, don’t be shy with your toothpick or knife. Gently cut through the top batter and sugar layer in a circular motion to marble them together before baking.
Recipe Variations and Substitute Ideas
While this Honey Bun Cake recipe is absolutely perfect as written, don’t hesitate to experiment with these variations to customize it to your taste or use ingredients you have on hand:
- Oil Instead of Butter: For a slightly different texture, you can substitute vegetable oil or canola oil for the unsalted butter in the cake batter. This can sometimes result in an even moister cake, though it may lack some of the buttery richness. Use the same quantity.
- Semi-Homemade Shortcut with Boxed Mix: If you’re short on time, you can certainly use a box of yellow cake mix as a shortcut for the cake base. Simply follow the package directions, then proceed with the cinnamon sugar swirl and homemade glaze as instructed in this recipe. This still gives you that amazing honey bun flavor with less effort.
- Bundt Cake Presentation: Instead of a traditional 9×13 inch baking dish, consider using a Bundt pan for a more elegant presentation. You’ll need to adjust baking time slightly (it might bake faster) and ensure the pan is thoroughly greased and floured to prevent sticking. The swirl technique will still work beautifully.
- “Poke Cake” Style: For an extra gooey and moist cake, once the cake is baked and still warm, use the handle of a wooden spoon or a skewer to poke holes all over the top. Then, pour a portion of the warm cinnamon sugar mixture (or even a little extra honey) into these holes before adding the full glaze. This allows the sweet flavors to seep deep into the cake.
- Nutty Addition: For added texture and flavor, finely chop some pecans or walnuts and sprinkle them along with the cinnamon sugar mixture in the middle layer or on top of the final batter.
- Cream Cheese Glaze: For a richer, tangier glaze, consider adding 2-3 ounces of softened cream cheese to your vanilla honey glaze. Whip it together until smooth before adding the powdered sugar and liquids.
- Spiced Cake: Enhance the warmth by adding a pinch of nutmeg or allspice to your cinnamon sugar mixture, or even a tiny bit to the cake batter itself.
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Essential Kitchen Equipment
Having the right tools can make all the difference in your baking experience. Here’s the necessary equipment you’ll need for this Honey Bun Cake, with some suggested items for convenience:
- Large Mixing Bowls: You’ll need at least two – one for dry ingredients and another for mixing the glaze. A sturdy set will be a great addition to your kitchen.
- Whisk: Essential for combining dry ingredients and for making a smooth glaze.
- Stand Mixer (or Hand Mixer): While a stand mixer (like a KitchenAid) makes creaming butter and sugar effortless, a good hand mixer will also work perfectly well. Ensure you have the wire whip attachment for optimal aeration.
- 9×13 Inch Baking Dish: This is the ideal size for this cake, ensuring proper thickness and baking time. An enameled cast iron dish provides excellent heat distribution for even baking, but any standard baking dish will do.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate measurements are key in baking, so ensure you have a reliable set.
- Rubber Spatula: Great for scraping down the sides of the bowl and gently folding ingredients.
- Toothpick or Skewer: For testing cake doneness and creating the cinnamon swirl pattern.
Related Sweet Treat Recipes to Try Next!
If you loved this comforting Honey Bun Cake, you might also enjoy these other delightful dessert recipes:
- Banana Pudding Brownies
- Krispy Kreme Bread Pudding
- Oatmeal Creme Pie Cheesecake
- Old Fashioned Southern Ambrosia Recipe
- Classic Pineapple Upside Down Cake
- Delicious Apple Pie Cake
- Comforting Bread Pudding With Rum Sauce
How to Store Leftover Honey Bun Cake
Proper storage is key to keeping your delicious Honey Bun Cake fresh and moist. Once the cake has completely cooled and the glaze has set (you can refrigerate it briefly to help it firm up), cover it tightly with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container.
- At Room Temperature: Your Honey Bun Cake can be stored at room temperature for up to 4 days, provided it’s well-covered to prevent drying out. Keep it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
- In the Refrigerator: For extended freshness, store the cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 7 days. Chilling the cake can make the glaze firmer, which some people prefer.
- Freezing for Later: If you want to enjoy your Honey Bun Cake even longer, it freezes beautifully! Slice the cooled cake into individual portions, wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Thaw individual slices in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature for a few hours.
Mel’s Kitchen Notes
For the ultimate cozy treat, try warming a slice of your Honey Bun Cake in the microwave for just a few seconds until the glaze is slightly melted and the cake is warm. Serve it with a tall, cold glass of milk for a truly satisfying experience!
About The Author
Melanie Cagle
Melanie is a professional cook, passionate food photographer, and a true connoisseur of authentic Cajun cuisine. Since 2020, she has dedicated herself to sharing meticulously tested recipes and insightful cooking tutorials right here on her blog. Her commitment to delicious, reliable recipes has made her a trusted voice in the culinary world.
Melanie’s exceptional work has garnered recognition across various platforms, with features on prestigious outlets such as Fox News channels, Yahoo News, Southern Living, and more. She believes that everyone can create amazing food in their own kitchen, and she’s here to guide you every step of the way.
Frequently Asked Questions: FAQs
This homemade Honey Bun Cake offers a truly delightful flavor profile reminiscent of a classic cinnamon roll, but with an enhanced richness and a unique honey-infused sweetness. It’s incredibly moist, buttery, and features layers of warm, aromatic cinnamon sugar swirled through a tender yellow cake. The top is generously covered with a sweet, thin glaze that has a lovely hint of honey and vanilla, making each bite utterly addictive and comforting.
No, not necessarily! As long as your Honey Bun Cake is properly covered (with plastic wrap or in an airtight container) to prevent it from drying out, it can safely be stored at room temperature for up to 4 days. However, if you want to extend its shelf life, or if your kitchen is particularly warm, storing it in the refrigerator will keep it fresh for up to 7 days. Refrigerating can also help the glaze set more firmly, which some people prefer.
Honey Bun Cake is wonderfully versatile and can be enjoyed in several ways! It’s fantastic for breakfast or brunch, paired perfectly with a hot cup of coffee or tea. For a dessert experience, try warming a slice slightly in the microwave for a few seconds; this makes the cake incredibly tender and the glaze wonderfully gooey. Serve it as is, or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a dollop of whipped cream, or simply a tall glass of cold milk for a truly satisfying treat. It’s a crowd-pleaser no matter how you serve it!
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Print Recipe
Pin Recipe
Honey Bun Cake Recipe From Scratch
10 mins
45 mins
12 People
American, Cake
Melanie Cagle
Video
Equipment
- 1 Large Mixing Bowl
- 1 Stand Mixer
- 1 13 Inch Enameled Cast Iron Baking Dish
Ingredients
Yellow Cake
- 2-½ Cups All Purpose Flour
- 2 teaspoons Baking Powder
- ½ teaspoon Baking Soda
- ½ teaspoon Salt
- 10 Tablespoons Unsalted Butter (softened)
- 1-½ Cups Granulated Sugar
- 2 Large Eggs
- 2 Egg Yolks
- 2 teaspoons Vanilla Extract
- ½ Cup Sour Cream
- 1 Cup Buttermilk
Cinnamon Sugar Swirl
- 1 Cup Light Brown Sugar
- 3 Tablespoons Granulated Sugar
- 1 Tablespoon Ground Cinnamon
Vanilla Honey Glaze
- 2 Cups Powdered Sugar
- 2 Tablespoons Unsalted Butter (melted)
- 1 Tablespoon Honey
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
- ¼ Cup Milk
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C) and generously grease a 9×13″ baking dish.
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisk well and set aside.
- In the bowl of a stand mixer, cream together the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy (about 3-4 minutes).
- Add the large eggs and egg yolks one at a time, beating well after each addition until fully incorporated.
- Stir in the vanilla extract and sour cream, beating until fully mixed. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
- Gradually add the flour mixture and buttermilk to the wet ingredients, alternating between the two and beginning and ending with flour. Mix on low speed until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
- In a small bowl, mix together the light brown sugar, granulated sugar, and ground cinnamon until totally combined.
- Pour half of the cake batter into the prepared baking dish. Gently shake the dish to level the batter.
- Sprinkle half of the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over the top of the batter.
- Carefully pour the remaining batter over the cinnamon sugar layer and gently spread it to the edges of the dish with a spoon.
- Sprinkle the remaining cinnamon sugar evenly over the top of the cake batter.
- Using a toothpick or skewer, gently swirl the top layer of cinnamon sugar into the batter to create a marbled effect.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes, or until golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If the cake browns too quickly, loosely tent it with aluminum foil.
- Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes while you prepare the glaze.
- For the glaze, in a separate mixing bowl, combine the powdered sugar, melted butter, honey, vanilla extract, and milk. Whisk until smooth.
- Pour the glaze evenly over the warm cake, spreading it gently with the back of a spoon to cover the entire surface.
- Allow the cake to cool completely before slicing and serving for the glaze to set properly. If you prefer a firmer glaze, you can refrigerate it for 30 minutes after glazing.
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Nutrition
Serving: 200g |
Calories: 489kcal |
Carbohydrates: 92g |
Protein: 4g |
Fat: 13g |
Saturated Fat: 8g |
Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g |
Monounsaturated Fat: 3g |
Trans Fat: 0.4g |
Cholesterol: 36mg |
Sodium: 183mg |
Potassium: 113mg |
Fiber: 1g |
Sugar: 70g |
Vitamin A: 398IU |
Vitamin C: 0.1mg |
Calcium: 113mg |
Iron: 2mg
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