Delicious Honey Bun Cake Recipe: Sweet, Moist, and Oh-So-Easy!

Sweet and tender honey bun cakes capture the essence of a beloved Southern dessert with their irresistible charm.

These pastries combine soft cake layers with warm cinnamon and sugary swirls that weave through each slice.

Baking fans and dessert lovers treasure the nostalgic flavors that bring back memories of comfort and indulgence.

Soft, moist, and incredibly satisfying, honey bun cakes turn simple ingredients into an extraordinary treat.

This elegant dessert has become a staple in many family events and community potlucks across the United States.

Cinnamon-infused and topped with a rich glaze, this cake offers a moment of pure, unapologetic deliciousness that feels like a warm hug.

Why Honey Bun Cake Smells Like Home

• Minimal Effort Delight: Requires basic mixing skills with straightforward steps, perfect for beginner bakers wanting a delicious dessert without complex techniques.
• Time-Saving Magic: Prepares in just over an hour, including baking and cooling, making it an ideal weekend treat or last-minute dessert for unexpected guests.
• Crowd-Pleasing Charm: Combines classic cinnamon-sugar swirl with sweet glaze, ensuring everyone from kids to adults will love its comforting flavors and moist texture.
• Versatile Celebration Cake: Works wonderfully for casual family gatherings, potlucks, brunch events, or as a cozy afternoon snack with coffee or tea.

Ingredients For Honey Bun Cake

• All-Purpose Flour: Provides the cake's structure and tender crumb, choose a high-quality unbleached flour for best results.
• Sugar: Sweetens the cake and helps create a soft texture, white granulated sugar works perfectly.
• Eggs: Bind the ingredients and add richness to the cake, use fresh room-temperature eggs.
• Butter: Adds moisture and flavor, use unsalted butter for better control of saltiness.
• Milk: Keeps the cake moist and helps blend ingredients smoothly.
• Sour Cream: Adds tanginess and creates a tender, soft cake texture.

• Brown Sugar, Cinnamon: Create a sweet and warm swirl throughout the cake, provides depth of flavor and aromatic warmth.

• Powdered Sugar: Creates a smooth, sweet glaze that adds extra sweetness.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances overall flavor and adds a classic bakery-style taste.

• Baking Soda, Baking Powder: Help the cake rise and create a light, fluffy texture.
• Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances other flavors in the cake.

How To Make Honey Bun Cake

Step 1: Prepare The Oven And Pan

Heat the oven to 350°F. Coat a bundt pan thoroughly with non-stick baking spray or grease and dust with flour to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create Wet Mixture

• Melted butter
• Milk
• Sour cream
• Granulated sugar
• Eggs
• Vanilla extract

Whisk ingredients until smooth and fully incorporated.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

• All-purpose flour
• Baking soda
• Baking powder
• Salt

Blend until the batter becomes silky and uniform.

Step 4: Craft Cinnamon Swirl Mixture

• Brown sugar
• Ground cinnamon

Mix thoroughly to create a fragrant spice blend.

Step 5: Layer The Batter

Pour one-third of the batter into the prepared pan. Sprinkle half the cinnamon-sugar mixture. Repeat layering, finishing with the remaining batter.

Step 6: Create Delicious Swirls

Use a butter knife to gently swirl the layers, creating beautiful marbled patterns throughout the cake.

Step 7: Bake To Perfection

Place in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes. The cake is ready when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 8: Cool And Release

Allow the cake to rest in the pan for 15 minutes. Carefully invert onto a serving plate.

Step 9: Drizzle With Glaze

• Powdered sugar
• Milk
• Vanilla extract

Pour the glaze over the warm cake, letting it cascade down the sides.

Step 10: Serve And Savor

Slice the cake and enjoy the sweet, cinnamon-infused goodness with family and friends.

Helpful Honey Bun Cake Tips

• Swirl with Finesse: Use a gentle figure-eight motion when swirling the cinnamon-sugar mixture to create beautiful, delicate marble patterns without overmixing the batter.
• Prevent Sticking Secrets: Thoroughly grease and flour the bundt pan or use non-stick baking spray to ensure the cake releases smoothly without breaking.
• Temperature Matters: Allow ingredients like eggs and milk to reach room temperature before mixing to guarantee a more uniform, tender cake texture.
• Glaze Like a Pro: Pour the glaze while the cake is still slightly warm to help it absorb and create a glossy, appetizing finish that enhances the cake's flavor.
• Storage Smart: Cover the cake loosely with plastic wrap and store at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain its moisture and freshness.

Keep Honey Bun Cake Fresh Longer

• Refrigerate: Store leftover honey bun cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, keeping it fresh and moist.
• Room Temperature: If eating within 1-2 days, wrap the cake loosely in plastic wrap and keep at room temperature away from direct sunlight.
• Reheating: Warm individual slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds, or restore softness by placing in a preheated 300°F oven for 5-7 minutes.
• Freezing: Wrap the entire cake or individual slices tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

Honey Bun Cake Pairing Suggestions

• Pair Creamy Vanilla Latte: Rich espresso with smooth vanilla milk complements the cake's sweet cinnamon swirls, creating a balanced dessert experience.
• Serve Caramel Pecan Ice Cream: Buttery caramel and crunchy pecans enhance the cake's soft texture, adding delightful depth and contrast to each bite.
• Match Spiced Chai Tea: Warming chai spices beautifully mirror the cake's cinnamon notes, offering a cozy and aromatic beverage pairing.
• Blend Cream Cheese Frosting Shooter: Mini cream cheese shot provides tangy richness that cuts through the cake's sweetness, creating a playful dessert companion.

Tasty Twists On Honey Bun Cake

• Gluten-Free Honey Bun Cake: Replace wheat flour with almond or coconut flour for a celiac-friendly version. Use gluten-free baking powder and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free.
• Vegan Honey Alternative Cake: Substitute eggs with flax eggs, use plant-based milk, and replace butter with coconut oil. Swap honey with maple syrup or agave nectar for a compassionate plant-based dessert.
• Low-Sugar Wellness Cake: Use monk fruit sweetener instead of sugar, reduce overall sweetness, and incorporate Greek yogurt for added protein. Sprinkle with chopped nuts for extra texture and nutrition.
• Chocolate Lover's Honey Bun Cake: Add cocoa powder to the batter, incorporate dark chocolate chips, and create a chocolate glaze by mixing cocoa with powdered sugar and milk for an indulgent chocolate variation.

Honey Bun Cake Questions Answered

• Can I make this cake without a bundt pan?

Yes, you can use a 9×13 inch baking pan or two 9-inch round cake pans. Just adjust baking time and watch carefully to prevent overbaking.

• Is it okay to use low-fat milk or sour cream?

Full-fat dairy works best for richness and moisture. Low-fat versions can make the cake slightly drier, so stick to regular milk and sour cream if possible.

• How do I know when the cake is perfectly baked?

Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean with no wet batter, the cake is done. The top should be golden brown and slightly springy when touched.

• Can I prepare the batter ahead of time?

It’s best to bake the cake immediately after mixing. Preparing batter in advance might affect the rising agents and result in a less fluffy cake.

Heavenly Honey Bun Cake Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.9 from 8 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Indulgent honey bun cake delivers Southern comfort with its moist, cinnamon-swirled layers dripping with sweet glaze. Nostalgic flavors dance across your palate, inviting memories of grandma’s cherished kitchen traditions.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup milk
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted

Cake Enhancers:

• ½ cup sour cream
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt

Cinnamon Swirl:

• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• 2 teaspoons cinnamon

Glaze:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1 tablespoon milk (or evaporated milk/water)
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Prepare the oven by heating to 350°F and preparing a bundt pan with non-stick spray or butter and flour coating.
2. Create a smooth base mixture by thoroughly blending melted butter, milk, and sour cream in a large mixing bowl.
3. Incorporate sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract into the liquid mixture, whisking until completely combined.
4. Gradually fold in flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt, mixing until the batter achieves a uniform consistency.
5. Prepare a separate mixture of brown sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl for layering.
6. Construct the cake’s interior by carefully layering one-third of the batter into the prepared pan, followed by a generous sprinkle of the cinnamon-sugar blend.
7. Repeat the layering process, alternating between batter and cinnamon-sugar mixture, ensuring the final layer is batter.
8. Use a butter knife to create gentle swirling patterns throughout the cake, distributing the cinnamon-sugar evenly.
9. Place the cake in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, checking for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center.
10. Allow the cake to rest in the pan for 15 minutes after removing from the oven.
11. Carefully invert the cake onto a serving plate, releasing it from the bundt pan.
12. Craft a smooth glaze by whisking powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until free of lumps.
13. While the cake remains slightly warm, drizzle the prepared glaze generously over the top, allowing it to cascade down the sides.
14. Slice and serve the cake, enjoying the rich, sweet flavors and tender crumb.

Notes

• Swap sour cream with Greek yogurt for a lighter, tangier version that reduces fat content while maintaining moisture.
• Use whole wheat pastry flour to boost nutritional value and add a subtle nutty flavor without compromising the cake’s delicate texture.
• Create a dairy-free alternative by replacing milk and butter with almond milk and coconut oil, perfect for lactose-intolerant bakers.
• Prevent cinnamon-sugar mixture from s

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 32 g
• Sodium: 200 mg
• Fat: 16 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 48 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg