Honey Bun Cake

By
Kristina Vanni
Kristina Vanni
Kristina Vanni
An internationally recognized culinary authority, Kristina Vanni is well-known for her recipe development, food photography, and experience as a TV show host.
Learn about The Spruce Eats' Editorial Process
Updated on 01/4/23
Honey Bun Cake

Kristina Vanni

Prep: 15 mins
Cook: 35 mins
Total: 50 mins
Servings: 12 servings
Yield: 12 squares
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
468 Calories
21g Fat
68g Carbs
4g Protein
Show Full Nutrition Label Hide Full Nutrition Label
×
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 12
Amount per serving
Calories 468
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 21g 27%
Saturated Fat 4g 21%
Cholesterol 73mg 24%
Sodium 298mg 13%
Total Carbohydrate 68g 25%
Dietary Fiber 1g 3%
Total Sugars 52g
Protein 4g
Vitamin C 0mg 1%
Calcium 129mg 10%
Iron 1mg 7%
Potassium 106mg 2%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
(Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate.)

A honey bun cake is a decadent and delicious cake with a cinnamon-sugar layer in the center and a honey glaze on top. It tastes just like a cinnamon roll but in the form of a cake. It is as easy to bake as your favorite sheet cake but no one will know this dessert begins with a box mix.

Unlike other cakes, this cake is glazed right after it's removed from the oven; the honey glaze is a little thinner than a typical frosting or drizzle and meant to be absorbed into the warm cake, infusing every bite with hints of honey. This honey bun cake is perfect for a leisurely weekend brunch with a hot cup of coffee or tea.

Ingredients

For the Cake:

  • 1 (15 1/4-ounce) box yellow cake mix

  • 2/3 cup vegetable oil

  • 4 large eggs

  • 1 (8-ounce) container sour cream

For the Cinnamon-Sugar Filling:

  • 1 cup packed brown sugar

  • 1/3 cup chopped pecans

  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

For the Honey Glaze:

  • 2 cups powdered sugar

  • 3 tablespoons milk

  • 2 tablespoons honey

  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Steps to Make It

  1. Gather the ingredients. Preheat the oven to 350 F (325 F for a dark or nonstick pan). Grease and flour a 9 by 13-inch pan.

    Honey Bun Cake

    Kristina Vanni

  2. In a large bowl, make the cake batter by beating the yellow cake mix, vegetable oil, eggs, and sour cream with an electric mixer on low speed for 30 seconds. Increase the speed to medium and beat for 2 minutes, scraping down the sides of the bowl occasionally.

    Honey Bun Cake

    Kristina Vanni

  3. Spread half of the batter into the prepared pan.

    Honey Bun Cake

    Kristina Vanni

  4. In a small bowl, make the filling by stirring together the brown sugar, chopped pecans, and cinnamon.

    Honey Bun Cake

    Kristina Vanni

  5. Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar filling over the cake batter in the pan.

    Honey Bun Cake

    Kristina Vanni

  6. Carefully spoon the remaining batter evenly over the cinnamon-sugar mixture.

    Honey Bun Cake

    Kristina Vanni

  7. Gently spread the batter to the edges, completely covering the cinnamon sugar layer. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes or until deep golden brown.

    Honey Bun Cake

    Kristina Vanni

  8. Meanwhile, in another bowl, make the glaze; whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, honey, and vanilla extract until combined.

    Honey Bun Cake

    Kristina Vanni

  9. Remove the cake from the oven and place it on a wire rack.

    Honey Bun Cake

    Kristina Vanni

  10. Immediately pour the honey glaze over the hot cake. Let it set and cool completely before cutting and serving.

    Honey Bun Cake

    Kristina Vanni

  11. Cut into squares and enjoy. Store covered.

    Honey Bun Cake

    Kristina Vanni

Make It Nut Free

If you prefer a nut-free version of honey bun cake, omit the pecans in the filling.

Storing Leftover Honey Bun Cake

Leftover cake should be stored covered with aluminum foil. If stored at room temperature, it will last 1 to 2 days; in the refrigerator, the cake will keep for about 1 week. Microwave honey bun pieces for about 15 seconds to get a fresh-from-the-oven taste.