Honey Bun Cake Recipe: A Sweet Family Favorite Worth Sharing

The first time I baked a Honey Bun Cake Recipe, it wasn’t for a special occasion it was just a quiet Sunday in my kitchen. With the windows open and cinnamon in the air, it felt like home. I remember my kids circling the oven, waiting for that golden top to rise, and the sweet vanilla glaze to drizzle down the warm cake. It was simple, nostalgic, and exactly what I needed. That day, this became one of our forever recipes.

At Recipe Inspired, my goal is to make home cooking joyful, and this Honey Bun Cake Recipe fits right in. It’s the kind of dessert that feels both easy and special, made with pantry staples and lots of love. Whether you’re baking for breakfast, a midweek treat, or just because it delivers every time. If you love a cake that smells like cinnamon, tastes like comfort, and looks like it came from a Southern bakery, you’re going to love this one.

Discovering the Joy of Honey Bun Cake Recipe
A classic Southern favorite with rich flavor and simple ingredients

Honey Bun Cake

A delightful dessert combining cinnamon, vanilla, and a sweet glaze, perfect for breakfast or a sweet snack.

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Prep Time 25 minutes mins

Cook Time 35 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Servings 12 slices

Calories 300 kcal

Equipment

• Mixing bowl
• 9×13-inch baking pan
• Whisk
• Measuring cups
• Measuring spoons
• Spatula

Ingredients

  

Cake Ingredients

• 2 cups All-purpose flour Provides structure to the cake.
• 1 cup Granulated sugar Adds sweetness to the cake.
• 1/2 cup Unsalted butter Softened, for a rich flavor.
• 1 cup Sour cream Adds moisture and tanginess.
• 3 large Eggs Provides structure and moisture.
• 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract Enhances flavor.
• 1 teaspoon Baking powder Helps the cake rise.
• 1/2 teaspoon Baking soda Works with the sour cream for leavening.
• 1/4 teaspoon Salt Enhances flavor.

Cinnamon Swirl Ingredients

• 1/2 cup Brown sugar Packed, for sweetness and moisture.
• 1 tablespoon Ground cinnamon Adds warm spice flavor.

Glaze Ingredients

• 1 cup Powdered sugar For sweetness in the glaze.
• 2 tablespoons Milk To thin the glaze.
• 1/2 teaspoon Vanilla extract For flavor in the glaze.

Instructions

 

• Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
• In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes.
• Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the sour cream and vanilla extract.
• In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
• In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar and ground cinnamon for the swirl.
• Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan. Pour half of the cake batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle half of the cinnamon-sugar mixture over the batter.
• Add the remaining cake batter on top and smooth it out. Sprinkle the rest of the cinnamon-sugar mixture over the top and gently swirl it into the batter with a knife.
• Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
• While the cake is baking, prepare the glaze by whisking together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
• Once the cake is done, let it cool for about 10 minutes before drizzling the glaze over the warm cake.
• Allow the cake to cool completely before slicing and serving.

Notes

Honey Bun Cake is a cherished dessert that can be enjoyed for breakfast or as a sweet snack. Feel free to add fruits or make it gluten-free for variations.

Keyword Cinnamon Cake, Honey Bun Cake, Sweet Treat

What is Honey Bun Cake and Why Everyone’s Obsessed

This Honey Bun Cake Recipe is a love letter to cinnamon lovers. Made with sour cream for a moist crumb and a ribbon of brown sugar cinnamon running through the center, it’s like a giant cinnamon roll in cake form. The sweet vanilla glaze finishes it off, soaking slightly into the warm cake for extra flavor.

It’s the kind of dessert that feels perfect for any moment after dinner, weekend brunch, or just when you need something sweet. Much like the cozy Homemade Banana Pudding or indulgent Brown Sugar Pop-Tart Cookies, this recipe taps into pure comfort food magic.

Where the Honey Bun Cake Recipe Comes From

Born in the kitchens of the American South, the Honey Bun Cake Recipe took off in the 1970s, showing up at potlucks, family reunions, and Sunday dinners. It was inspired by the beloved snack cake, but this homemade version quickly took center stage.

Over the years, families have added their own twists some use chopped pecans, others fold in apples or swap the glaze for cream cheese frosting. But the base has stayed the same: a moist cake, warm spices, and that unmistakable swirl. It joins the ranks of nostalgic recipes like our Tuna Noodle Casserole and Soft and Fluffy French Bread simple, satisfying, and always made with love.

Ingredients That Make This Honey Bun Cake Recipe Irresistible

Let’s talk about what really makes this Honey Bun Cake Recipe shine the ingredients. These simple, everyday items come together in the most magical way, transforming your kitchen into a warm, cinnamon-scented haven. I love how this cake blends pantry staples with cozy flavors to create something so comforting, yet easy to whip up any day of the week.

Flour forms the soft structure that holds everything together. Sugar provides sweetness and helps the cake bake up with that golden hue. Butter adds richness and flavor, while sour cream keeps the texture incredibly tender and moist. Eggs do more than bind they give the batter volume. Vanilla adds a fragrant depth that enhances every bite. And the combination of baking powder and baking soda gives the cake its signature lift, while a touch of salt brings out all the other flavors beautifully.

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Now, let’s not forget the cinnamon swirl that’s what gives this cake its bakery-style twist. Brown sugar and cinnamon melt together as the cake bakes, forming warm, sweet pockets in every slice. As for the glaze, it’s a silky blend of powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla that soaks into the cake while it’s still warm, making each piece extra decadent.

This recipe is a dream alongside comforting dinners like my Tuna Casserole Recipe or even a cozy brunch with Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll Ups. It’s that kind of versatile treat that fits every occasion.

Ingredients You’ll Need:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup sour cream
• 3 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/4 tsp salt

Cinnamon Swirl:

• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
• 1 tbsp ground cinnamon

Glaze:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tbsp milk
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Step-by-Step Honey Bun Cake Recipe Instructions

There’s something so rewarding about preparing this Honey Bun Cake Recipe from scratch. Not only does it fill your kitchen with a cozy blend of cinnamon and vanilla, but each step brings you closer to a warm, bakery-style treat made right at home. The process is simple, making it perfect for both beginner bakers and seasoned pros. It’s the kind of dessert you’ll want to make again and again.

Begin by setting your oven to 350°F so it has time to fully preheat. Meanwhile, lightly grease a 9×13-inch pan using butter or baking spray to ensure your Honey Bun Cake lifts cleanly after baking, giving you those picture-perfect slices.

In a mixing bowl, blend the softened butter with sugar until smooth and creamy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing just enough to incorporate each fully. Then stir in the sour cream and vanilla extract until the batter is soft and velvety.

In another bowl, combine the flour, salt, baking powder, and baking soda. Gradually fold this mixture into the wet ingredients using a spatula or spoon, just until the batter comes together. Avoid overmixing to keep your Honey Bun Cake Recipe light and fluffy.

Now it’s time for the cinnamon swirl. In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar and cinnamon until well mixed. Pour half of the batter into the prepared pan, then evenly sprinkle half of the cinnamon-sugar mixture over the top. Add the rest of the batter, smooth it out, and layer with the remaining cinnamon sugar. Use a butter knife to swirl gently through the layers, creating a beautiful marbled effect.

Place the cake in the oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean. As the cake rests, stir together powdered sugar, a splash of milk, and vanilla extract to form a silky glaze. Pour it over the warm cake and allow it to soak in for added sweetness and shine.

If you love nostalgic bakes, don’t miss my Homemade Banana Pudding Recipe or these indulgent Salted Caramel Brownie Bars they’re longtime favorites in my kitchen and perfect for any gathering.

Tips, Variations, and How to Serve Honey Bun Cake Recipe

This Honey Bun Cake Recipe is a nostalgic favorite, but it’s also incredibly flexible. From helpful baking tricks to creative twists, you can elevate the flavor and presentation to suit any occasion. Whether you’re baking it for breakfast, a party, or a family dessert, these tips will help you make it even better.

Tips for consistent results every time

For the best results, always use room-temperature butter when starting your Honey Bun Cake Recipe. This ensures smooth creaming with the sugar and creates a light, airy texture. Sour cream is another key ingredient it adds richness and guarantees a moist crumb. Don’t be tempted to skip it or substitute with thinner yogurt.

Make sure you measure flour properly by spooning it into the cup and leveling it off. Scooping directly can pack in too much, which may lead to a dry cake. And once you combine the dry ingredients with the wet, stir just until everything is incorporated. Overmixing makes the Honey Bun Cake Recipe denser and less tender.

Delicious variations and serving suggestions

Looking to put a twist on the classic Honey Bun Cake Recipe? Swap vanilla extract for maple or almond extract for a unique depth of flavor. You can even stir chopped pecans or walnuts into the cinnamon swirl for crunch. A cream cheese layer in the middle transforms it into a rich dessert with a surprise center.

Serve warm from the oven or let it cool completely it’s delicious either way. For a full brunch spread, pair this with savory mains like Crockpot Thai Peanut Chicken or something cozy like Homemade Loaded Potato Soup. At parties, it stands out on a dessert table next to other favorites like my Strawberry Cheesecake Crunch Bites.

Leftovers? Simply wrap slices tightly and keep them at room temperature for 2–3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate or freeze slices individually and warm up when you’re ready to enjoy another bite of this incredible Honey Bun Cake Recipe.

Conclusion: Honey Bun Cake Recipe

There’s something timeless about a Honey Bun Cake Recipe. It’s warm, sweet, and filled with comfort just the kind of treat that brings people together. Whether you’re baking it for a cozy weekend breakfast, a family get-together, or simply because you’re craving something nostalgic, this cake always delivers.

From the cinnamon swirl to the soft vanilla glaze, every bite of this Honey Bun Cake Recipe tells a story of home baking done with love. I’ve made this cake more times than I can count, and it never fails to fill my kitchen with the kind of aroma that makes you stop and smile. I hope this recipe finds a place in your home the same way it has in mine—shared around the table, passed down to loved ones, and enjoyed often.

FAQ: Honey Bun Cake Recipe