Honey Bun Cake

Why You’ll Love It

Easy to make: This recipe is quite straightforward to put together, even if you don’t bake much. Using a yellow cake mix makes it even easier.
Tastes so good: This cake has all the fantastic flavors you crave – vanilla, brown sugar, pecans, cinnamon, and more. One slice might not be enough!
A versatile option: Pair a slice or two with brunch, enjoy honey bun cake as a late morning treat with your coffee or have some for dessert.

Honey Bun Cake Ingredients

A complete list of ingredients and amounts can be found in the recipe card below.

Yellow cake mix: A handy shortcut method of making the cake. You can find this ingredient in most grocery stores.
Vegetable oil: Helps to keep the cake moist.
Sour cream: Adds moisture to the cake and a nice tang.
Brown sugar: For sweetness.
Chopped pecans: An optional ingredient but really good in the finished honey buns.
Ground cinnamon: Adds a warm, earthy, spicy flavor.
Vanilla extract: Use real vanilla here, not synthetic.
Powdered sugar: For the frosting.
Milk: For the frosting. Whole milk yields a great result.

How to Make Honey Bun Cake

For more detailed instructions with weights and measurements, jump to the printable recipe card.

Prepare the first cake layer: Mix the boxed cake mix, oil, eggs, and sour cream in a large mixing bowl until lump-free. Pour this batter into a greased cake pan and spread it evenly.
Make the cinnamon sugar layer: Mix the cinnamon and sugar together and sprinkle over the cake batter in the cake pan, adding chopped pecans too if you are using them.
Make the second cake layer: Combine yellow cake mix, eggs, oil, and sour cream to make the second layer and pour this over the cinnamon sugar mixture. Spread the brown sugar mixture evenly.
Bake: Bake the cake for about an hour or until done.
Make the frosting: Mix the powdered sugar with milk and vanilla extract, and then pour this mixture over the hot cake, spreading it out over the cake with a spatula.
Let it cool: Let the honey bun cake cool completely. It’s best to leave it uncovered for 2 hours at room temperature and then slice and serve.

Substitutions and Variations

Gluten-free option: If you want a gluten-free version, use gluten-free yellow cake mix (this one is really good!)
Another cake mix: Use white cake mix if you want. It will be slightly different but still delicious.
Chopped pecans: You can omit these or use chopped walnuts instead.
Brown sugar mixture: Use light brown sugar or dark brown sugar or, if you prefer it, white sugar.
Vanilla extract: Try another extract such as orange or almond.
Frosting: Use any sweet glaze recipe you want on the warm cake, a vanilla glaze or your own favorite.

Serving Suggestions

With brunch: Pair your breakfast burrito, bacon and sheet pan eggs with something sweet, namely this cinnamon coffee cake!
As a snack: Whether your drink of choice is pumpkin spice coffee, iced tea, a smoothie, or even a cocktail, everything pairs well with honey buns.
For dessert: Add a scoop of good quality vanilla ice cream to a slice of honey bun cake and enjoy.

How to Store Cake Mix Honey Bun Cake

Store: Keep leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. You can also refrigerate it for slightly longer storage.
Freeze: You can freeze slices of honey bun cake in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
Thaw: Defrost in the refrigerator overnight or on the counter for several hours.