If you grew up eating those sticky, cinnamon-swirled honey buns from the gas station or vending machine (guilty), then buckle up—because this Easy Honey Bun Cake is basically the glow-up version of that childhood classic
We’re talking soft, golden yellow cake swirled with cinnamon sugar and topped with a honey-kissed glaze that seeps into every warm nook and cranny. And the best part? It starts with a trusty box of yellow cake mix. This is shortcut dessert magic at its finest.
Easy Honey Bun Cake Ingredients
- Yellow Cake Mix – Our base! It keeps things easy while still delivering that soft, tender crumb.
- Cream Cheese – This adds richness and a slight tang, giving the cake a velvety, homemade texture. Make sure it’s nice and soft!
- Oil + Milk + Eggs – The classic trio to bring the mix to life. I use whole or 2% milk for a little extra richness.
- Vanilla Extract – Just a splash makes the cake taste like it’s from scratch.
- Brown Sugar + Cinnamon – This is your swirl, and honestly, it makes the whole thing taste like a cinnamon roll and honey bun had a baby.
- Powdered Sugar + Honey + Milk – The dreamy glaze! Honey is the secret weapon here—it gives the glaze that classic honey bun flavor.
why you'll love them!
- It’s SO easy – You don’t even need to break out the stand mixer.
- Nostalgic flavor – Just like a honey bun, but way better.
- Ultra moist and gooey – That cinnamon swirl and glaze combo is magic.
- Feeds a crowd – Perfect for brunches, parties, or a week’s worth of dessert (no judgment).
- Tastes even better the next day – If you can resist it that long!
Tips and Tricks
- Don’t skip the swirl – Layering the cinnamon sugar in the middle gives you that true honey bun effect. Use a butter knife to gently swirl—don’t overdo it or you’ll lose the contrast.
- Let the glaze soak in – Pour it on while the cake is still warm so it melts into the top and creates that sticky, sweet finish.
- Use yogurt instead of sour cream – Greek yogurt keeps it a little lighter but still just as moist.
- Poke holes for extra gooeyness – If you want the glaze to sink deeper into the cake, poke a few holes in the top with a skewer before glazing.
- Store it covered on the counter – It stays soft for days and is actually better the next day.
How to Make this Honey Bun Cake
Step 1: Mix up your batter.
Grab a big bowl and mix together the yellow cake mix, eggs, cream cheese, milk, oil, and vanilla. Whisk until it’s smooth and creamy—no lumps here!
Step 2: Make your cinnamon swirl.
In a small bowl, stir together brown sugar and cinnamon. This is your secret swirl layer that brings that classic honey bun flavor.
Step 3: Layer and swirl.
Pour half the cake batter into a greased 9x13-inch pan and smooth it out. Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar evenly over the top. Then pour the rest of the batter on top and gently swirl with a butter knife. Don’t overmix—we want those swirly layers!
Step 4: Bake.
Pop it in the oven at 350°F for 35–40 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean and the top is golden brown and set.
Step 5: Glaze it up.
While the cake is still warm (not piping hot), whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, vanilla, and honey. Pour it all over the cake and let it soak in. This step makes it extra gooey and delicious.
Step 6: Slice and enjoy.
Let the cake cool slightly, then cut into squares and serve. It’s amazing warm or at room temp—either way, you’re in for a nostalgic treat.
FAQ
Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely. This cake actually tastes better the next day after the glaze has had time to settle in. Store it tightly covered at room temp for up to 3 days.
Can I freeze honey bun cake?
Yes! Slice it into squares and freeze in an airtight container. When ready to eat, just let it thaw at room temp or warm it slightly in the microwave.
What can I use instead of cream cheese?
You can try full-fat Greek yogurt or sour cream for a similar effect, though the texture may be slightly less rich.
Can I use a different cake mix?
Stick with yellow cake for that classic flavor, but you could experiment with butter or vanilla cake mix if that’s what you have.
If you make these Easy Honey BunCake, I would really appreciate a comment and rating down below, under the recipe card. Don’t forget to take a picture and tag me over on Instagram, Tik Tok, or Pinterest. For more ideas, check out my Dessert Recipes page.
Easy honey Bun Cake
Ingredients
- 1 box yellow cake mix
- 8 oz softened cream cheese
- 3/4 cup vegetable oil
- 4 large eggs
- 1/3 cup milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup light brown sugar
- 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
For the glaze
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp honey
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or spray with nonstick spray.
- Make the cake batter:In a large bowl, whisk together the cake mix, eggs, sour cream (or yogurt), oil, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Make the cinnamon swirl:In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar and cinnamon.
- Layer it up:Pour half of the batter into the pan and spread evenly. Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the batter.Pour the remaining batter over top and gently swirl the layers with a butter knife—don’t overdo it!
- Bake:Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean and the top is golden.
- Glaze it up:While the cake is still warm (not hot), whisk together powdered sugar, milk, vanilla, and honey until smooth.Pour the glaze over the warm cake and let it soak in as it cools.
- Cool slightly before slicing. Serve warm or at room temp—both are delish.
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