Description: A delightful and easy-to-make cake that captures the irresistible flavors of a classic honey bun. This moist and tender cake is swirled with a sweet cinnamon-sugar mixture and topped with a luscious glaze, making it perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert.
Ingredients:
For the Cake:
- 1 box (15.25 ounces) yellow cake mix
- 3/4 cup sour cream
- 4 large eggs
- 3/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
For the Glaze:
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup milk (or more, as needed)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Preparation:
Before you embark on this culinary adventure, gather all your ingredients and equipment. This will ensure a smooth and enjoyable baking experience. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is crucial for even baking and a perfectly golden-brown cake. Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan. You can use butter, shortening, or cooking spray. This will prevent the cake from sticking and make it easy to remove once it’s baked.
Step 1: Combine Cake Ingredients In a large bowl, whisk together the yellow cake mix, sour cream, eggs, and vegetable oil. Use an electric mixer (handheld or stand mixer) for best results, mixing on medium speed until well combined. The batter should be smooth and free of lumps. The sour cream adds moisture and tanginess, while the eggs provide structure and richness. The vegetable oil ensures a tender and moist crumb.
Step 2: Prepare Cinnamon-Sugar Mixture In a separate, smaller bowl, stir together the brown sugar and ground cinnamon until evenly combined. This mixture will create the signature swirl and flavor of a honey bun. The brown sugar adds a caramel-like sweetness, while the cinnamon provides warmth and spice.
Step 3: Layer the Cake Batter Pour half of the cake batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly across the bottom. This will form the base of your cake. Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the batter. This layer of sweetness is what makes this cake so irresistible.
Step 4: Add the Remaining Batter and Swirl Pour the remaining cake batter on top of the cinnamon-sugar layer, spreading it as evenly as possible. Then, using a knife or skewer, gently swirl the batter together to create a marbled effect. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in a tough cake. The swirling creates visual appeal and distributes the cinnamon-sugar flavor throughout the cake.
Step 5: Bake the Cake Bake in the preheated oven for 40–45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. The baking time may vary depending on your oven, so it’s important to check for doneness. A clean toothpick indicates that the cake is fully baked and not still gooey in the middle.
Step 6: Prepare the Glaze While the cake is baking, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a medium bowl. The glaze should be smooth and pourable. Add more milk, one teaspoon at a time, if the glaze is too thick. The glaze adds a touch of sweetness and moisture to the cake.
Step 7: Glaze the Cake Once the cake is fresh out of the oven, while still hot, carefully pour the glaze evenly over the top. The heat from the cake will help the glaze melt and soak into the cake, creating a delicious, gooey topping. Let the cake cool completely in the pan before slicing and serving.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
This Honey Bun Cake is a crowd-pleaser for several reasons. First, it’s incredibly easy to make, thanks to the use of a boxed cake mix. This makes it perfect for busy weeknights or when you need a quick and impressive dessert. Second, it captures the nostalgic flavors of a classic honey bun, with its sweet cinnamon-sugar swirl and luscious glaze. Third, it’s incredibly moist and tender, thanks to the addition of sour cream and vegetable oil. The cake has a rich, buttery flavour. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this Honey Bun Cake is sure to become a family favorite.
COOKING Rating
Easy
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve warm or at room temperature.
- Pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
- Enjoy with a cup of coffee or tea.
- Dust with powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness.
- Garnish with fresh berries for a pop of color and flavor.
Tips:
- For a richer flavor, use melted butter instead of vegetable oil.
- Add a pinch of salt to the cake batter to enhance the sweetness.
- Don’t overbake the cake, as it will become dry.
- If the glaze is too thick, add a little more milk until it reaches the desired consistency.
- For a more intense cinnamon flavor, use cinnamon chips in the cake batter.
- If you don’t have sour cream, you can substitute plain Greek yogurt.
- For a nutty flavor, add chopped pecans or walnuts to the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
- Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Prep Time:
10 minutes
Cook Time:
45 minutes
Total Time:
55 minutes
Nutritional Information:
(Approximate values per serving)
- Calories: 340 kcal
- Protein: 3 g
- Sodium: 250 mg
Conclusion
The Honey Bun Cake recipe offers a delightful twist on a classic treat, delivering a moist, flavorful, and easy-to-make dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. Its combination of simple ingredients and straightforward instructions makes it accessible to bakers of all skill levels, ensuring a satisfying result every time. Whether you’re looking to impress guests, satisfy a sweet craving, or simply enjoy a comforting slice of homemade goodness, this Honey Bun Cake is sure to exceed expectations and become a cherished favorite in your recipe collection. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and prepare to indulge in the irresistible flavors of this delightful confection.
Questions and Answers about Honey Bun Cake
Question 1: Can I use a different type of cake mix?
Answer: Yes, you can experiment with different cake mixes to change the flavor profile of the cake. For example, you could use a butter pecan cake mix for a nutty flavor or a spice cake mix for a warmer, more seasonal flavor. Just keep in mind that the baking time may need to be adjusted depending on the type of cake mix you use. Also, ensure that the cake mix is a similar size to the one specified in the recipe (around 15-16 ounces) to maintain the correct batter consistency.
Question 2: What if I don’t have sour cream?
Answer: If you don’t have sour cream on hand, you can substitute plain Greek yogurt. Greek yogurt has a similar tangy flavor and creamy texture to sour cream, making it a suitable replacement. Use the same amount of Greek yogurt as the sour cream called for in the recipe. You could also use crème fraîche or even full-fat plain yogurt, although these may slightly alter the final texture and flavor of the cake.
Question 3: Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Answer: Yes, you can definitely make this cake ahead of time. In fact, it often tastes even better the next day after the flavors have had a chance to meld together. Let the cake cool completely after baking, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container. You can store it at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. If you’re making it more than a day in advance, it’s best to store it in the refrigerator to maintain its freshness.
Question 4: How do I prevent the cinnamon-sugar mixture from sinking to the bottom of the cake?
Answer: To prevent the cinnamon-sugar mixture from sinking to the bottom of the cake, there are a few techniques you can try. First, make sure that the batter is not too thin. If it’s too runny, the cinnamon-sugar mixture will have a tendency to sink. You can also try tossing the cinnamon-sugar mixture with a tablespoon or two of flour before sprinkling it over the batter. This will help to thicken the mixture and prevent it from sinking. Finally, be gentle when swirling the batter to avoid disturbing the cinnamon-sugar layer too much.
Question 5: Can I add other toppings to the cake?
Answer: Absolutely! Feel free to get creative with your toppings. Chopped nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, would add a nice crunch and nutty flavor. You could also sprinkle chocolate chips or toffee bits over the glaze for an extra touch of sweetness. If you’re a fan of fruit, consider adding a layer of sliced apples or peaches to the cake before baking. You can also drizzle caramel sauce or chocolate syrup over the glaze for an even more decadent treat.
