Glazed Honey Bun Cake is made with yellow cake mix, cinnamon brown sugar filling and topped with a sweet honey glaze. A popular favorite!
EASY HONEY BUN CAKE RECIPE
This easy glazed honey bun cake tastes just like those yummy snack cakes. Actually, it tastes way better than any snack cake. This cake is so moist and delicious that everyone will swear it was made from scratch!
HOW DO YOU MAKE A CAKE MIX TASTE HOMEMADE?
When you add a filling and a homemade icing or frosting, it really elevates the whole taste. Also, by adding the additional sour cream we're changing the flavor just slightly and helping to make it super moist. The cake mix doesn't taste like a boxed cake mix anymore. It'll taste like you spent hours making this Honey Bun Cake!
INGREDIENTS NEEDED: (FULL RECIPE AT THE BOTTOM OF THE POST)
- yellow cake mix
- eggs
- sour cream
- vegetable oil
- light brown sugar
- ground cinnamon
- powdered sugar
- milk
- vanilla extract
honey (optional)
HOW TO MAKE HONEY BUN CAKE:
Preheat oven to 350F degrees. and mix until combined. In a medium bowl stir together the cake mix, eggs, sour cream, and oil and mix until well-incorporated
In a separate bowl, mix together the brown sugar and cinnamon until well-blended; set aside.
Pour half of the cake batter into your prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
Add all of the brown sugar/cinnamon mixture to the top, covering the entire layer of batter.
Pour the rest of the cake batter on top. And spread the batter until even.
Place the cake into the oven and bake for about 40-45 minutes, or until an inserted toothpick comes out clean. While the cake is baking, make the glaze. In a bowl, mix the powdered sugar, milk, vanilla and honey (if using) until glaze is smooth. I like mine just a bit thick but still pourable.
When the cake comes out of the oven, immediately pour glaze onto the warm cake.
Spread the glaze out a bit to evenly cover cake.
Let the cake sit for a few minutes so the glaze can set and serve warm or at room temperature.
HOW TO STORE CAKE:
- Any uneaten cake should be stored in the refrigerator for 3 days.
- This cake can also be frozen. Make sure cake is stored in a covered, airtight container. Cake may be frozen for up to 3 months.
CRAVING MORE RECIPES? GIVE THESE A TRY!
MARASCHINO CHERRY CAKE
PEACH HONEY POUND CAKE
SNICKERS POKE CAKE
CINNAMON ROLL CAKE
BEST CAKE MIX RECIPES
GLAZED HONEY BUN CAKE
Ingredients
- 1 (15 oz) box yellow cake mix
- 4 eggs
- 1 cup sour cream
- ¾ cups vegetable oil
- 1 cup light brown sugar packed
- 2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 4-6 tablespoon milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon honey optional
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350F degrees. Spray 9 x 13 baking dish with nonstick spray.
- In a medium bowl stir together the cake mix, eggs, sour cream, and oil and mix until well-incorporated.
- In a separate bowl, mix together the brown sugar and cinnamon until well-blended; set aside.
- Pour half of the cake batter into a greased 13×9 pan, spreading it out evenly.
- Add all of the brown sugar/cinnamon mixture to the top, covering the entire layer of batter.
- Pour the rest of the cake batter on top, and spread the batter out as evenly as possible.
- Place the cake into the oven and bake for about 40-45 minutes, or until an inserted toothpick comes out clean.
- While the cake is baking, make the glaze. In a bowl, mix the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until glaze is smooth.
- When the cake comes out of the oven, immediately pour glaze onto the hot cake.
- Spread it out evenly. Slice and enjoy!
Video
Notes
- Any uneaten cake should be stored in the refrigerator for 3 days.
- This cake can also be frozen. Make sure cake is stored in a covered, airtight container. Cake may be frozen for up to 3 months.
Nutrition
Originally posted: February 2011
Updated & republished: January 2021
Natalia
This is my new favorite cake ever!! So moist and delicious it’s very hard to stop eating it.
Brandie @ The Country Cook
YAY! Thanks so much Natalia!!!
Dee
This sounds delicious, but could I make these as cupcakes instead of cake, and if so, how long should I bake them for?
Brandie @ The Country Cook
Hi Dee! I am sure you absolutely could. I haven't tested it yet so couldn't really give you a time on it for cupcakes though. You may have to play it by ear 🙂
Amanda
Best recipe!!
Hayley
Do you mix the honey in with the cake mix or with the glaze?
Brandie @ The Country Cook
Hayley, the honey goes in with the glaze 🙂
Natali
Hi, I do not have yellow cake mix in my country. What ingredients can I put in place? Thanks in advance
Brandie @ The Country Cook
You can use your favorite vanilla cake recipe for this 🙂
Melanie W
This cake is AMAZING!!! So good!!! I made it for the weekend because my parents were in town and there's one piece left! 🙂
Diana
My mother wants me to make that cake, so I'll make it for her someday soon and, also, I wrote down the recipe, so I'm going to use it as a shopping list. Maybe I'll bake it this year on Halloween or Thanksgiving!
Anonymous
This looks yummy but I thought it would have honey in it. Honey buns you get at the store have honey listed in the ingredients. I love cinnamon so I may make it anyhow and maybe put some honey in the glaze. I love most all of your recipes. Thanks!
Tiffani
About how many ounces for the milk it looks like more then 4-6 tbsp is it 1/4 2 ozs wanna make sure I measure it correct
Brandie @ The Country Cook
Folks always measure powdered sugar differently. Some pack it in - some don't. Some overmeasure and some don't. So that is why I say 4-6 tbsp. So, what I would say is start with 4 tbsp. You can always add more but you can't take it away. Whisk it really good and see if you like the thickness. If you want it thinner, just add a bit more milk until you get it where you want it. 🙂
Katherine
I absolutely love that you take pictures of ingredients and each step as you go along... this is so helpful.. thank you!
Tania P
I have gotten rave reviews on this cake from every event that I take it to, and have gotten requestts for it.
I also have to keep printing the recipe, because I give my hard copy to whoever asks for it.
Simply a great cake.
Another request, so here we go again!
Michele Pridgeon
I made this last night to go with my corned beef, potatoes, carrots and cabbage dinner. It was the perfect complement to the meal. My mother-in-law asked for the recipe because she wants to make it for her sorority get together next month. Thanks for the recipe!
Tiffani
Thank you will do an FYI I love your recipes ever since I started using my crockpot a year ago you have been my go to my family loves what I cook an I have fun making it. Cant wait to make this cake getting my ingredients today thanks WE LOVE YOU!!!
Susan Guest
I make all kinds of cake. Mostly from scratch. Okay I made two of these cake and I double the recipe for each one. One for my family and one to share. I never got to share the second one. This cake is sooo good and so easy to make. They started on the second one and secretly I was so happy because I don't do box cakes. This one was great with less work.
Annie
I love this recipe and my daughter said it's the best cake she has ever had, yummy! It's also perfect with the cooler months coming.
screendoorgirl3
Mmmm. Looks great! I will try when fall rolls around. Too hot( August) now for the oven. Thanks!
Mara
How have I never stumbled upon your site?!?! Immediately I've bookmarked you! And am honestly considering to tell the church I'll be making ALL the desserts for potluck from here on!! Haha!! Is it bad if I just take 3 desserts instead of a meal, salad and dessert?? These are beautiful and mouthwatering just to look at..... Xoxo can't wait to try! God bless! ????MH
cappywanna
WOW! I tried this recipe the other day and it came out so good that i have made 2 more times since! I run a small BBQ takeaway restaurant in central Ohio and i am always looking for new desserts to make. Thanks for giving me lots of great options!
Jess
I made this last night and IT WAS GREAT!!! Thank you for posting it.
Anonymous
I poke holes in mine to get the icing to the bottom as well.
Darlene Epps
I take it to church socials and only the crumbs are left.
Anonymous
I was just wandering when cake comes out of oven if you could do like a poke cake and poke holes through it and then pour the glaze over it?
Anonymous
Making this for my baby for VDay 🙂 he loves honey buns! I ran into a little problem though. The biggest box of cake mix i could find was 16.5oz. Will this still work ok?
vmann731
I made this last night, and it was much better after sitting overnight! Delicious!
Anonymous
Made these this morning for five and my six children and they loved them!! So yummy, so moist, so soft, so sweet, so gonna make these again!! Thanks for sharing :).
Becky
I don't like cake very much (I'm an ice cream kind of girl) but I really really liked this cake!! I am thinking of trying to do it in cupcakes for my little guys birthday tomorrow!
TuesdaySusan
I baked this yesterday for a family dinner......well....it was just crazy insane FABULOUS! It is beyond delicious! I find it very exciting to try a new recipe and it comes out this dang good!
chelsea
This looks soooo good! Thanks for sharing!
MrsKacz
I was so excited to find this recipe! I have had Honey Bun Cake once before and it was awesome! I haven't been able to find a recipe for it since! I made it as soon as I found it. In fact, I made Honey Bun Cupcakes today. I gave you a shout out on my teaching blog today. Let me clarify, I do a post each Monday called "Mouth-Watering Monday" where I post a favorite recipe. Your Honey Bun Cake is my recipe this week! Hop on over to check it out!
http://krazyfunteaching.blogspot.com/2012/08/mouth-watering-monday_13.html
I hope you enjoy it!
Holly
The Country Cook
Oh I love hearing that!! The cook should always have dibs on the first taste! Thank you so much for letting me know! 🙂
Anonymous
I just took this out of the oven 20 minutes ago. I had to cut it and try it right then. My house smells so good and this cake is out of this world! I am sure when everyone gets home there won't be much left!!! Great recipe!!!
KeriLyn84
OH MY WORD!! I am in love with the deliciousness and simplicity of this cake! It didnt last very long with my family and coworkers either! Adding this to the recipe book! Gotta love semi homemade!
Cindi
Taste just like a honey bun! I loved it and could not stop eating it. Thanks for the recipe.
jendiggs3
I made this cake before for my kids school carnival for the cake walk. When it was their turn to pick a baked item, I MADE them pick mine and then we went home and ate it. I'm so glad I did!! So yummy!!!
KimH
Oh dear.. Im afraid I MUST make this soon. 😉 Thanks!
Anonymous
It's in my oven right now and smells divine. So easy to make! I can't wait to taste it!
Becky
I made this for the first time ever this past weekend. It was gone, lickety split. Made it for my friend two days later. She's been singing my praises since. What a fabulous cake! Thank you for sharing the love.
The Country Cook
Kathy - so happy you liked it!!
Kathy Brown-Lowery
I just made this cake and all I can say is OMGoodness!!!! It is AWESOME. It tastes like a giant honey bun. LOVE IT
Art By ASM
This is next on my list to make, have to go and get Sour Cream. It looks so yummy!
Concetta
I make this too - love it! Your picture is fabulous!
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Concetta
Rosa B.
I've made this cake several times and it is SO good!!! 🙂
Anonymous
I made this recipe yesterday and it is wonderful!! I shared to everyone and they all loved it as well, also made the whole house smell yummy 🙂 Thank you for sharing! My Aunt is making it for a family reunion this weekend!!
marla {family fresh cooking}
What I would do for some of this cake right now!
We are in our final week of Get Grillin' - Dessert is the theme and we would love if you submitted up to any 3 recipes (they don't have to be grilled) to our link up. This one would be perfect! This week we have a Rouxbe Cooking School giveaway. http://su.pr/2YaIiV
Jenn
This sounds great, Thanks so much for the printable recipe.
Nicole Maki
Thanks so much for the great recipe. I made it the other day and it was outstanding!
Cindy
Made this the other day...I could and almost did eat the whole thing by myself!
Mrs. H @ My Happily Ever After
omg it just looks sinful! as do all of your sidebar recipes...i'm so impressed! looking forward to reading!
ladybehindthecurtain.com
I printed this recipe! My son is going to be so excited! The Hostess Honey Buns are his favorite but we can't get them here. Thanks!
Renee Simmons
WOW! Made this for the family yesterday! It was a total hit. I adapted it where I could with lighter options & no one could tell. LOVED it! TY!
The Country Cook
{doing a happy dance} So happy to hear that Renee. Love that you made it your own and lightened up where you could!! Great idea! Thanks for coming back and letting me know how it turned out :o)
SJ @ Homemaker On A Dime
Hi, friend! I'm admiring all your creative posts here so can you please share them with us at the Creative Bloggers' Party & Hop? Hope to see you there at the party 🙂
Gray Cardigan
I can't wait to try this!!!! So glad that you posted it!!
Michelle Maskaly
I like this idea!
Tami
Can't wait to try this one! Thanks for sharing this recipe!
Candice
Ooo yum this looks delicious! Glad I stumbled onto your blog 🙂
Allison
Sounds wonderful. I love recipes that use cake mix, it just adds a little extra flavor.
cindy
This looks amazing--it will be on the menu this weekend! Have a great day.
Micha
I've seen several recipes for Honey Bun cakes and have yet to make one even though I have heard hey are amazingly delicious.
Alison
Just made this, delicious!!
Kay
What a great spin off to the Honey Bun....can't wait to make this! You are a genius!
Lisa
mmm! I can't say that I've had honey bun cake and it looks like I'm missing out! It sounds just perfect!
Caroline
Now that looks like a cake everyone would love. YUM.
Alison
I love recipes that start with cake mix! Thanks so much for posting this! It's going on my TRY list!
Cheryl
I get in baking moods too, AND I love recipes that use cake mixes --- for those times I need something fast and easy.
My Dad loves honey buns -- this looks like it would be a winner in his book -- saving in my recipe file!
yvettesblogs.com
With a name like "Honey Bun Cake" how can anyone resist. Fabulous cake and love the easy recipe!
http://yvettesblogs.com/
Helen
Oh Girl...you are after my heart with this Honey Bun Cake, it looks so delicious!
ann
Yum! This looks fantastic. Honey Bun Cake is a great idea!
Ang
Well I'll be. I have never had a honey bun cake. Looks amazing. Wish I had some with my coffee right about now. Great post!
Rosemary
This looks like something even a baking-challenged cook like myself could handle -- and impress folks! Not to mention loving it myself. Thanks for sharing.
Savannah
i don't think i've ever had a honey bun...this looks so scrumptious.. probably shouldn't be reading food blogs at this hour! i have to try some now! =)
Carolyn
I've never actually had a honey bun, and they don't really appeal to me, but this cake sure does. I could eat it all in one fell swoop!
Sandra
Sounds easy and it looks divine!
Wilde in the Kitchen
A cake that tastes like a honey bun? Yumm! It looks so simple to make too, I love it!
Jason
Oh this looks so tasty! I'm adding this on my list of things to bake! Maybe I'll do an episode on my blog about this tasty cake!
Kimberly
Love honey buns (hehe!), so this looks amazing!
Steph
This cake sounds super yummy! And very light, perfect with my morning coffee!
Jill Colonna
Yep. Winter is certainly pushing us all to the sweet side, although your meatballs had be seriously tempted for something savoury! I lOVE the name of the cake.
happywhennothungry
Wow this looks and sounds delicious! Yum!
Jennifer
Honey Bun Cake is one of my very favorites!!! Love this recipe 🙂
You know, it has been a while since I made this for my family. I think I just might have to do that one day very soon.
And, like you, I seem to be on a sweet kick recently. I'm posting a sweet treat recipe today too 🙂
Jenn
Annie
I definitely need to make this one. Honey buns are my sons favorite treat and that looks yummy!
mywanderingspoon
Yum, with the morning coffee...lovely recipe:)
Pretend Chef
I would love a slice of this cake right now. Gotta love a fuss-free cake and the convenience of a box mix. Yummy!
Lizzy
Oooh, boy, so simple and yet delicious! I'm going to tuck this away for my typical days when I don't have time to make homemade ricotta for my cheesecake 😉 Love these shortcut recipes! Thanks, Brandie!
ravienomnoms
Oh my that looks good!
Becky
Great Cake! My dad, who is 91 , and in a nursing home, loves Little Debbie's Honey Buns. I be that he'd like this cake, so I'm going to make it for him. Thanks for sharing!
Rosy
I love this easy to make cake. Such a great idea!
Sprinkled with Flour
This cake is so yummy! I tried it a few weeks ago after seeing it on tasty kitchen, and it was a crowd pleaser:)