Honey Bun Cake Recipe from Scratch

The Art of Crafting the Delicious Honey Bun Cake from Scratch

The South, known for its impeccable charm and hearty cuisine, houses numerous treats that become family favorites over generations.

One such gem, often reminiscing of the taste of cinnamon rolls, is the homemade honey bun cake.

This delicious honey bun cake isn’t just another simple cake recipe; it’s a delightful fusion of flavors, evoking memories of sitting on a porch with a cup of coffee, as the golden sun sets.

A Rich History, One Slice at a Time

From the boxed cake mix used in some versions to the true recipe crafted entirely from scratch, honey bun cakes have seen many variations.

NOTE: While this cake is mostly made from scratch, it does use 1 box of ready made cake mix for convenience. You can create your own cake mix from scratch, but it may alter the consistency and baking time. I do include a yellow cake mix recipe in the frequently asked questions at the bottom of this if you’d like to try a homemade version.

This recipe sits somewhere between a cinnamon coffee cake and a gooey butter cake, boasting of its distinct, buttery cake texture.

Simple Ingredients, Sumptuous Cake

To create this masterpiece, you don’t need a plethora of complicated ingredients. The magic lies in basic ingredients combined with love and patience.

Starting with cream cheese – often found in scratch recipes, this key ingredient ensures a moist cake that makes every bite better than the last.

And let’s not forget the role of brown sugar and cinnamon, which, when mixed in a small bowl, create a cinnamon mixture that feels like a warm hug.

Although some might prefer using sour cream for a little bit of tang, this particular recipe delights in the creaminess of cream cheese.

Additionally, while you might find almond extract in other cakes, our focus is the rich vanilla extract, especially in that sweet glaze, which complements the cake batter’s flavor.

The Perfect Technique for the Perfect Cake

You’ll find that making this cake is as enjoyable as consuming it. Using an electric mixer, you whisk the cream cheese till it’s creamy.

Remember, all ingredients, especially the eggs and cream cheese, should be at room temperature for best results. This ensures a fluffier cake texture.

The process is not complex, but there’s an art to layering half of the batter, then that brown sugar mixture, followed by the remaining batter.

This layering gives the cake its signature cinnamon swirl.

And the glaze?

That’s a simple mix in a large bowl of powdered sugar, heavy cream, and the aroma-filled vanilla extract.

The vanilla glaze drizzled on the warm cake ensures it seeps through, giving you a sweet treat that’s soft inside with a delicate, glazed crust.

Serving and Storage: The Icing on the Cake

After letting the cake cool on a wire rack, slice it using a butter knife. Enjoy this slice of cake with a glass of milk or a warm cup of coffee.

The taste and texture get even better if you let it sit for a while, allowing the glaze to set perfectly.

For those with a little extra sweetness on their palate, a glass of warm milk complements the honeybun cake recipe delightfully.

Any leftover slice (though it’s rare to have one) should be stored in an airtight container.

If you’re keen on keeping it for a day or two, wrapping it with plastic wrap before placing it in the container preserves its moistness.

Capturing the Essence

For those who lean towards the visual side, capturing the process can be a delightful way to share this favorite thing with the world.

And, if you’re keen on sharing this easy honey bun cake recipe, a printable recipe card, perhaps with a vintage design, would be an ideal touch.

In the realm of cakes, where bundt cakes and poke cakes have their charm, the honey bun cake stands tall with its unique flavor profile.

It’s not just a cake; it’s an experience – one that reminds you of homemade cinnamon rolls, but in cake form.

In conclusion, if you’re looking for a recipe that combines the charm of the South with the comfort of easy baking, the honey bun cake is your answer.

Whether it’s your first time or you’ve baked it countless times, the result is always a delicious cake that’s a testament to the power of simple ingredients and heartfelt cooking.

Honey Bun Cake Recipe from Scratch

Ingredients:

Cake

• 8 oz. cream cheese softened
• 4 large eggs
• ⅔ cup vegetable oil
• 15.25 oz. vanilla or yellow cake mix
• 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
• 2 tsp. cinnamon

Glaze

• 2 ½ cups powdered sugar
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 2 tsp. vanilla extract

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 350°F.

Grease baking dish and set aside.

Beat cream cheese in mixer until smooth.

Add in the oil and eggs, beat until smooth.

Add in the cake mix and mix until fully incorporated, it will be thick.

Mix brown sugar and cinnamon together in a small bowl.

Add half the cake batter to the pan.

Top with brown sugar and cinnamon mixture, spread equally over the entire top of batter.

Add dollops of the remaining batter and smooth as much as you can.

Bake for 35-40 mins or until a tooth pick comes out clean.

Allow to cool to room temperature.

Make the glaze:

Add all ingredients to a bowl and mix.

Pour evenly over cake and let set.

Slice, serve and enjoy!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the Honey Bun Cake

Can I use sour cream instead of cream cheese?

Sour cream can be used as a substitute, and it will give the cake a slightly tangy flavor. However, cream cheese is recommended for a richer and creamier texture.

Can I use melted butter instead of vegetable oil?

While vegetable oil typically results in a moister cake, melted butter can be used for a richer flavor. Make sure to use an equivalent amount.

How long can I store the honey bun cake?

Stored in an airtight container, the cake remains fresh for 3-4 days at room temperature. For longer shelf life, refrigerate it, but ensure it’s covered with plastic wrap to retain its moisture.

Is it necessary to wait for the cake to cool before adding the glaze?

It’s best to let the cake cool slightly but pouring the glaze over a warm cake allows it to seep in better, enhancing the flavors.

I don’t have an electric mixer. Can I still make this cake?

While an electric mixer makes the process quicker, using a large bowl and some elbow grease with a whisk works just as well.

Can I use almond extract in the glaze?

You can replace vanilla extract with almond extract for a nuttier flavor in the glaze. However, be cautious as almond extract is potent; use sparingly.

What if I don’t have a boxed cake mix?

While boxed cake mix offers convenience, you can replace it with a few basic cake ingredients: all-purpose flour, baking powder, sugar and more. However, this might alter the consistency and baking time slightly.

If you want to replace the 15.25 oz. box of vanilla or yellow cake mix with homemade ingredients, here’s a basic yellow cake recipe from scratch that should approximate that size of a boxed mix:

Yellow Cake Mix Substitute:

Ingredients:

1. All-purpose flour – 2 cups
2. Granulated sugar – 1 1/2 cups
3. Baking powder – 3 1/2 tsp
4. Salt – 1/2 tsp
5. Unsalted butter (softened to room temperature) – 1/2 cup (1 stick)
6. Milk or buttermilk – 1 1/4 cups
7. Pure vanilla extract – 1 tsp
8. Eggs – 2

Directions:

1. Sift together the dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, sift together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. This ensures you won’t get any lumps and will aerate the mixture for a lighter cake.
2. Butter incorporation: Using an electric mixer or in a separate bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy. Slowly integrate the dry mixture into the butter, beating until the texture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, vanilla extract, and eggs. Slowly add this wet mixture to the dry ingredients, blending until smooth.

Now, you have a basic yellow cake batter from scratch! You can proceed with the honey bun cake recipe, replacing the boxed mix with this batter. Depending on the moisture content of the brand of cake mix you were using, you may need to slightly adjust the liquid ingredients to get the desired consistency. Always trust your instincts when baking, and aim for a batter that is smooth but not overly runny.

Remember, when making cake from scratch, the freshness of your ingredients and the accuracy of your measurements become even more critical for the best results.

Can this cake be converted into bundt cakes or cupcakes?

Adjust the baking time accordingly. Cupcakes usually take 18-22 minutes, while bundt cakes might take a little longer than the traditional cake.

Is the calorie count available for the honey bun cake?

While this specific post doesn’t mention calorie counts, it’s always a good idea to input the ingredients into a calorie calculator for specific dietary needs.

Why is my glaze too thick/thin? How can I fix it?

If your glaze is too thick, you can add a tablespoon milk or heavy cream to thin it out. If it’s too runny, add a bit more powdered sugar until you achieve the desired consistency.

I’ve heard of a gooey butter cake. Is this similar?

While both cakes have a rich and gooey texture, the primary difference lies in the flavor profile. The honey bun cake has a distinctive cinnamon and brown sugar mixture, making it unique.

Can I add nuts or other toppings?

Walnuts or pecans can be a delightful addition. Sprinkle them on top of the brown sugar mixture before adding the rest of the batter for a crunchy twist.

Crafting the perfect honey bun cake involves a blend of the right ingredients, love, and frequently, a touch of creativity.

These FAQs ensure that even a novice baker can achieve a delightful result.