Honey Bun Cake

Name: Honey Bun Cake with Cinnamon Swirl
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 12 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 8 oz cream cheese, softened; 1/2 cup vegetable oil; 4 large eggs; 1 box (15.25 oz) yellow cake mix; 1 cup brown sugar, packed; 2 tsp ground cinnamon; 1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional); 2 cups powdered sugar; 3 tbsp milk; 1 tsp vanilla extract; Butter or non-stick cooking spray, for greasing

This honey bun cake combines the flavors of a classic honey bun pastry with an easy-to-make yellow cake base, featuring a cinnamon-brown sugar swirl and sweet vanilla glaze topping.

🌍American 🏷️Honey bun cake 🏷️Cake 🏷️Dessert 🏷️Sheet cake 🏷️Cinnamon swirl cake

🏷️Brown sugar

-0:00

dinnerin321onTikTok

Total

50 min

Servings

12

Difficulty

Easy

Est. Cost

$22–$36

Recipe Source

View original recipe

From TikTok · by dinnerin321

-0:00

dinnerin321onTikTok

Ingredients

8 oz cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup vegetable oil
4 large eggs
1 box (15.25 oz) yellow cake mix
1 cup brown sugar, packed
2 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional)optional
2 cups powdered sugar
3 tbsp milk
1 tsp vanilla extract
Butter or non-stick cooking spray, for greasing

11 Ingredients

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Instructions

1
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.
2
In a large bowl, use a hand mixer to beat the softened cream cheese until smooth.
3
Add the vegetable oil and eggs to the cream cheese and mix until well combined.
4
Pour in the yellow cake mix and beat again until the batter is smooth and fully incorporated.
5
In a separate small bowl, mix together the brown sugar and cinnamon to create the filling. If using, stir in the optional nuts.
6
Pour half of the cake batter into the prepared baking dish and spread it into an even layer.
7
Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the layer of batter.
8
Dollop the remaining cake batter over the filling, then carefully spread it to create the top layer.
9
Bake at 350°F for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
10
While the cake is baking, prepare the glaze. In a medium bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
11
Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes.
12
Using the handle of a wooden spoon or a similar tool, poke holes all over the surface of the warm cake.
13
Pour the glaze over the warm cake and spread it evenly, allowing it to seep into the holes. Let the cake cool and the glaze set before slicing and serving.

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Tips & Notes

Pro tips

Let cream cheese soften completely before mixing to avoid lumps in the batter.
Layer the batter and cinnamon-brown sugar mixture carefully—don't stir after layering, or the swirl will break apart.
Make sure the glaze reaches a pourable consistency; add milk a little at a time if too thick.
Let the cake cool for 15 minutes before pouring the glaze so it sets on top rather than soaking in.

Substitutions

Brown sugar → granulated sugar mixed with molasses (use 3/4 cup granulated + 1 tbsp molasses for deeper flavor)
Vegetable oil → melted butter or canola oil (neutral flavor maintained)
Powdered sugar glaze → cream cheese frosting (blend 4 oz softened cream cheese with 2 cups powdered sugar and 1 tsp vanilla)
Chopped nuts → omit entirely or replace with mini chocolate chips

Storage & make-ahead

Store covered at room temperature for 2 days or refrigerate up to 5 days. Reheat slices uncovered at 300°F for 10 minutes.

Common Questions

Can I use a homemade yellow cake instead of cake mix?

Yes. Prepare your homemade yellow cake batter and pour half into the pan, add the cinnamon-brown sugar mixture, then top with remaining batter.

What if I don't have cream cheese?

You can use softened butter in equal amounts, though the cake will be slightly less rich. The cream cheese adds moisture and tang.

How do I prevent the cinnamon swirl from sinking to the bottom?

Layer the batter in halves: spread half the batter first, sprinkle the cinnamon-brown sugar mixture, then top with remaining batter. Don't overmix after layering.