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Delicious Cinnamon Swirl Delight

Category: Let's Bake Something Wonderful

Fast and simple dessert that brings honey bun flavors right to your plate! Layers of yellow cake packed with cinnamon goodness and covered in glaze, all done in less than 60 minutes.
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By Sophie Parker Sophie Parker
Updated on Wed, 05 Mar 2025 17:10:43 GMT
Trending Honey Bun Cake Save
Trending Honey Bun Cake | tastybysophie.com

Everyone needs that one perfect dessert recipe in their back pocket - and this honey bun cake has become mine. Inspired by those classic vending machine treats, this homemade version transforms simple ingredients into an irresistibly moist, cinnamon-swirled cake that's perfect for any occasion.

Key Ingredients

  • Yellow cake mix forms the reliable foundation of this recipe
  • An 8-ounce block of cream cheese adds incredible moisture and richness
  • Brown sugar and cinnamon create the classic honey bun flavor profile
  • A simple powdered sugar glaze adds the perfect finishing touch
Viral Honey Bun Cake Recipe Save
Viral Honey Bun Cake Recipe | tastybysophie.com

Essential Techniques

Preparing the Batter

Room temperature cream cheese is crucial for achieving a smooth, lump-free batter. Beat until completely smooth before incorporating other wet ingredients.

Creating Layers

Layer the batter carefully, ensuring the cinnamon-sugar mixture stays distinct in the middle. An offset spatula helps achieve clean layers without mixing.

Baking Tips

Monitor closely during the final minutes of baking. If edges brown too quickly, tent with foil to protect the cake.

Glazing Method

Apply glaze in two stages - first while warm to soak into the cake, then again after slight cooling for the perfect finish.

Serving Ideas

Serve warm slices with coffee for breakfast, or add vanilla ice cream for dessert. A drizzle of caramel sauce transforms it into an elegant after-dinner treat.

Storage Tips

Store covered at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days. The cake maintains its moisture best when kept in the original baking pan.

Honey Bun Cake Recipe Save
Honey Bun Cake Recipe | tastybysophie.com

Pro Tips

  • Wait exactly 10 minutes before glazing
  • Use a wooden spoon handle for creating perfect glaze-catching holes
  • Cut with a plastic knife to prevent sticking

Recipe FAQs

→ What inspired the name Honey Bun Cake?
The name comes from its similarity to the classic honey bun pastry—both have thick, rich cinnamon layers and a sweet, shiny icing topping.
→ Can I swap out cream cheese in the recipe?
Definitely! Just replace it with an equal amount of sour cream if that’s what you have on hand.
→ What’s the purpose of poking holes in this cake?
It helps the glaze soak into every bite, giving an extra soft texture and spreading the sugary flavor throughout.
→ What’s the best way to save leftovers?
Keep it covered on the counter for up to 3 days, or pop it in the fridge for a week max.
→ Can you freeze this cake?
Absolutely! Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, then foil, and freeze for up to three months. Let it defrost overnight in the fridge before eating.

Honey Bun Treat

This trending recipe delivers a soft, flavorful cake with sweet cinnamon ribbons and a velvety glaze. A fusion of honey buns and coffee cake at its best!

Prep Time
15 min
Cook Time
35 min
Total Time
50 min
By Sophie Parker: Sophie Parker

Category: Sweet Kitchen

Skill Level: Beginner

Cuisine: American

Yield: 12 Servings (1 9x13 cake)

Dietary Preferences: Vegetarian

Ingredients

→ Cake

01 1 pack of yellow cake mix (Betty Crocker or Duncan Hines works great)
02 8 ounces of cream cheese (softened or swap with 8 ounces sour cream)
03 4 eggs
04 2/3 of a cup of oil

→ Cinnamon Filling

05 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
06 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

→ Glaze

07 2 cups powdered sugar
08 About 2 to 3 tablespoons of milk
09 1 teaspoon vanilla flavoring

Steps

Step 01

Set your oven to 350°F, and grease up a 9x13 pan.

Step 02

Use a hand mixer to whip up the softened cream cheese for a half-minute. Toss in eggs and keep mixing until smooth, no lumps left.

Step 03

Add the boxed cake mix and oil, and carefully mix until there aren’t any big streaks of flour left. Don’t overdo it.

Step 04

Pour half the batter into your greased pan. Sprinkle the brown sugar and cinnamon mix evenly across the top. Spread the rest of the batter on top, covering the filling.

Step 05

Let it bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick poked in the center comes out clean. If the top looks like it’s browning too fast, loosely cover it with foil after 20 minutes.

Step 06

Let the cake cool for 10 minutes. Use a fork or a toothpick to poke holes all over the top.

Step 07

Whisk the glaze ingredients together. Pour half of it on the still-warm cake, letting it seep into those holes. After 30 minutes, drizzle the rest of the glaze over the cake.

Notes

  1. Wait until the cake is fully cooled before cutting into it.
  2. Feel free to use sour cream instead of cream cheese.
  3. This is a spin-off of a wildly popular social media treat.

Required Tools

  • 9x13-inch pan
  • Electric hand mixer
  • Bowls for mixing
  • Spatula or a spoon for spreading

Allergy Information

Check each ingredient for potential allergens and consult a healthcare professional if needed.
  • Has dairy (cream cheese in recipe)
  • Includes eggs
  • Made with wheat (cake mix)

Nutritional Facts (per serving)

These details are provided for informational purposes and aren't a substitute for medical advice.
  • Calories: 246
  • Fats: 12 g
  • Carbohydrates: 34 g
  • Proteins: 2 g