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honeybun cake recipe

honeybun cake recipe

Prep 15 minutes
Cook 45 minutes
Total 1 hour
With cinnamon swirls and sugary glaze! So gooey, so addictive. Just like your favorite pastry, in cake form!
5 stars (1 ratings)

Ingredients
  

For the cake:

  • 1 box yellow cake mix (15.25 oz)
  • 4 large eggs , room temperature
  • ¾ cup vegetable oil
  • 1 cup sour cream (substitute Greek yogurt for a lighter version)
  • 1 cup brown sugar , packed
  • 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
  • ½ cup chopped pecans (optional)

For the glaze:

  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • 4 tablespoons milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 tablespoons honey (use maple syrup as an alternative)

Instructions

  • Step 1: Prepare Your Batter
    Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13 inch baking dish. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cake mix, eggs, oil, and sour cream. Beat with an electric mixer on medium speed for 2 minutes until smooth and well incorporated. The batter should have a velvety consistency that's thick but pourable. For best results, scrape down the sides of the bowl halfway through mixing to ensure all ingredients are evenly distributed.
    Step 2: Create the Cinnamon Swirl
    In a separate small bowl, whisk together the brown sugar and cinnamon until no lumps remain. This cinnamon-sugar mixture is what gives the honeybun cake recipe its distinctive flavor and appearance. For an enhanced flavor profile, consider adding ¼ teaspoon of nutmeg or cardamom to the mixture.
    Step 3: Layer and Swirl the Batter
    Pour half of the cake batter into your prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Sprinkle all of the cinnamon-sugar mixture uniformly over the batter, then top with the remaining batter. Using a knife or skewer, gently swirl through the layers in a figure-eight pattern to create that characteristic honeybun marbling effect. Be careful not to over-swirl, as distinct layers create the most appealing visual and taste experience.
    Step 4: Bake to Perfection
    Place the cake in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean with a few moist crumbs. The top should be golden brown and slightly springy to the touch. Pro tip: Rotate the pan halfway through baking for the most even results, especially if your oven has hot spots.
    Step 5: Glaze and Serve
    While the cake is cooling, prepare the glaze by whisking together powdered sugar, milk, vanilla extract, and honey until smooth. When the cake has cooled for about 20 minutes (still slightly warm), pour the glaze evenly over the top, allowing it to seep into the cake. For an extra touch, sprinkle with chopped pecans if desired. Let the glaze set for 10 minutes before serving for the perfect texture.
    honeybun cake recipe

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