If you have a soft spot for the warm, comforting flavors of bakery treats, you are going to absolutely adore this Honey Bun Pound Cake Recipe. This cake beautifully captures the essence of a classic honey bun with rich cinnamon swirls hidden in tender, moist yellow cake layers, all baked into a golden Bundt cake. Topped with a luscious vanilla glaze, it’s the perfect balance of sweet and spicy in every bite. Whether you’re serving it at brunch, as an afternoon pick-me-up, or a cozy dessert, this Honey Bun Pound Cake Recipe is guaranteed to become one of your all-time favorites.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Honey Bun Pound Cake Recipe lies in its simple, everyday ingredients that come together to create an unforgettable flavor and texture. Each item plays a vital role, from the moist and tender crumb provided by the sour cream to the fragrant cinnamon-sugar swirl that brings that signature honey bun charm.
- Yellow cake mix (15.25 oz): The base of the cake, providing a light, buttery, and fluffy foundation.
- Sour cream (1 cup): Adds moisture and richness, ensuring the cake is tender and melts in your mouth.
- Large eggs (4): Give structure and stability to the batter so your cake holds its perfect shape.
- Vegetable oil (¾ cup): Keeps the pound cake moist and soft without weighing it down.
- Granulated sugar (¾ cup): Sweetens the cinnamon swirl, balancing the flavors.
- Ground cinnamon (1 tablespoon): Essential for the warm, spicy kick that defines the honey bun experience.
- Powdered sugar (2 cups): The base for the creamy vanilla glaze that finishes the cake with a perfect sweet drizzle.
- Milk (2–3 tablespoons): Helps create the smooth glaze texture that delicately coats the cake.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Adds that lovely aromatic note to the glaze, rounding out the flavors beautifully.
How to Make Honey Bun Pound Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). You’ll want to grease and flour a 10-inch Bundt pan thoroughly or use a nonstick baking spray. This step is crucial to make sure your pound cake releases easily, revealing its gorgeous shape and cinnamon swirls.
Step 2: Mix the Cake Batter
In a large mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, sour cream, eggs, and vegetable oil. Beat everything on medium speed for 2 to 3 minutes until the batter is smooth, creamy, and free of lumps. This careful mixing ensures every slice of cake is consistently moist and rich.
Step 3: Create the Cinnamon-Sugar Swirl
In a separate small bowl, stir together the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon. This simple combo is what brings the honey bun feel to life inside your pound cake, giving you pockets of sweet, spicy goodness in every bite.
Step 4: Layer and Swirl the Batter
Pour half of the batter into your prepared Bundt pan. Evenly sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture over this layer. Then pour the remaining batter on top. Take a butter knife and gently swirl it through the batter to create a subtle marbled effect without overmixing—this step is where the honey bun magic really shines.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Bake your cake for 45 to 55 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. Once baked, allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 to 15 minutes before carefully inverting it onto a wire rack. This cooling process helps maintain the crumb’s integrity and makes glazing easier.
Step 6: Prepare and Drizzle the Glaze
While the cake cools slightly, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until you have a smooth, pourable glaze. Drizzle generously over the warm cake, letting it settle into the nooks and crannies. This step adds a delightful sweet glaze that perfectly balances the cinnamon swirl, completing the Honey Bun Pound Cake Recipe experience.
How to Serve Honey Bun Pound Cake Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your Honey Bun Pound Cake Recipe even further, try adding some complimentary garnishes. A sprinkle of chopped pecans or walnuts adds a wonderful crunch and nutty flavor. Fresh berries or a light dusting of extra cinnamon can bring freshness and color that make your cake even more inviting.
Side Dishes
This cake pairs beautifully with a cup of strong coffee or a creamy latte, making it an irresistible treat for breakfast or brunch. You can also serve it alongside a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream to turn your simple pound cake into a decadent dessert.
Creative Ways to Present
For a crowd-pleaser, serve your Honey Bun Pound Cake Recipe on a beautiful cake stand for that bakery-style presentation. Slice it into smaller pieces and serve it with little ramekins of extra glaze or nut toppings for guests to customize. You can also layer slices with fresh fruit and cream to make quick, impressive trifle parfaits.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers (which might be tough!), this cake keeps well in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. This resting time often improves the flavor as the cinnamon and glaze really soak in.
Freezing
For longer storage, wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and then foil before freezing. Freeze for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best texture and flavor.
Reheating
To refresh the cake after storage, warm slices gently in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds. This helps revive the soft, moist texture and makes that glaze feel freshly drizzled again.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cake mix for this Honey Bun Pound Cake Recipe?
While yellow cake mix gives the classic flavor and color that pairs wonderfully with the cinnamon swirl, you can experiment with white or even spice cake mix for a twist. Just keep in mind it will slightly change the final taste.
Is there a way to make this cake gluten-free?
Yes! You can substitute the yellow cake mix with a gluten-free cake mix of similar quantity. Just ensure it’s suitable for baking Bundt cakes and adjust baking times if necessary.
Can I add nuts to the cake batter?
Absolutely! Incorporating chopped pecans or walnuts into the cinnamon-sugar layer adds delightful texture and a nutty note that complements the cinnamon perfectly.
How do I know when the cake is fully baked?
The best way to check is by inserting a toothpick in the center. If it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs clinging, your Honey Bun Pound Cake Recipe is perfectly baked.
Can I make this recipe without the glaze?
While the glaze adds a signature sweetness and finishing touch, the cake itself is delicious on its own. If you prefer a less sweet option, you can skip the glaze or replace it with a light dusting of powdered sugar.
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready to fill your kitchen with the warm, inviting scent of cinnamon and vanilla, give this Honey Bun Pound Cake Recipe a try. It’s comforting, simple, and guaranteed to have everyone asking for seconds. From the soft texture to the irresistible glaze, this cake is just the kind of treat that makes any day feel special. I can’t wait for you to taste it and make it a beloved staple in your own home.
Print
Honey Bun Pound Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Honey Bun Pound Cake is a moist, tender Bundt cake inspired by the flavors of a classic cinnamon roll. Made with a yellow cake mix and a cinnamon-sugar swirl, it’s topped with a sweet vanilla glaze that perfectly complements the rich, buttery texture. Ideal for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, this easy-to-make pound cake delivers all the warmth and sweetness of your favorite honey bun in a convenient cake form.
Ingredients
For the cake:
- 1 box yellow cake mix (15.25 oz)
- 1 cup sour cream
- 4 large eggs
- ¾ cup vegetable oil
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
For the glaze:
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 10-inch Bundt pan or spray it thoroughly with nonstick baking spray to ensure the cake releases easily after baking.
- Make the batter: In a large mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, sour cream, eggs, and vegetable oil. Beat on medium speed for 2 to 3 minutes until the mixture is smooth and creamy, ensuring no lumps remain.
- Mix cinnamon sugar: In a small bowl, stir together the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon until fully combined. This mixture will add the signature swirl and sweetness to the cake.
- Layer batter and cinnamon sugar: Pour half of the cake batter into your prepared Bundt pan and spread evenly. Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the batter layer. Then, pour the remaining batter over the top. Using a knife or skewer, gently swirl through the batter layers to create a subtle cinnamon swirl effect.
- Bake the cake: Place the Bundt pan in the preheated oven and bake for 45 to 55 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean when the cake is fully baked.
- Cool the cake: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 to 15 minutes. Then invert the pan onto a wire rack to release the cake and let it cool slightly before glazing.
- Prepare the glaze: While the cake cools, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and pourable. Adjust the milk quantity as needed to reach desired consistency.
- Glaze the cake: Drizzle the glaze evenly over the warm cake. Allow the glaze to set before slicing and serving to achieve a perfect finish.
Notes
- This Honey Bun Pound Cake tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld and the texture softens.
- Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert; pairs well with coffee or tea.
- For added texture and flavor, try adding chopped pecans into the cinnamon swirl layer before baking.
- If you prefer a thicker glaze, reduce the milk to 2 tablespoons; add more milk for a thinner glaze consistency.
- Make sure to swirl gently to avoid mixing the batter completely and losing the cinnamon swirl effect.
