I have wanted to make a honey bun cake for a very long time. I got my chance when a new recipe I tried was a complete fail. We were expecting visitors and I was making a coffee cake. The pan size recommended in the recipe was entirely too small so the cake did not bake properly, even though the toothpick test showed it to be done. I really should have known better but when I try a new recipe I expect it to work, someone has tried it, right?
For the record, all my recipes have been tried and when I have issues, I either work it out or share with you the fail. You may remember the semi-fails of my out of this world apple cake or cinnamon nut coffee ring. Both were delicious but… well, check out the posts for yourself. If recipes don’t work for me, I won’t post them on the site. I want visitors to my site to be confident the recipes will turn out.
So, with company coming, I had to act fast and work with what I had on hand. Searching my cookbooks, my very large “to try” file and the internet I was reminded of this cake. While I was looking for a breakfast cake, this honey bun cake could do double duty as dessert. People in my house may or may not have had a piece for breakfast AND dessert. This recipe comes together quickly, with little mess and you probably have everything on hand. It’s a great recipe for a larger group and would be perfect to take into co-workers as a surprise.
Honey Bun Cake
Ingredients
- 1 box yellow cake mix
- 2/3 cup vegetable oil
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup sour cream
Filling:
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/3 cup chopped pecans
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon
Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon milk
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (or 325 degrees F for dark or non-stick pan). Spray 9 x 13" pan with baking spray with flour. Set aside.
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In a small bowl combine the pecans, cinnamon and brown sugar. Set aside. In a large bowl, beat cake mix, oil, eggs and sour cream with mixer on low-speed for 30 seconds then medium speed for 2 minutes, occasionally scraping down sides. Spread half the batter into prepared pan. Sprinkle pecan mixture over batter. Carefully spread remaining batter over pecan mixture.
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Bake 45 to 50 minutes or until deep golden brown. Remove from oven and cool 5 minutes.
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In another small bowl, combine powdered sugar, milk and vanilla. Spread mixture over cake while warm. Cool completely. Store covered.
This would be so perfect for our Christmas brunch!
This cake looks perfect for breakfast or dessert. And it sounds like it’s easy to make too!
I feel your pain with recipe fails! I had a full week of them and it was depressing. lol This honeybun cake looks perfect for brunch this morning!
This looks delicious – that glaze! Yum! And you’re right, I’d totally have a big ol’ slice of it for breakfast, dessert or afternoon snack 🙂
Love desserts that start with a cake mix. I could use a big slice with my coffee right now!
This cake sounds gooey and delicious!
Yum…and the fact that it’s made with a cake mix, even better! Perfect for the busy holidays!
I remember having a honey bun a long time ago. This cake could certainly bring back the nostalgia!
I’ve not heard of this but it does indeed look very easy to make.
This cake looks so light and fluffy. A lovely afternoon treat with a cup of coffee.
It’s lovely when you find a good cake mix that works, something you can make at the drop of a hat and know that it will be a success. Nothing worse than making a cake for a purpose and something going wrong. This is such a delicious sounding recipe, and the cake looks wonderful. Just right for treating your guests to a lovely homebake.
I would love a big sliced of this cake for right now and its really perfect for Christmas morning to bring to the kids house while opening presents! Love it
I love that this dessert will feed a crowd and it sounds absolutely delicious! Can’t wait to try it!
Little Dude and Pops both love honey buns. I should give this a go, maybe for Christmas brunch!
I love that you used yellow cake mix for this. It makes the recipe so easy and approachable for nonbakers. This sounds delicious!
I love anything that works for breakfast AND dessert! This sounds fabulous.