Honey Bun Cake

How to Make Honey Bun Cake

Betty's honey bun cake is the perfect treat to satisfy your sweet tooth. And with Betty by your side, it’s easier than ever to make. We’ve got the basic steps right here, but be sure to refer to the full recipe details below.

Mix the Batter

Start by heating your oven to 350°F (or 325°F for dark or nonstick pans). In a large bowl, beat together the cake mix, oil, eggs, and sour cream with an electric mixer on medium speed for 2 minutes. Scrape the bowl as needed to ensure everything is well-mixed.

Assemble the First Layer

After spraying a 13x9-inch pan with cooking spray, spread half of the cake batter evenly into the pan.

Make the Pecan Filling

In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, pecans, and cinnamon. Sprinkle the pecan mixture evenly over the batter in the pan.

Add the Second Layer of Batter

Carefully spread the remaining batter on top of the pecan mixture, ensuring it covers the filling.

Bake the Cake

Pop it in the oven for 28 to 32 minutes, or until the cake is golden brown. When you insert a toothpick in the center of the cake, it should come out clean. While the cake is still warm, use a fork to poke holes across the surface. This will allow the luscious glaze to seep in and give your cake that lovely moist texture.

Prepare the Glaze

In a small bowl, stir together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until it reaches a pourable consistency.

Drizzle and Cool

Drizzle the glaze evenly over the warm cake and allow it to cool completely. This should take about 2 hours.

Slice and Serve

That’s it! Once the cake is completely cooled, slice into pieces and enjoy this sweet, cinnamon-y delight.

How to Store Honey Bun Cake

Storing Betty's honey bun cake is simple and ensures it stays fresh and delicious for days. After the cake has cooled completely, transfer it to an airtight container. You can store it at room temperature, where it will stay moist and flavorful for up to five days. The airtight container helps lock in the cake’s moisture, preserving that soft, tender texture that makes it so irresistible. If you want to extend its freshness, you can also refrigerate the cake, but be sure to let it come to room temperature before serving for the best taste and texture. Whether you're saving it for a weekday treat or sharing it with family later, honey bun cake keeps beautifully when stored right!

Honey Bun Cake Variations

You can easily customize Betty’s honey bun cake by substituting different spices. Try replacing the cinnamon with pumpkin or apple spice blends, or substitute 1/2 tsp of the cinnamon for cardamon or nutmeg. Or,  for a more fall-forward pumpkin vibe, try Betty’s Pumpkin Honey Bun Cake recipe. You can also experiment with other glaze flavors for Betty’s honey bun cake. Try replacing 1 tsp of the milk with bourbon or rum, or frost the honey bun cake with cream cheese icing. And remember, this honey bun cake tastes amazing even without the frosting. You can always serve it on the side rather than spreading it on the whole cake, so everyone can choose the amount they want. If you anticipate leftovers, keeping the frosting in a separate container is also a great way to simplify storage. With a little bit of time and a special dash of creativity, you can take Betty’s honey bun cake to the next level and fulfill all of your flavor cravings!