Sticky Glazed Honey Bun Cake That Melts in Your Mouth

If you grew up sneaking honey buns from a corner store, vending machine, or your lunchbox stash, then get ready for the grown-up version of your favorite childhood snack. This honey bun cake takes everything you loved—the sweet glaze, the soft bite, the cinnamon swirl—and transforms it into a rich, moist, golden sheet cake that’s ridiculously easy to make and even easier to fall in love with. It’s the kind of dessert that doesn’t try too hard but still manages to be the first thing gone at any gathering. A little southern, a little vintage, and a whole lot of sugar, this cake will have you swiping crumbs from the pan before it even cools.

From Boxed Mix to Bakery-Style Magic

We’re embracing boxed cake mix with open arms because sometimes shortcuts taste like a hug. This cake starts with yellow cake mix as the base and gets upgraded with sour cream and sugar for a denser, more luxurious texture that holds up to the gooey cinnamon swirl inside. Speaking of swirl, this one doesn’t skimp—it’s layered with melted butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon that melt into the batter and create those classic honey bun ribbons that taste like sticky bun dreams. But the real moment comes after baking: a warm vanilla glaze poured over the hot cake so it soaks into every crack, creating a glistening top layer that hardens into a delicate, sweet shell.

A Cake That Works for Every Occasion

Breakfast? Yep. Brunch? Absolutely. Midnight snack? Say less. This honey bun cake plays every role without missing. It’s sweet and comforting enough for dessert, yet simple enough to serve with coffee at breakfast. It’s great warm, even better the next day, and possibly at its peak eaten cold from the fridge with a fork straight from the pan. Whether you’re taking it to a church potluck, setting it out at a bake sale, or baking it for no one but yourself, this cake is a showstopper in every setting.

Ingredients

For the Cake: – 1 box yellow cake mix (15.25 oz) – 4 large eggs – ¾ cup sour cream – ¾ cup vegetable oil – 1 cup granulated sugar
For the Cinnamon Swirl: – ¾ cup packed light brown sugar – 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon – 2 tablespoons melted butter
For the Glaze: – 2 cups powdered sugar – 4 tablespoons milk (or more for thinner glaze) – 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and generously grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. – In a large bowl, mix cake mix, eggs, sour cream, vegetable oil, and sugar. Beat on medium speed for 2–3 minutes until smooth and creamy. – In a separate bowl, stir together brown sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter until it forms a grainy paste. – Pour half of the cake batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly with a spatula. Drop spoonfuls of the cinnamon swirl mixture across the batter, then drag a butter knife through to create swirls. Pour the remaining cake batter on top and spread evenly. Swirl again if you want more marbled effect. – Bake for 35–40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean and the top is golden brown. – While the cake is baking, prepare the glaze by whisking together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth and pourable. – As soon as the cake comes out of the oven, pour the glaze slowly over the entire hot surface. Use a spoon or offset spatula to gently spread it out so it covers every corner. Let it soak in and harden as the cake cools. – Once cooled to warm or room temperature, slice and serve.

Storage and Serving Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temp for up to 4 days or refrigerate for a more chilled, dense texture. Want to reheat? Microwave slices for 15 seconds for a warm, gooey treat. This cake also freezes well—wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months, then thaw and glaze again if needed.

Final Thoughts

This honey bun cake is sweet without being overwhelming, moist without being soggy, and simple without tasting basic. It’s everything you love about a honey bun—sticky glaze, buttery cinnamon, fluffy cake—but baked into a dessert that feels homemade and heartfelt. It’s perfect for feeding a crowd or just treating yourself to something that tastes like nostalgia in every bite. Once you bake it, don’t be surprised when it becomes your go-to comfort cake for every season, occasion, and craving.