Get ready to meet your new favorite dessert or delicious addition to breakfast! A delicious mashup of tender, moist cake with an irresistibly gooey cinnamon and brown sugar center, Betty’s honey bun cake takes a classically sweet recipe to a whole new level. Topped with a vanilla glaze that soaks into every bite, it’s the kind of treat that feels cozy, homemade, and undeniably indulgent. And because it’s made with Betty’s Super Moist™ Yellow Cake Mix, it’s a cinch to bake.
Whether you’re looking for a treat to bring to a family gathering, a bake sale, or just something special for a holiday brunch, this honey bun cake delivers. It’s quick and easy to make, thanks to a few simple pantry ingredients and Betty’s expert twist. Plus, you don’t need to be a baking pro to pull it off—this recipe is perfect for bakers of all levels. Enjoy with your morning coffee, as an afternoon snack, or serve it as a sweet finish to a savory dinner. With flavors that everyone loves, Betty’s honey bun cake is bound to become a go-to recipe in your kitchen.
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.
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.
After spraying a 13x9-inch pan with cooking spray, spread half of the cake batter evenly into the pan.
In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, pecans, and cinnamon. Sprinkle the pecan mixture evenly over the batter in the pan.
Carefully spread the remaining batter on top of the pecan mixture, ensuring it covers the filling.
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.
In a small bowl, stir together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until it reaches a pourable consistency.
Drizzle the glaze evenly over the warm cake and allow it to cool completely. This should take about 2 hours.
That’s it! Once the cake is completely cooled, slice into pieces and enjoy this sweet, cinnamon-y delight.
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!
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!
Not a fan of pecans? Our honey bun cake recipe is super versatile. Try subbing in walnuts for pecans. Walnuts are a bit more bitter than pecans, so you might want to toast them lightly before adding them to the batter. Simply spread the walnuts on a baking sheet and toast in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 7 minutes, or until they’re golden and fragrant. Let them cool before chopping and incorporating them into your cake. This simple step will help balance the flavors and ensure your honey bun cake remains deliciously nutty and satisfying!
When you’re adding the top layer of batter, ensure a smooth texture by using a small offset spatula to carefully spread it out. This technique will allow you to avoid disturbing the cinnamon and sugar layers beneath. By working slowly and with a light touch, you’ll have a beautiful, evenly baked cake with distinct and delicious layers.
| Food Component / Nutrient | Amount | % , Daily Value* |
|---|---|---|
| Total Fat | 16g | 24% |
| Saturated Fat | 4g | 20% |
| Trans Fat | 0g | % Value Not Available |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 5g | % Value Not Available |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 5g | % Value Not Available |
| Omega-3 | 0g | % Value Not Available |
| Cholesterol | 75mg | 24% |
| Sodium | 270mg | 11% |
| Total Carbohydrate | 53g | 18% |
| Dietary Fiber | 0g | 0% |
| Soluble Fiber | 0g | % Value Not Available |
| Insoluble Fiber | 0g | % Value Not Available |
| Sugars | 38g | % Value Not Available |
| Protein | 4g | % Value Not Available |
| Vitamin D | Value Not Available | 4% |
| Calcium | Value Not Available | 10% |
| Iron | Value Not Available | 6% |
| Potassium | 85mg | 2% |
| Vitamin A | Value Not Available | 4% |
| Vitamin C | Value Not Available | 0% |
| Vitamin E | Value Not Available | 4% |
| Thiamin | Value Not Available | 4% |
| Riboflavin | Value Not Available | 8% |
| Niacin | Value Not Available | 0% |
| Vitamin B6 | Value Not Available | 2% |
| Folic Acid | Value Not Available | 2% |
| Vitamin B12 | Value Not Available | 4% |
| Pantothenic Acid | Value Not Available | 4% |
| Phosphorus | Value Not Available | 6% |
| Magnesium | Value Not Available | 2% |
| Zinc | Value Not Available | 4% |
| Manganese | Value Not Available | 15% |
| Selenium | Value Not Available | 15% |
| Copper | Value Not Available | 4% |
| Beta-Carotene | Value Not Available | % Value Not Available |
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice. | ||
