Honey Bun Cake

Total Time

Prep: 20 min. Bake: 35 min.

Makes

20 servings

Updated: Dec. 22, 2023
I take along recipe cards to hand out when I bring this moist, fluffy cake to school socials. It always goes quickly. —Kathy Mayo, Winston-Salem, North Carolina

Ingredients

  • 1 package yellow or white cake mix (regular size)
  • 4 large egg whites
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 2/3 cup unsweetened applesauce
  • 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 1-1/2 cups confectioners' sugar
  • 2 tablespoons 2% milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 325°. In a large bowl, combine dry cake mix, egg whites, sour cream and applesauce. Beat on low speed until moistened. Beat on medium for 2 minutes.
  2. Pour half into a greased 13x9-in. baking pan. Combine brown sugar and cinnamon; sprinkle over batter. Cover with remaining batter; cut through with a knife to swirl. Bake until a toothpick comes out clean, 35-40 minutes. Cool on a wire rack.
  3. For glaze, combine confectioners' sugar, milk and vanilla until smooth; drizzle over warm cake.

Honey Bun Cake Tips

What is a honey bun cake?

Honey bun cake is a sticky, cinnamony cake that tastes like the store-bought treats. Despite the name, it doesn’t contain honey, but does feature a sweet vanilla glaze and a yellow cake mix. Find out the best yellow cake mix our Test Kitchen loves.

What other desserts can I make with cake mix?

There’s so much you can do, starting with this collection of cake mix desserts. Think: red velvet cinnamon rolls, birthday cake fudge, quick breads, pancakes and more.

When should I serve this honey bun cake?

Its cozy cinnamon flavor makes it a great brunch treat, especially during spring, fall, or holiday seasons. Find more perfect baked goods for spring brunch.

—Elizabeth Harris

Nutrition Facts

1 piece: 185 calories, 3g fat (2g saturated fat), 9mg cholesterol, 204mg sodium, 38g carbohydrate (27g sugars, 0 fiber), 2g protein.