honey bun cake recipe
The Best honey bun cake recipe
Honey Bun Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
A moist and flavorful honey cake with a tender crumb, topped with a creamy honey buttercream frosting. Perfect for breakfast or dessert!
🥘Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup honey
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
- Fresh berries
- Crushed nuts
- Extra honey drizzle
👨🍳Directions
-
1
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 9-inch round cake pans or one 8×8-inch pan with parchment paper. -
2
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside. -
3
In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy (about 3-5 minutes). Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in vanilla extract. -
4
Alternate adding the dry ingredients and honey, starting and ending with flour. Mix until just combined. Stir in milk. -
5
Divide batter evenly between prepared pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow cakes to cool in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack. -
6
While cakes cool, prepare the frosting: Beat butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, honey, heavy cream, vanilla, and almond extract. Beat until fluffy. -
7
Once cakes are completely cool, spread frosting evenly over the top and sides of each cake layer. Decorate with optional toppings like fresh berries or a drizzle of honey.
🔧Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer or stand mixer
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Oven
- Cake pans (two 9-inch round pans or one 8×8-inch pan)
- Parchment paper
- Spatula
- Cooling rack
📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)
📝Notes
- For a lighter version, reduce butter to 1 1/2 cups and use Greek yogurt instead of milk in the batter.
- Ensure eggs are room temperature for better mixing and even baking.
- Adjust baking time slightly if using an oven thermometer to ensure the cake is perfectly baked.
Watch Video Of How Honey Bun Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Works
❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Honey Bun Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
What is the best way to store the Honey Bun Cake to keep it fresh longer?
To keep your Honey Bun Cake fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you prefer to keep it longer, refrigerate it for up to 5 days. For best texture, avoid freezing the cake itself—though you can freeze the dough balls for up to 3 months before baking.
Why does my Honey Bun Cake turn out dense or dry instead of light and fluffy?
Several factors can cause this: overmixing the batter, not enough baking powder, or baking at too high a temperature. To fix it, ensure you’re mixing just until the flour is incorporated (don’t overmix), use a high-quality baking powder, and preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) for consistent baking. Also, avoid opening the oven door too early to prevent sudden temperature drops.
Can I make Honey Bun Cake without gluten-free flour?
Yes! The classic Honey Bun Cake recipe is naturally gluten-free if using the right ingredients. Ensure your baking powder and vanilla extract are gluten-free, and skip any wheat-based additives. However, if you’re avoiding gluten entirely, you may need to adjust the hydration slightly or add a binder like flaxseed meal for the dough balls.
How do I prevent the Honey Bun Cake from becoming soggy?
Soggy cakes often happen from overbaking the glaze or not letting the cake cool properly before glazing. Pre-bake the glaze for 5–10 minutes at 350°F (175°C) to set it slightly, then brush it on while warm but not runny. Let the cake cool completely before adding the glaze to avoid a sticky texture.
What’s the secret to a perfectly golden-brown crust on the Honey Bun Cake?
For a crispy, golden crust, preheat your oven to the correct temperature (375°F/190°C) and use a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Place the dough balls directly on the sheet without overcrowding. Bake until the tops are lightly golden (about 15–20 minutes), then brush with a little egg wash for extra shine. Avoid moving them around during baking to prevent uneven browning.
