Welcome to a delightful baking adventure! Today, we’re exploring the mouthwatering world of pumpkin desserts with a standout recipe for Pumpkin Honey Bun Cake. This cake combines the flavors of pumpkin and warm spices with a sweet, buttery glaze for a dessert that’s as comforting as it is delicious. If you’re a fan of moist, rich cakes or anything with pumpkin, you’re in for a real treat!
Introduction
Our Pumpkin Honey Bun Cake is a celebration of autumn’s coziest flavors—pumpkin, cinnamon, and brown sugar—all wrapped up in a delightfully tender cake with a warm cinnamon glaze. While the honey bun cake might bring to mind memories of cinnamon rolls and gooey desserts, this pumpkin version adds an extra layer of depth and seasonal flair. Whether you’re baking for a holiday gathering or simply want a comforting treat at home, this cake is easy to make and is bound to impress anyone with a soft spot for pumpkin desserts.
Ingredients for Pumpkin Honey Bun Cake
To make the perfect Pumpkin Honey Bun Cake, you’ll need the following ingredients. These amounts make a 9×13-inch cake, ideal for sharing with family and friends.
Cake:
- 1 box spice cake mix
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup sour cream
- 3/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 tablespoon cinnamon
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans (optional for added crunch)
Cinnamon Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-3 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional Substitutions:
- Sour cream: Substitute with Greek yogurt for a similar tangy flavor.
- Vegetable oil: Use melted butter or coconut oil for a richer flavor.
- Chopped pecans: Swap with walnuts or omit for a nut-free option.
How to Make Pumpkin Honey Bun Cake – Step by Step
This Pumpkin Honey Bun Cake recipe is straightforward and beginner-friendly. Follow these steps to ensure a soft, flavorful cake with a perfectly sweet cinnamon glaze.
- Prepare the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.
- Make the Batter: In a large mixing bowl, combine the spice cake mix, eggs, sour cream, and vegetable oil. Mix until smooth and no lumps remain.
- Layer the Batter: Pour half of the batter into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly.
- Create the Cinnamon-Sugar Filling: In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, cinnamon, and chopped pecans (if using).
- Add the Filling Layer: Sprinkle half of the cinnamon-sugar mixture over the batter in the dish.
- Top with Remaining Batter: Pour the remaining batter over the cinnamon-sugar layer and spread it out to create an even top layer.
- Add the Final Cinnamon-Sugar Layer: Sprinkle the remaining cinnamon-sugar mixture on top of the batter.
- Bake: Place the dish in the oven and bake for 45-50 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center—if it comes out clean, the cake is ready.
- Prepare the Cinnamon Glaze: While the cake cools slightly, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, cinnamon, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Drizzle the Glaze: Drizzle the cinnamon glaze over the warm cake. Allow the cake to cool for at least 15 minutes before slicing and serving.
Helpful Tips for Pumpkin Honey Bun Cake
To make your Pumpkin Honey Bun Cake even more delightful, consider these tips:
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh eggs and quality spices will bring out the best flavors in this cake.
- Adjust Sweetness: Taste the glaze before drizzling. If you prefer a less sweet glaze, use less powdered sugar or add an extra splash of milk.
- Make It Your Own: For an extra indulgence, top with a sprinkle of cinnamon or a dollop of whipped cream when serving.
Cooking Tips for the Best Pumpkin Honey Bun Cake
Master the art of making Pumpkin Honey Bun Cake with these tips:
- Use a Glass or Ceramic Dish: These dishes tend to bake more evenly than metal ones, ensuring a tender, moist cake.
- Check Early: Ovens vary, so check your cake around 40 minutes to avoid over-baking.
- Cool Properly: Allow the cake to cool slightly before adding the glaze. This way, the glaze doesn’t soak in completely, and you’ll get a nice finish on top.
Serving Suggestions for Pumpkin Honey Bun Cake
This Pumpkin Honey Bun Cake is delicious on its own, but you can pair it with:
- A scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for extra indulgence.
- Hot beverages like coffee or chai tea, which complement the spices in the cake.
- For a brunch option, serve it with fresh fruit or a light yogurt parfait.
Nutritional Information
This cake is a treat, but it also offers the comforting flavors of fall in a dessert that satisfies. Here’s what each slice offers in terms of nutritional value:
Nutritional Information (per serving)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Carbohydrates: 37g
- Protein: 3g
- Fiber: 1g
Storage and Leftovers for Pumpkin Honey Bun Cake
To keep your Pumpkin Honey Bun Cake fresh:
- Store: Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to a week.
- Freeze: Slice the cake and wrap each piece individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Thaw at room temperature or warm in the microwave for 10-15 seconds.
- Reheat: To enjoy a warm slice, pop it in the microwave for a few seconds or heat in a low oven for a few minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Can I use pumpkin pie mix instead of spice cake mix?
- No, spice cake mix adds specific flavors and structure. Stick to the spice cake mix for best results.
- What can I substitute for sour cream?
- Greek yogurt works well in place of sour cream. It offers a similar tangy flavor and texture.
- Can I make this cake gluten-free?
- Yes, try a gluten-free cake mix in place of the spice cake mix.
- How can I make the glaze thicker?
- Add a bit more powdered sugar until you reach your desired thickness.
Related Recipes
If you love this recipe, try these similar fall treats from Optimal Recipes:
Conclusion
This Pumpkin Honey Bun Cake is the ultimate cozy dessert for fall! Whether it’s for a family gathering or just to satisfy your sweet tooth, it’s a recipe you’ll come back to. Try it out, and let us know your favorite variations or how it turned out in the comments below. Enjoy this delicious treat and all the cozy flavors of the season!
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Pumpkin Honey Bun Cake – Decadent Fall Dessert Recipe
Description
Welcome to a delightful baking adventure! Today, we’re exploring the mouthwatering world of pumpkin desserts with a standout recipe for Pumpkin Honey Bun Cake. This cake combines the flavors of pumpkin and warm spices with a sweet, buttery glaze for a dessert that’s as comforting as it is delicious. If you’re a fan of moist, rich cakes or anything with pumpkin, you’re in for a real treat!
Ingredients
Cake:
- 1 box spice cake mix
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup sour cream
- 3/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 tablespoon cinnamon
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans (optional for added crunch)
Cinnamon Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional Substitutions:
- Sour cream: Substitute with Greek yogurt for a similar tangy flavor.
- Vegetable oil: Use melted butter or coconut oil for a richer flavor.
- Chopped pecans: Swap with walnuts or omit for a nut-free option.
Instructions
- Prepare the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.
- Make the Batter: In a large mixing bowl, combine the spice cake mix, eggs, sour cream, and vegetable oil. Mix until smooth and no lumps remain.
- Layer the Batter: Pour half of the batter into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly.
- Create the Cinnamon-Sugar Filling: In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, cinnamon, and chopped pecans (if using).
- Add the Filling Layer: Sprinkle half of the cinnamon-sugar mixture over the batter in the dish.
- Top with Remaining Batter: Pour the remaining batter over the cinnamon-sugar layer and spread it out to create an even top layer.
- Add the Final Cinnamon-Sugar Layer: Sprinkle the remaining cinnamon-sugar mixture on top of the batter.
- Bake: Place the dish in the oven and bake for 45-50 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center—if it comes out clean, the cake is ready.
- Prepare the Cinnamon Glaze: While the cake cools slightly, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, cinnamon, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Drizzle the Glaze: Drizzle the cinnamon glaze over the warm cake. Allow the cake to cool for at least 15 minutes before slicing and serving.
Equipment
2Pcs Heart Shape Cake Pans, Aluminum Heart Cake Mold, Reusable 10 inch
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Kids Chill Leak-Proof Lunch Box – Included Reusable Ice Pack Keeps Food Cold
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- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh eggs and quality spices will bring out the best flavors in this cake.
- Adjust Sweetness: Taste the glaze before drizzling. If you prefer a less sweet glaze, use less powdered sugar or add an extra splash of milk.
- Make It Your Own: For an extra indulgence, top with a sprinkle of cinnamon or a dollop of whipped cream when serving.
