Honey Bun Coffee Cake Recipe [FULL GUIDE]

Hey there, cake lovers and coffee enthusiasts! If you’ve ever found yourself craving something sweet, moist, and utterly comforting to enjoy alongside your morning brew (or afternoon pick-me-up), then buckle up because I’m about to introduce you to a star treat: Honey Bun Coffee Cake. Imagine the tender, buttery crumb of a classic coffee cake, swirled generously with cinnamon and brown sugar, and topped off with a luscious honey glaze that’s sticky, sweet, and downright irresistible. This isn’t your average coffee cake – it’s got that extra charm and a bit of a nostalgic vibe, reminiscent of grabbing a freshly baked honey bun from the bakery but with a homemade twist that lets you savor every bite at home.

Whether you’re an experienced baker or a newbie looking to impress your friends (or just treat yourself), this recipe is straightforward yet indulgent. It’s the perfect way to elevate your coffee break or brunch table and make those moments feel a little more special. Ready to get baking? Let’s jump right in!

Honey Bun Coffee Cake Recipe

Before we talk ingredients and instructions, here’s a quick snapshot of what this Honey Bun Coffee Cake is all about:

• Flavor: Warm cinnamon, buttery sweetness, and that signature honey glaze
• Texture: Soft, tender crumb with a slightly crisp, sugary crust and a gooey swirl inside
• Occasions: Perfect for breakfast, brunch, tea time, or a cozy dessert after dinner
• Baking time: About 45-50 minutes in the oven
• Skill level: Beginner to intermediate – easy enough to make but impressive enough to wow guests

This cake has layers of cinnamon sugar that create that classic honey bun swirl effect, plus a glaze that’s more honey than sugar, making it a little less cloyingly sweet and a lot more balanced.

Ingredients Needed

Now, let’s get real about what you’ll need. The beauty of this recipe is it mostly calls for pantry staples – no complicated or hard-to-find ingredients here!

Dry Ingredients

• All-purpose flour: The backbone of the cake, provides structure
• Baking powder: Helps the cake rise and stay light
• Salt: Enhances all the flavors, balances the sweetness

Wet Ingredients

• Unsalted butter: Softened – adds richness and tenderness
• Granulated sugar: For sweetness and moisture
• Brown sugar: Adds depth and a slight molasses flavor, crucial for that honey bun vibe
• Eggs: Provide structure and help bind everything together
• Vanilla extract: For that warm, comforting aroma and flavor

Swirl & Topping

• Cinnamon: The star spice here, pairing perfectly with the sugars
• Honey: The magic ingredient! For the glaze and sometimes a bit in the batter
• Powdered sugar: For making the honey glaze silky and smooth
• Milk or cream: Helps to thin the glaze and make it pourable

Optional:

• Sour cream or Greek yogurt: Sometimes added for extra moisture and a tender crumb

How To Make Honey Bun Coffee Cake

Alright, ready for the step-by-step? Here’s how you turn those humble ingredients into a show-stopping treat.

Step 1: Prep Your Baking Pan

• Grease and flour an 8×8 or 9×9 inch square baking pan, or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

• In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.

Step 3: Cream Butter And Sugars

• In a large bowl, beat softened butter with granulated and brown sugars until light, fluffy, and pale in color (this can take about 3-5 minutes). This step is crucial – it aerates the batter, making the cake light.

Step 4: Add Eggs And Vanilla

• Beat in eggs, one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated.
• Stir in vanilla extract.

Step 5: Combine Wet And Dry

• Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, alternating with milk or sour cream if using. Mix just until combined – don’t overmix or you risk a dense cake.

Step 6: Make The Cinnamon Sugar Swirl

• In a small bowl, combine brown sugar and cinnamon. This will be layered into the batter for that classic honey bun effect.

Step 7: Assemble The Cake

• Pour half the batter into the prepared pan, spread evenly.
• Sprinkle half the cinnamon sugar mixture over the batter.
• Pour the remaining batter on top, then sprinkle the rest of the cinnamon sugar.
• Use a knife or skewer to gently swirl the cinnamon sugar into the batter – just a few figure-eight motions to create beautiful swirls without mixing everything completely.

Step 8: Bake!

• Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 9: Make The Honey Glaze

• While the cake cools slightly, mix powdered sugar, honey, and a bit of milk or cream until smooth and pourable.

Step 10: Drizzle And Serve

• Drizzle the honey glaze generously over the warm cake and let it soak in before slicing.

Ingredient Science Spotlight

Here’s the geeky, fun part – why do these ingredients do what they do?

• Butter: Beyond adding flavor, butter coats flour proteins, limiting gluten development, which creates that tender crumb rather than a chewy or tough texture.
• Brown sugar: Its molasses content holds moisture better than white sugar, keeping the cake softer and adding that deeper caramel note.
• Baking powder: A chemical leavening agent that releases carbon dioxide when wet and heated, making the cake rise and become fluffy.
• Eggs: Provide structure through proteins that coagulate when heated, but also emulsify fats and liquids, ensuring a smooth batter.
• Cinnamon: Contains cinnamaldehyde, which not only imparts the iconic spicy warmth but also has antioxidant properties.
• Honey: Aside from sweetness, honey helps retain moisture, giving the cake a lovely soft texture even after a day or two.

Understanding these little science tidbits makes baking even more fun because you can tweak and experiment with confidence!

Expert Tips

Want your Honey Bun Coffee Cake to come out perfectly every time? Here’s what the pros do:

• Room temperature ingredients: Make sure your butter, eggs, and any dairy are at room temp to ensure smooth mixing and even baking.
• Don’t overmix: Once you combine wet and dry, mix just until no flour streaks remain – overmixing leads to gluten development, making the cake tough.
• Use fresh baking powder: Old baking powder can lose its potency, resulting in a flat cake.
• Swirling technique: When swirling the cinnamon sugar, be gentle and avoid overdoing it to keep those pretty layers distinct.
• Honey glaze timing: Drizzle the glaze when the cake is warm but not hot to avoid it running off completely.
• Rest before slicing: Let the cake cool for at least 20-30 minutes after glazing so it sets nicely, making cutting easier and cleaner.

Recipe Variations

Feeling adventurous or want to customize this cake? Here are some fun twists you can try:

• Nutty crunch: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the cinnamon sugar swirl for a satisfying crunch.
• Cream cheese swirl: Incorporate a cream cheese layer or swirl into the batter for a tangy contrast.
• Fruit add-ins: Toss in some fresh or dried fruit like apples, raisins, or blueberries to add bursts of flavor.
• Spice it up: Add nutmeg, cloves, or cardamom along with the cinnamon for a warm spice medley.
• Glaze alternatives: Instead of honey glaze, try a simple vanilla glaze, maple syrup drizzle, or even a caramel sauce.
• Gluten-free: Use a gluten-free all-purpose blend to accommodate dietary needs, adjusting liquids as necessary.

Final Words

So there you have it – a delicious, deeply satisfying Honey Bun Coffee Cake recipe that’s sure to become a staple in your baking repertoire. The beauty of this cake lies in its simplicity and the comforting flavors that evoke warm memories of cozy kitchens and fresh-baked goods. Plus, it pairs perfectly with your favorite cup of coffee or tea, making every bite a small celebration.

Whether you stick to the classic or play around with variations, baking this cake is a delightful way to share love and sweetness with yourself and others. And hey, there’s something truly magical about the smell of cinnamon and honey filling your kitchen – it’s like a hug you can eat.

FAQs

What Is A Honey Bun Coffee Cake?

A honey bun coffee cake is a sweet, moist cake with a cinnamon-sugar swirl and a delicious glaze. It combines the flavors of a traditional honey bun with the texture of a coffee cake, making it perfect for breakfast or as a dessert.

What Ingredients Are Needed For A Honey Bun Coffee Cake?

The key ingredients for a honey bun coffee cake include flour, sugar, butter, eggs, milk, vanilla extract, baking powder, cinnamon, and brown sugar. Additionally, you’ll need a glaze made from powdered sugar, butter, and milk or cream.

Can I Use A Store-bought Cake Mix For Honey Bun Coffee Cake?

Yes, you can use a store-bought yellow or vanilla cake mix as a base for a quicker version of honey bun coffee cake. However, for the full flavor and texture, making the cake from scratch is recommended.

How Do You Make The Cinnamon Swirl In A Honey Bun Coffee Cake?

To create the cinnamon swirl, combine brown sugar and cinnamon, then sprinkle it between layers of the batter before baking. This creates the signature swirl when the cake bakes.

Can I Freeze Honey Bun Coffee Cake?

Yes, you can freeze honey bun coffee cake. Allow the cake to cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, thaw the cake at room temperature and reheat if desired.

How Do I Make The Glaze For Honey Bun Coffee Cake?

The glaze for honey bun coffee cake is typically made by mixing powdered sugar with melted butter and a small amount of milk or cream until it reaches a smooth, pourable consistency. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cake before serving.

Can I Add Nuts To My Honey Bun Coffee Cake?

Yes, you can add chopped nuts such as pecans or walnuts to your honey bun coffee cake. Simply sprinkle them on top of the batter before baking or mix them into the batter for added texture and flavor.

Is Honey Bun Coffee Cake Best Served Warm Or Cold?

Honey bun coffee cake is best served warm. The warmth enhances the flavor of the cinnamon swirl and helps the glaze melt into the cake. However, it can be enjoyed at room temperature as well.

How Do I Know When The Honey Bun Coffee Cake Is Done Baking?

To check if your honey bun coffee cake is done, insert a toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, the cake is ready. Baking times may vary, so it’s essential to keep an eye on it.

Can I Make Honey Bun Coffee Cake Without Eggs?

Yes, you can make a dairy-free or egg-free version of honey bun coffee cake. Replace the eggs with egg substitutes like flax eggs or applesauce. You can also substitute non-dairy milk to make the recipe fully vegan.