Mary'S Honey-Bun Cake

Prep: 15 min Cook: 45 min Serves: 12 Cuisine: American

A moist, cinnamon-swirled cake topped with a sweet glaze, perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a comforting dessert for family gatherings.

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Ingredients

  • 1 Duncan Hines cake mix
  • 4 eggs
  • 2/3 cup oil
  • 8 oz plain yogurt or sour cream
  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon milk
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice

Instructions

  1. Mix the cake mix, eggs, oil, and yogurt or sour cream together and pour into a greased 9x13-inch pan.
  2. Combine brown sugar and cinnamon and sprinkle over the batter; swirl into the batter with a knife.
  3. Bake at 325°F (160°C) for 45 minutes until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  4. Mix powdered sugar, milk, and lemon juice to make the glaze, then pour over the hot cake.

Tips & Substitutions

For a richer flavor, consider adding vanilla extract to the batter. If you don't have yogurt or sour cream on hand, applesauce can be a great substitute to maintain moisture. Additionally, you can use a different cake mix flavor, such as chocolate, for a twist. This cake is similar to the beloved Texas Disaster Cake, which also features a delightful swirl of sweetness.

Serving Suggestions

This Honey-Bun Cake is perfect for breakfast or as a dessert. Serve it warm with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat. It also pairs beautifully with coffee or tea. For a festive touch, consider serving it alongside Ambrosia Cookie Pie for a delightful dessert spread.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover Honey-Bun Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, refrigerate it for up to a week. To reheat, place individual slices in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds or until warm, ensuring it remains moist.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Mary'S Honey-Bun Cake contains roughly 401 calories, with 4g protein, 64g carbohydrates, and 15g fat. It is a good source of calcium (11% of the Daily Value).

401 kcal 20% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 4.3g 9% DV
Total Fat 14.9g 19% DV
Carbs 64.1g 23% DV
Fiber 0.8g 3% DV
Sugar 24.3g 49% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 409.7mg 18% DV
Potassium 175.1mg 4% DV
Cholesterol 35.5mg 12% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 9.3mcg 1% DV
Vitamin C 0.2mg
Vitamin D 0mcg
Calcium 142.2mg 11% DV
Iron 0.9mg 5% DV
Contains Milk Egg

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different brand of cake mix?

Yes, you can use any brand of yellow cake mix if you prefer. Just ensure it’s a similar flavor profile for the best results. Each brand may vary slightly in taste and texture, so keep that in mind when making substitutions.

What can I do if I don't have brown sugar?

If you don't have brown sugar, you can make a quick substitute by mixing white sugar with a bit of molasses. For every cup of brown sugar needed, mix 1 cup of granulated sugar with 1 tablespoon of molasses. This will mimic the flavor and moisture of brown sugar.

Is this cake suitable for freezing?

Yes, this Honey-Bun Cake freezes well. Allow it to cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before placing it in the freezer. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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