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Pumpkin Honey Bun Cake Recipe

4.5 from 91 reviews

This Pumpkin Honey Bun Cake is a moist, flavorful dessert combining the warm spices of cinnamon and pumpkin with a sweet honey glaze. It’s an easy-to-make cake perfect for fall celebrations or anytime you crave a comforting treat with a seasonal twist.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

  • 1 box yellow or spice cake mix (approx. 15.25 oz)
  • 1/2 cup cinnamon sugar (1/4 cup sugar mixed with 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon)

Wet Ingredients

  • 1 cup pumpkin purée (canned or fresh)
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1/3 cup honey

Glaze

  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 1 tablespoon milk (or as needed for consistency)
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Oven and Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a tube or bundt pan to ensure the cake releases easily after baking.
  2. Mix the Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the pumpkin purée, vegetable oil, eggs, and honey. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and well incorporated.
  3. Combine Dry Ingredients: Add the cake mix and cinnamon sugar to the wet mixture. Stir gently until just combined; avoid overmixing to keep the cake tender.
  4. Pour Batter into Pan: Immediately pour the batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly.
  5. Bake the Cake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  6. Cool the Cake: Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 15 minutes. Then, carefully invert it onto a wire rack to cool completely before glazing.
  7. Prepare the Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, honey, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Adjust the milk quantity to achieve a drizzling consistency.
  8. Glaze the Cake: Drizzle the glaze evenly over the cooled cake. Allow the glaze to set for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving.

Notes

  • Use canned pumpkin purée for convenience and consistent texture.
  • You can substitute vegetable oil with melted butter for a richer flavor.
  • The cake can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerated for up to a week.
  • For a dairy-free glaze, substitute milk with almond or oat milk.
  • Add chopped nuts or raisins to the batter for extra texture if desired.

Keywords: pumpkin cake, honey bun cake, cinnamon sugar cake, fall dessert, easy pumpkin dessert