Pumpkin Honey Bun Cake Recipe

Introduction

This Pumpkin Honey Bun Cake is a delightful twist on a classic yellow cake, packed with pumpkin flavor and a warm spice blend. Topped with a sweet glaze that soaks into every bite, it’s perfect for autumn gatherings or any time you crave a cozy dessert.

Ingredients

• 1 box Duncan Hines yellow cake mix
• 2/3 cup vegetable oil
• 4 large eggs
• 1 cup pure pumpkin puree
• 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
• 1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice (or ground cinnamon)
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 4-6 tablespoons milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray and set aside.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the cake mix, vegetable oil, eggs, and pumpkin puree. Beat until smooth and well combined, about 2 minutes, then set aside.
3. Step 3: In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar and pumpkin pie spice until evenly blended.
4. Step 4: Pour half of the cake batter into the prepared baking dish and smooth it out evenly.
5. Step 5: Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over the batter layer.
6. Step 6: Carefully spread the remaining cake batter over the cinnamon sugar layer, smoothing the top.
7. Step 7: Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
8. Step 8: Using a fork, poke holes all over the warm cake if you want the glaze to soak in well. This step is optional.
9. Step 9: In a medium bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Adjust milk amount for desired glaze thickness.
10. Step 10: Pour the glaze evenly over the cake, letting it seep into the holes if you poked them.
11. Step 11: Allow the cake to cool to room temperature so the glaze can set fully before slicing and serving.

Tips & Variations

• For a richer flavor, add a teaspoon of cinnamon to the cake batter.
• You can substitute pumpkin pie spice with an equal amount of cinnamon if preferred.
• Use less milk for a thicker glaze or add a bit more for a thinner drizzle to suit your preference.
• Sprinkle chopped nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, between the layers for added texture.

Storage

Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to one week. If refrigerated, bring to room temperature before serving for the best texture. The glaze helps keep the cake moist during storage.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use canned pumpkin instead of fresh pumpkin puree?

Yes, canned pure pumpkin works perfectly in this recipe and offers consistent moisture and flavor.

What can I substitute for pumpkin pie spice?

If you don’t have pumpkin pie spice, you can use ground cinnamon alone or combine cinnamon with a pinch of nutmeg and cloves for a similar flavor.

Pumpkin Honey Bun Cake Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 142 reviews

This Pumpkin Honey Bun Cake is a moist and flavorful fall treat featuring a classic yellow cake base enhanced with pure pumpkin puree and warm pumpkin pie spice. Swirled with a sweet cinnamon sugar layer and finished with a smooth vanilla glaze, it’s a perfect dessert for autumn gatherings or cozy nights in.

• Author: Emma
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 12 servings 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Cake Batter

• 1 box Duncan Hines yellow cake mix
• 2/3 cup vegetable oil
• 4 large eggs
• 1 cup pure pumpkin puree

Cinnamon Sugar Layer

• 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
• 1 Tablespoon pumpkin pie spice (or ground cinnamon)

Vanilla Glaze

• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 4–6 Tablespoons milk (use less for thicker glaze, more for thinner)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare Baking Dish: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking and set it aside for later use.
2. Mix Cake Batter: In a large mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, vegetable oil, eggs, and pumpkin puree. Beat the mixture until it is smooth and fully combined, which should take about 2 minutes. Then set this batter aside.
3. Prepare Cinnamon Sugar: In a small bowl, combine the light brown sugar and pumpkin pie spice (or ground cinnamon). Stir thoroughly to blend the flavors evenly.
4. Layer Batter and Cinnamon Sugar: Pour half of the cake batter into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly to form a smooth layer. Next, sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over this layer.
5. Add Remaining Batter: Carefully spoon and smooth the remaining half of the cake batter over the cinnamon sugar layer. Ensure it covers the sugar layer well.
6. Bake the Cake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, indicating the cake is fully baked.
7. Optional Poking: Using a fork, poke holes all over the warm cake surface. This step lets the glaze seep deeper into the cake, enhancing moisture, but can be skipped if you prefer a smooth top.
8. Make the Glaze: While the cake cools slightly, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk (start with 4 tablespoons and add up to 6 if needed), and vanilla extract in a medium bowl until smooth. Adjust milk quantity for desired glaze thickness.
9. Glaze the Cake: Pour the prepared glaze evenly over the cake, ensuring full coverage so the glaze seeps into the holes and atop the surface.
10. Cool and Serve: Allow the glazed cake to reach room temperature so the glaze can set properly. Once set, slice and serve your delicious pumpkin honey bun cake.

Notes

• Poking holes in the cake before glazing is optional but helps the glaze soak in for added moisture.
• Adjust the glaze thickness by varying the amount of milk used; less milk results in a thicker glaze, more milk yields a thinner glaze.
• For cinnamon spice, pumpkin pie spice can be substituted with ground cinnamon alone if desired.
• Ensure the cake is completely cooled before glazing for better glaze adherence and setting.

Keywords: Pumpkin Honey Bun Cake, pumpkin cake, yellow cake mix pumpkin recipe, cinnamon sugar swirl cake, fall dessert, pumpkin spice cake, vanilla glaze cake