My Grandma’s Honey Bun Cake: An Easy Coffee Cake Recipe
There’s nothing quite like pulling out Grandma’s handwritten recipes and making something sweet in the farmhouse kitchen. This old-fashioned honey bun coffee cake is topped with a warm maple glaze and best enjoyed with a fresh cup of coffee!
This easy coffee cake is made with a box mix — shh! Don’t tell my grandma’s secret!
It’s moist and full of flavor: cinnamon, maple and sweet to the very last bite.
Grandma’s Honey Bun Cake Recipe
We’re pulling out the family cookbook this morning and getting busy on one of grandma’s handwritten recipes.
I love to serve this for weekend breakfast as a sweet treat for my family. Of course, I pair this with a high protein option to make sure it’s balanced and nutritious for my growing kiddos.
Why You Should Make Grandma’s Honey Bun Cake
- Quick and Easy – Mix the cake, mix the filling and mix the icing!
- Sweet Tooth – If you are a fan of sugar and sweets, then this is a must-try.
- Warm and Filling – The only thing better than a simple and quick meal is one that fuels you for your busy evening.
Make this as an extra special treat for your family.
What You Need to Make Grandma’s Honey Bun Cake
Make this recipe with an easy cheat code – boxed cake mix!
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Cake:
- 1 box yellow cake mix
- ¾ cup oil
- 4 eggs
- 1 cup sour cream (I often use greek yogurt on hand)
Cinnamon Sugar Filling:
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- Approximately 2-3 tablespoons ground cinnamon
Maple Icing:
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- ½ cup milk
- 1 teaspoon maple extract
Tools You’ll Need
- Large and 2 Small Mixing Bowl
- Large Spoon
- Measuring Spoons and Cups
- 9×13-inch Baking Dish
- Spatula
- Whisk
- Fork
Step By Step Directions for Grandma’s Honey Bun Cake
Prepare the Batter
In a large mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, oil, eggs, and sour cream. Mix until everything is well combined.
Prepare the Filling
In a separate bowl, mix together the brown sugar and cinnamon.
Layer the Cake
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Pour half the cake batter into the dish, then sprinkle the cinnamon and brown sugar mixture evenly over the top. Add the second half of the batter to cover the filling and spread evenly.
Bake
Bake at 350°F for approximately 40 minutes, or until the cake is baked through.
Make the Icing
While the cake is baking, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and maple extract until smooth.
Ice the Cake
While the cake is still hot, poke holes throughout the top. Pour the icing over the warm cake, allowing it to seep into the holes.
Cool and Serve
Allow the cake to cool before serving. Enjoy!
FAQs
If you ask me, this cake is even better the next day! Make it ahead of time for an easy breakfast treat, brunch, or something sweet to share with family.
A cream cheese frosting would be a great, rich addition to this coffee cake. If you’re looking for more of a topping and less glaze-feel, a frosting would make a great choice!
Printable Honey Bun Cake Recipe Here:
Grandma's Honey Bun Cake
There’s nothing quite like pulling out Grandma’s handwritten recipes and making something sweet in the farmhouse kitchen. This old-fashioned honey bun coffee cake is topped with a warm maple glaze and best enjoyed with a fresh cup of coffee!
Ingredients
- For the Cake:
- 1 box yellow cake mix
- ¾ cup oil
- 4 eggs
- 1 cup sour cream (I often use greek yogurt on hand)
- For the Cinnamon Sugar Filling:
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- Approximately 2-3 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- For the Maple Icing:
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- ½ cup milk
- 1 teaspoon maple extract
Instructions
- Prepare the batter. In a large mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, oil, eggs, and sour cream. Mix until everything is well combined.
- Prepare the filling. In a separate bowl, mix together the brown sugar and cinnamon.
- Layer the cake. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Pour half the cake batter into the dish, then sprinkle the cinnamon and brown sugar mixture evenly over the top. Add the second half of the batter to cover the filling and spread evenly.
- Bake at 350°F for approximately 40 minutes, or until the cake is baked through.
- Make the icing. While the cake is baking, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and maple extract until smooth.
- While the cake is still hot, poke holes throughout the top. Pour the icing over the warm cake, allowing it to seep into the holes.
- Cool and serve. Allow the cake to cool before serving. Enjoy!
Notes
Grandma’s Tip: If you ask me, this cake is even better the next day! Make it ahead of time for an easy breakfast treat, brunch, or something sweet to share with family.
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