Description
This Pumpkin Honey Bun Cake is a deliciously moist and flavorful dessert that combines the warm spices of cinnamon and pumpkin with a sweet brown sugar swirl, topped off with a smooth honey glaze. Perfect for seasonal gatherings or cozy nights, this easy-to-make cake uses a simple yellow cake mix and pantry staples for a wonderful fall treat.
Ingredients
Scale
Cake Batter
- 1 box yellow cake mix
- 3/4 cup canned pumpkin puree
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1/4 cup water
- 4 large eggs
Brown Sugar Cinnamon Swirl
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans (optional)
Glaze
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons honey
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan to prevent sticking.
- Make Cake Batter: In a large mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, pumpkin puree, vegetable oil, water, and eggs. Beat on medium speed until the batter is smooth and well combined.
- Prepare Brown Sugar Mixture: In a separate bowl, mix together the brown sugar and ground cinnamon. Stir in the chopped pecans if using, for added texture and flavor.
- Layer Batter and Sugar: Pour half of the cake batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly to form the first layer.
- Add Brown Sugar Layer: Evenly sprinkle the brown sugar and cinnamon mixture over the first cake batter layer.
- Top with Remaining Batter: Pour the remaining cake batter over the brown sugar mixture, spreading gently to cover the entire surface.
- Create Swirl Effect: Use a knife to gently swirl the batter and brown sugar layers, creating a beautiful marbled effect throughout the cake.
- Bake the Cake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Prepare the Glaze: While the cake bakes, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, vanilla extract, and honey in a bowl until the glaze is smooth and well combined.
- Cool and Glaze: When the cake is done, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool on a wire rack for about 10 minutes, then pour the glaze evenly over the warm cake.
- Set and Serve: Let the glaze set for a few minutes before slicing and serving your delicious pumpkin honey bun cake.
Notes
- Chopped pecans are optional but add a nice crunch and flavor.
- You can substitute milk with a dairy-free alternative to make it lactose-free.
- Ensure not to overmix the cake batter to maintain a tender crumb.
- For deeper spice flavor, consider adding 1/2 teaspoon of ground nutmeg or allspice to the brown sugar mixture.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
