Pumpkin Honey Bun Cake Recipe
This Pumpkin Honey Bun Cake is a moist, flavorful dessert that combines the autumnal taste of pumpkin with a sweet cinnamon-sugar swirl and a smooth vanilla glaze. Perfect for fall gatherings or any time you’re craving a comforting cake with a seasonal twist, it features a simple yellow cake base enriched with pumpkin puree, layered with a spiced brown sugar filling, and finished with a luscious glaze that seeps into every bite.
- Author: Elena
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Cake Batter
- 1 box Duncan Hines yellow cake mix
- 2/3 cup vegetable oil
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup pure pumpkin puree
Cinnamon Sugar Filling
- 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 a thicker glaze)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray and set it aside for later.
- Mix Cake Batter: In a large bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, vegetable oil, eggs, and pumpkin puree. Beat the mixture for about 2 minutes until it is smooth and well combined. Set aside.
- Prepare Cinnamon Sugar: In a small bowl, stir together the light brown sugar and pumpkin pie spice until evenly mixed.
- Layer Batter and Filling: Pour half of the cake batter into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture all over the top of the batter.
- Add Remaining Batter: Carefully spoon the remaining cake batter over the cinnamon sugar layer, smoothing it out evenly to cover the filling.
- Bake the Cake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Optional Poke Holes: Once baked, use a fork to poke holes all over the surface of the cake. This helps the glaze seep into the cake, making it moist. This step is optional if you prefer a smooth top.
- Prepare Glaze: In a medium bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk (starting with 4 tablespoons), and vanilla extract. Adjust the milk quantity to reach your preferred glaze consistency.
- Apply Glaze: Pour the glaze evenly over the warm cake, allowing it to soak in through the holes or settle on top.
- Cool and Serve: Let the cake come to room temperature so the glaze can fully set. Once set, slice and serve your delicious Pumpkin Honey Bun Cake.
Notes
- The step of poking holes in the cake before glazing is optional but recommended for a moister cake.
- Use less milk in the glaze for a thicker consistency or more milk for a thinner glaze.
- You can substitute pumpkin pie spice with just ground cinnamon if unavailable.
- Ensure the cake is completely cooled to room temperature before slicing for clean cuts.
- This cake can be stored covered at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerated for up to a week.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approx. 1/12 of recipe)
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 30 g
- Sodium: 280 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
Keywords: pumpkin cake, yellow cake mix, honey bun cake, fall dessert, cinnamon sugar swirl, pumpkin spice cake, easy pumpkin dessert