Description
This Pumpkin Honey Bun Cake is a moist and spiced cake layered with a cinnamon-sugar swirl and topped with a sweet vanilla glaze. Made with pumpkin puree and classic yellow cake mix, it offers the cozy flavors of fall in every bite, perfect for dessert or a special occasion treat.
Ingredients
Scale
Cake Batter
- 1 box Duncan Hines yellow cake mix
- ⅔ 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)
Glaze
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 4–6 Tablespoons milk (use less for a thicker glaze)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray and set it aside to be used for baking the cake.
- Mix Cake Batter: In a large bowl, combine the cake mix, vegetable oil, eggs, and pumpkin puree. Beat the mixture with a mixer until combined and smooth, about 2 minutes. Set the batter aside.
- Make Cinnamon Sugar: In a small bowl, mix together the light brown sugar and pumpkin pie spice (or ground cinnamon) until well combined.
- Layer the Cake Batter: Pour half of the cake batter into the prepared baking dish and smooth it out evenly to form the first layer.
- Add Cinnamon Sugar Layer: Evenly sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture over the bottom layer of cake batter in the pan.
- Top with Remaining Batter: Carefully spoon the remaining cake batter over the cinnamon sugar layer and smooth out the top gently.
- Bake the Cake: Bake the cake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Prepare for Glaze Absorption: Once baked, use a fork to poke holes all over the top of the cake. This step is optional but allows the glaze to seep into the cake making it extra moist. Let the cake cool while you prepare the glaze.
- Make the Glaze: In a medium bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk (starting with 4 tablespoons and adding more if needed for desired consistency), and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Apply the Glaze: Pour the glaze evenly over the cooled cake, ensuring it covers the top fully.
- Set and Serve: Allow the cake to come to room temperature so the glaze can fully set. Once ready, slice and serve.
Notes
- Using the fork to poke holes before glazing is optional but creates a moist cake with glaze infused inside.
- Adjust the milk quantity in the glaze to achieve desired thickness — less milk for thicker glaze, more for thinner.
- For a spicier cake, increase the pumpkin pie spice or add a pinch of ground cloves or nutmeg.
- Be sure not to follow the cake mix box instructions for the amount of oil and eggs; use the specified amounts in this recipe instead.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: pumpkin cake, honey bun cake, pumpkin dessert, fall cake, cinnamon sugar cake, glazed cake, easy pumpkin recipe
