Description
This Pumpkin Honey Bun Cake is a moist and flavorful dessert that features layers of pumpkin-spiced cake batter and a cinnamon sugar swirl, topped with a smooth vanilla glaze. Perfect for fall gatherings or anytime you crave a cozy pumpkin 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
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: 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.
- Mix Cake Batter: In a large bowl, combine 1 box of Duncan Hines yellow cake mix, ⅔ cup vegetable oil, 4 large eggs, and 1 cup pure pumpkin puree. Beat the mixture on medium speed until smooth and fully combined, about 2 minutes. Set the batter aside.
- Prepare Cinnamon Sugar: In a small bowl, stir together 1 cup packed light brown sugar and 1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice (or ground cinnamon) until combined.
- Layer Batter and Cinnamon Sugar: Pour half of the cake batter into the bottom of the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over this layer.
- Top with Remaining Batter: Carefully spoon and smooth the remaining cake batter over the cinnamon sugar layer, covering it completely.
- Bake the Cake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
- Cool and Poke Holes: Once baked, use a fork to poke holes all over the surface of the cake. This step is optional but helps the glaze seep into the cake, making it more moist. Allow the cake to cool while you prepare the glaze.
- Make the Glaze: In a medium bowl, whisk together 2 cups powdered sugar, 4 to 6 tablespoons milk (depending on desired glaze thickness), and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until smooth.
- Glaze the Cake: Pour the glaze evenly over the cooled cake, making sure to cover all areas.
- Set and Serve: Allow the cake to come to room temperature so the glaze can fully set. Once set, slice and serve your delicious Pumpkin Honey Bun Cake.
Notes
- Poking holes in the cake before glazing is optional but enhances moisture by allowing the glaze to penetrate deeper.
- Adjust milk quantity in the glaze to achieve your preferred thickness.
- Use pumpkin pie spice for a warm spice blend or just cinnamon if you prefer a simpler flavor.
- This cake is best enjoyed within 2-3 days and can be refrigerated to extend freshness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Pumpkin cake, Honey bun cake, Pumpkin dessert, Pumpkin spice cake, Fall dessert, Yellow cake mix pumpkin recipe
