Name: Honey Bun Brownies Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 box (15.25 oz) yellow cake mix; 4 large eggs; 3/4 cup vegetable oil; 1 cup sour cream; 1/2 cup light brown sugar; 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon; 1 cup powdered sugar; 2 tablespoons milk; 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

Imagine everything you love about a sticky, cinnamon-laced honey bun and a luscious glazed brownie merging into one glorious dessert: that’s Honey Bun Brownies. Dreamy swirls of cinnamon sugar and a sweet vanilla glaze atop tender cake bars make every bite a rush of cozy nostalgia, with a little extra magic thanks to the rich tang of sour cream and the convenience of cake mix. Honey Bun Brownies are the kind of treat that always draws a crowd—perfect for potlucks, lunchboxes, or an indulgent family dessert night.

Honey Bun Brownies Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Honey Bun Brownies only require a handful of ingredients, but each is essential to creating their signature texture and flavor. The list is short, but every item brings something special—from the rich, buttery base to the cinnamon swirl and that all-important sweet glaze.

Yellow cake mix (15.25 oz): The foolproof base, providing that tender, buttery crumb and a hint of vanilla sweetness.
Large eggs (4): Help make the batter extra rich and give structural lift to each bar.
Vegetable oil (3/4 cup): Ensures the brownies stay moist and soft, with a lovely melt-in-your-mouth quality.
Sour cream (1 cup): Adds tang and a subtle creaminess, keeping the bars irresistibly moist.
Light brown sugar (1/2 cup): Brings a molasses touch to the cinnamon swirl, making it caramel-like and decadent.
Ground cinnamon (2 teaspoons): Delivers that classic honey bun spice and warmth.
Powdered sugar (1 cup): Essential for the vanilla glaze that soaks into the tops of the brownies.
Milk (2 tablespoons): Loosens the glaze so it pours perfectly over the warm brownies.
Vanilla extract (1/2 teaspoon): Adds classic bakery-shop aroma and flavor to the final drizzle.

How to Make Honey Bun Brownies

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven

Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with a little oil or nonstick spray—this makes sure your Honey Bun Brownies release easily when they’re done and keeps those beautiful swirled tops intact.

Step 2: Mix Up the Brownie Batter

Grab your biggest mixing bowl and combine the yellow cake mix, eggs, vegetable oil, and sour cream. Mix until the batter is totally smooth—no lumps! The sour cream will make this mixture thick and silky.

Step 3: Make the Cinnamon Swirl

In a small bowl, stir together the light brown sugar and ground cinnamon. This is the magic that transforms regular cake into the gooey, irresistible heart of Honey Bun Brownies.

Step 4: Layer and Swirl

Pour half of the cake batter into your prepped baking dish and spread it into an even layer. Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture all over the batter, making sure every inch gets a little love. Pour the rest of the batter on top, gently spreading it out. Now, take a butter knife and lightly swirl through the layers to create that signature marbled effect—but don’t overdo it or you’ll lose the dreamy ribbons of spice!

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Slide the dish onto the center rack and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. The brownies are ready when your kitchen smells like a bakery and a toothpick poked into the center comes out clean or with just a few tender crumbs.

Step 6: Glaze Time

While the brownies are baking, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a small bowl until smooth. When the Honey Bun Brownies come out of the oven, let them cool for just 10 minutes—then drizzle the glaze all over while they’re still warm so it soaks in just a little.

Step 7: Cool and Slice

Let the brownies cool completely in the pan before slicing. This helps the glaze set and makes neat, gorgeous bars. Now you’re ready for that first sweet, cinnamony bite!

How to Serve Honey Bun Brownies

Garnishes

For an extra bakery-worthy finish, try dusting the tops with a bit more powdered sugar just before serving. A light sprinkle of cinnamon or, if you’re feeling fancy, a handful of chopped toasted pecans or walnuts adds lovely crunch and visual appeal. Want a retro vibe? Add a swirl of whipped cream alongside each bar.

Side Dishes

Honey Bun Brownies play beautifully with contrasting sides. Serve them alongside a scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream for cool, creamy balance. For a lighter touch, a fresh fruit salad—think berries or citrus—nods to brunch but keeps the dessert feel. Coffee and milk are, of course, classic partners.

Creative Ways to Present

Get playful! Stack Honey Bun Brownies into towers for dessert tables, or cut them into bite-sized squares for parties. Try packing slices into parchment and string for an old-school bake sale look, or nestle brownies into cupcake liners to make them easy to pass around at gatherings.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled and sliced, Honey Bun Brownies stay fresh and moist for up to 3 days when stored in an airtight container at room temperature. A layer of parchment between slices helps preserve that beautiful glaze and prevents sticking.

Freezing

Want to enjoy Honey Bun Brownies on demand? Go ahead and freeze them! Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then store in a freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to 2 months—just let them thaw at room temperature before serving.

Reheating

For a fresh-baked taste, gently warm a brownie in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. The glaze softens, the cinnamon wakes up, and they taste totally irresistible—just like they did right out of the oven!

FAQs

Can I use a different flavor of cake mix?

Absolutely! While yellow cake mix is classic for Honey Bun Brownies, you can swap in vanilla or even spice cake mix for a twist. Just know that the finished bars may taste slightly different, but still delicious.

Do I have to use sour cream?

Sour cream is key to the rich, tender texture, but you can substitute with plain Greek yogurt if you prefer. It’ll add a bit more tang, but the brownies will still be wonderfully moist.

Can I add nuts or raisins?

Definitely! Stir up to a cup of chopped pecans, walnuts, or even golden raisins into the batter for extra texture and flavor. They’re a great way to personalize your Honey Bun Brownies.

How do I know when the brownies are done?

The brownies are ready when the top is golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. Be careful not to overbake so they stay soft and gooey!

Is it better to serve Honey Bun Brownies warm or at room temperature?

They’re delicious both ways! Warm, they’re extra gooey and perfect with a scoop of ice cream, while at room temperature the flavors have time to mingle and intensify. Try them both and see what you like!

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving a dessert that truly feels like a warm hug, Honey Bun Brownies are it. They’re easy to make, loaded with nostalgic flavors, and guaranteed to impress anyone who tries them. Whip up a batch this week and discover just how unforgettable a simple brownie can be!

Honey Bun Brownies Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 23 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 12 brownies 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Indulge in the irresistible combination of a honey bun and brownies with this easy-to-make and delicious Honey Bun Brownies recipe. These moist and flavorful brownies are swirled with a cinnamon-sugar layer and topped with a sweet glaze, making them a perfect treat for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Brownies:

1 box (15.25 oz) yellow cake mix
4 large eggs
3/4 cup vegetable oil
1 cup sour cream

For the Cinnamon Swirl:

1/2 cup light brown sugar
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

For the Glaze:

1 cup powdered sugar
2 tablespoons milk
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Mix the Brownie Batter: In a large bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, eggs, oil, and sour cream until smooth.
Prepare the Cinnamon Swirl: In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar and cinnamon.
Layer the Batter: Pour half of the batter into the dish, sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture, then pour the remaining batter on top.
Swirl and Bake: Use a knife to swirl the layers together and bake for 30-35 minutes.
Make the Glaze: Whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla.
Drizzle and Cool: Cool the brownies for 10 minutes, then drizzle the glaze over them.
Serve: Allow the brownies to cool completely before slicing and serving.