Pumpkin Honey Bun Cake

If you’re searching for the ultimate fall dessert that combines warm spices, moist texture, and sweet decadence, look no further than the pumpkin honey bun cake. This delightful treat brings together the comforting flavors of pumpkin pie and the indulgent swirls of a classic honey bun cake. Whether you’re baking for a holiday gathering, potluck, or just to treat yourself, this cake is easy to make and impossible to resist.

Why You’ll Love This Pumpkin Honey Bun Cake

This cake isn’t your average pumpkin dessert. Here’s why it’s become a seasonal favorite:

Rich Pumpkin Flavor: Packed with real pumpkin purée and warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg.
Honey Bun Swirl: A cinnamon-sugar swirl runs through the center, mimicking the flavor of a gooey honey bun.
Moist and Tender: A simple buttermilk and oil base keeps this cake incredibly moist.
Easy to Make: One bowl. No mixer required. Minimal cleanup.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Serve it warm with coffee or dress it up with frosting for a festive dessert.

What Is a Honey Bun Cake?

The traditional honey bun cake is a Southern classic, typically made with yellow cake mix, cinnamon-sugar filling, and a sweet glaze on top. It gets its name from mimicking the flavor and texture of a cinnamon honey bun. The pumpkin version takes this base to a whole new level, infusing a fall-forward twist with pumpkin and seasonal spices.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Cake Batter:

1 box yellow cake mix (or spice cake mix)
1 cup pumpkin purée (not pumpkin pie filling)
½ cup vegetable oil
4 large eggs
½ cup buttermilk
2 tsp pumpkin pie spice

For the Cinnamon Swirl:

¾ cup brown sugar, packed
2 tsp ground cinnamon

For the Glaze:

2 cups powdered sugar
¼ cup milk
1 tsp vanilla extract

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Batter

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. In a large mixing bowl, combine cake mix, pumpkin purée, oil, eggs, buttermilk, and pumpkin spice. Whisk until smooth and well combined.

Step 2: Make the Swirl

In a small bowl, mix brown sugar and cinnamon together. Pour half of the batter into the baking dish, sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over it, and then pour the rest of the batter on top. Use a knife to gently swirl through the batter to create a marbled effect.

Step 3: Bake

Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Be careful not to overbake — you want the cake to stay moist.

Step 4: Add the Glaze

While the cake is still warm, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla to make a pourable glaze. Drizzle it over the top of the warm cake. The glaze will seep into the cracks and add a beautiful shine and sweet finish.

Tips for the Best Pumpkin Honey Bun Cake

Use Real Pumpkin: Stick with unsweetened pumpkin purée, not the pre-sweetened pumpkin pie filling.
Don’t Overmix: Mix just until combined to keep the texture light and tender.
Add Pecans or Walnuts: For texture, fold in ½ cup of chopped nuts.
Serve Warm: Slightly warm slices offer the best flavor and texture.

Serving Suggestions

This cake is versatile and pairs beautifully with a variety of sides and toppings:

Top with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream
Serve with a cup of cinnamon chai tea or pumpkin spice latte
Add a dollop of maple glaze for extra autumn flair

Storing and Freezing

You can store this pumpkin honey bun cake at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week. To freeze, wrap slices individually in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.

Internal & External Linking Suggestions

Internal Links:

Use anchor text like easy fall dessert recipes to link to a page on seasonal sweets.
Link with how to make pumpkin purée at home to a DIY guide on your blog.

External Links:

For reference on pumpkin nutrition, link to the USDA’s page on FoodData Central.
For baking tips, link to King Arthur Baking.

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of cake mix should I use?

You can use yellow or spice cake mix. Spice cake adds an extra flavor boost that complements the pumpkin perfectly.

Can I use homemade pumpkin purée?

Absolutely! Just be sure it’s thick and drained of excess water so your batter doesn’t get too wet.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes, simply substitute your favorite gluten-free yellow cake mix and ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.

Is this cake overly sweet?

No, the sweetness is balanced by the spices and pumpkin. You can even reduce the glaze if you prefer a less sweet option.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes. Bake it up to 2 days in advance and store covered at room temperature. Add the glaze just before serving for best results.

Conclusion

The pumpkin honey bun cake is truly the best of both worlds — it brings the heartwarming flavors of fall into every moist, spiced bite, while giving you that nostalgic honey bun swirl we all love. Whether you’re carving pumpkins or curling up with a warm drink, this cake makes every fall moment more delicious.

Ready to bake? Try this recipe today and impress your family and friends. Don’t forget to subscribe to our newsletter for more seasonal recipes and check out our top fall desserts here!