If you’ve ever wished your favorite breakfast treat and a decadent dessert could merge into one unforgettable bite, Honey Bun Brownies are your wish granted. Imagine all the cozy warmth of a cinnamon swirl honey bun tucked inside a fudgy, glazed brownie—soft, moist, and packed with cinnamon sugar ribbons. Each bite brings back the nostalgia of bakery-fresh morning pastries, but with the satisfying richness of a brownie. This recipe is delightfully simple, yet feels remarkably special when shared, and promises to become a keeper in your dessert rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best pleasures of making Honey Bun Brownies is opening your pantry and realizing you already have most of what you need. Every ingredient plays an important role, from golden cake mix creating the tender base to the sugary cinnamon filling that makes each bite irresistible.
- Yellow cake mix: The backbone of these brownies, providing a moist and fluffy texture with that classic golden crumb.
- Large eggs: Four eggs give the brownies structure and richness, ensuring every square is delightfully tender.
- Sour cream: For unbeatable moisture and a subtle tang that balances the sweet glaze.
- Vegetable oil: Keeps the brownies super soft while adding richness—no melted butter fuss required!
- Brown sugar: Infuses the cinnamon swirl with deep, caramel-like notes, guaranteeing gooey goodness throughout.
- Ground cinnamon: The flavorful spice that makes the honey bun flavor shine; don’t skimp on the cinnamon here.
- Vanilla extract: Found in both the brownie and the glaze, it deepens the overall flavor and brings classic bakery charm.
- Salt: Just a pinch to heighten flavors and round out the sweetness.
- Powdered sugar: The foundation of that velvety-smooth glaze everyone swoons over.
- Milk: Loosens the glaze to perfect drizzling consistency—use dairy or your favorite milk substitute.
How to Make Honey Bun Brownies
Step 1: Prep the Pan and Oven
Set yourself up for baking success by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray. For ultra-easy removal, you can also line it with parchment paper, letting some hang over the sides to use as handles later.
Step 2: Make the Brownie Batter
In a large mixing bowl, blend together the yellow cake mix, eggs, sour cream, vegetable oil, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and salt. Mix until it’s smooth and glossy—no pesky lumps hiding at the bottom! The batter should be thick yet pourable, making it easy to layer and swirl.
Step 3: Prepare the Cinnamon Swirl
Stir together the brown sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl. This combo is the soul of Honey Bun Brownies, infusing every bite with that signature bakery aroma and warmth.
Step 4: Layer and Swirl
Pour half the batter into your baking dish and smooth it into an even layer. Sprinkle the entire cinnamon-sugar mixture over this base, being generous and reaching all the corners. Spoon the remaining batter on top and carefully spread to cover—don’t worry if it’s not perfect! Glide a knife through the layers, gently swirling to create a marbled effect without fully mixing them together.
Step 5: Bake
Pop the pan onto the center rack and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. You’re looking for a lightly golden top and a toothpick inserted in the center that comes out clean or with only a few moist crumbs. That’s when you know the brownies are perfectly done.
Step 6: Make and Spread the Glaze
While the brownies bake, whisk up the glaze by combining powdered sugar, milk, and the remaining teaspoon of vanilla extract until smooth and a bit runny. As soon as the brownies come out and have cooled for about 10 minutes, pour the glaze all over the warm surface. Use a spatula or the back of a spoon to spread it evenly, letting it seep into every nook and cranny.
Step 7: Cool and Slice
Patience pays off here! Allow the glaze to set up before you slice the brownies into squares. If you can hold off until they’re fully cooled, you’ll be rewarded with perfect, crisp edges and ooey-gooey centers.
How to Serve Honey Bun Brownies
Garnishes
A simple dusting of ground cinnamon on top of the glaze adds an extra touch of bakery charm. For special occasions, try sprinkling chopped pecans, walnuts, or even a drizzle of caramel sauce. A scattering of edible gold star sprinkles makes Honey Bun Brownies look downright magical!
Side Dishes
While these brownies easily steal the show, they’re even more delightful paired with a scoop of classic vanilla ice cream or a dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream. For a morning treat, serve with a mug of hot coffee, spiced chai, or a tall glass of cold milk for old-fashioned comfort.
Creative Ways to Present
Show off your Honey Bun Brownies by stacking them on a tiered cake stand for brunch, or wrapping single squares in parchment with a ribbon for homemade gifts. For parties, slice into bite-size cubes and serve on skewers with fruit for an unexpected dessert kabob everyone will remember.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Honey Bun Brownies store like a dream! Keep any extras tightly covered at room temperature for up to three days. The glaze sinks in and the flavor actually gets even better by the second day.
Freezing
Want to save some for later? Let brownies cool and the glaze set fully, then wrap individual squares or the whole pan in foil and plastic wrap. They’ll keep in the freezer for up to two months. Thaw overnight at room temperature before serving for the best texture.
Reheating
Pop a brownie square in the microwave for 10-12 seconds to bring back that fresh-from-the-oven coziness. For a larger batch, gently warm in a low oven (300°F) covered with foil for about 10 minutes.
FAQs
Can I use a different flavor of cake mix?
Absolutely! While yellow cake mix is traditional for that honey bun flavor, white or even spice cake mix can work beautifully for a twist, changing up the flavor without losing the soft, dense brownie texture.
Can these be made gluten-free?
Yes, just substitute your favorite gluten-free yellow cake mix and check that the other ingredients are gluten-free. The results are still fluffy, tender, and packed with cinnamon sweetness.
What’s the secret to the perfect glaze?
Start with sifted powdered sugar to avoid lumps, and add milk gradually for a pourable, glossy glaze. Drizzling while the brownies are warm helps the glaze seep in, creating that bakery-style finish everyone loves.
Can I add nuts or chocolate chips?
For extra crunch or decadence, stir a handful of chopped pecans, walnuts, or mini chocolate chips right into the cinnamon-sugar layer. It’s a fun way to make each batch of Honey Bun Brownies your own.
What’s the best way to marble the batter?
Use a butter knife or skewer and gently swirl through the batter just once or twice. The goal is to create ribbons of cinnamon sugar rather than blend it in completely, ensuring every bite has beautiful swirls and pockets of flavor.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving the ultimate mashup of comfort and indulgence, don’t wait another day to bake up a pan of Honey Bun Brownies. The blend of nostalgic flavor and homemade warmth is pure happiness in a square—so treat yourself and share the joy with someone you love!
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Honey Bun Brownies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 brownies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the decadent sweetness of these Honey Bun Brownies that are a delightful cross between a cake and a brownie. With a cinnamon-sugar swirl and a vanilla glaze, these easy-to-make dessert bars are perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
For the brownies:
- 1 box yellow cake mix
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup sour cream
- 3/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the glaze:
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Mix the brownie batter: In a bowl, combine cake mix, eggs, sour cream, oil, vanilla, and salt until smooth.
- Prepare the cinnamon-sugar layer: Mix brown sugar and cinnamon; layer half of the batter, sprinkle the mixture, and top with the remaining batter.
- Bake: Bake for 30-35 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Make the glaze: Whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla; pour over warm brownies.
- Cool and serve: Let cool, slice, and enjoy!
Notes
- Enhance with chopped nuts for added texture.
- Flavors meld for even better taste the next day.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 brownie
- Calories: 330
- Sugar: 29g
- Sodium: 240mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
