Get ready for fall with a slice of Pumpkin Honey Bun Cake! It's delicious and easy to make.

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As the leaves start to change and the air gets a bit crisper, it's time to welcome the cozy flavors of fall. And what better way to embrace the season than with a slice of Pumpkin Honey Bun Cake?

This mouthwatering dessert will have your taste buds dancing with delight. Plus, it's super easy to make! So, grab your apron and get ready to indulge in this fall-inspired favorite.

More PUMPKIN SPICE favs you’ll enjoy:

3 Reasons Why You’ll Love This Recipe

A Taste if Fall: You’ll love making this Pumpkin Honey Bun Cake for its irresistible blend of cozy fall flavors, including pumpkin, warm spices, and a gooey brown sugar layer, which guarantees a slice of pure autumn indulgence.
It’s Super Simple: It's an easy-to-follow recipe that delivers impressive results, making it perfect for both novice bakers and seasoned pros looking to capture the essence of fall in a dessert.
Customizable: This cake offers versatility with ingredient substitutions and variations, allowing you to customize it to your taste, whether you prefer a cream cheese drizzle, a nutty crunch, or a gluten-free option.

Before we dive into the delicious details, let's make sure you have everything you need to whip up this delectable Pumpkin Honey Bun Cake:

Equipment Needed:

Ingredients:

1 box of yellow cake mix
½ cup of vegetable oil
4 eggs
½ cup of sour cream
¾ cup of canned pumpkin (not pumpkin pie mix)
1 ½ tsp of pumpkin pie spice
1 tsp of vanilla extract

Brown Sugar Layer:

½ cup of packed brown sugar
1 ½ tsp of pumpkin pie spice

Icing:

2 cups of powdered sugar
¼ cup of milk
1 tsp of vanilla extract

How to Make Pumpkin Honey Bun Cake:

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (or 325°F if you're using a dark or nonstick pan).

Step 2: Prepare the Pan

Spray the bottom and sides of a 13x9-inch pan with cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Step 3: Mix the Cake Batter

In a large bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, vegetable oil, eggs, sour cream, canned pumpkin, pumpkin pie spice, and vanilla extract.
Use an electric mixer on medium speed to beat the mixture for about 2 minutes, occasionally scraping the sides of the bowl. This ensures a smooth and well-mixed batter.

Step 4: Layer the Batter

Spread half of the cake batter evenly in the prepared pan. I used an offset spatula.

Step 5: Brown Sugar Layer

In a small bowl, create the brown sugar layer by stirring together packed brown sugar and pumpkin pie spice.
Sprinkle this brown sugar mixture evenly over the batter in the pan.

Step 6: Add the Remaining Batter

Carefully pour the remaining cake batter over the brown sugar layer.
Use an offset spatula or the back of a spoon to spread the batter evenly, covering the brown sugar layer.

Step 7: Bake

Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 40 minutes.
The cake is ready when it turns a deep golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 8: Prepare the Icing

While the cake is baking, prepare the icing by mixing 2 cups of powdered sugar, ¼ cup of milk, and 1 tsp of vanilla extract in another small bowl.
Stir until the mixture is thin enough to spread.

Step 9: Finish the Cake

Once the cake is done, remove it from the oven and place it on a cooling rack.
While the cake is still warm, use a fork to prick the entire surface. This allows the icing to penetrate and flavor the cake.
Carefully spread the powdered sugar mixture over the warm cake.

Step 10: Cool and Serve

Let the cake cool completely, which usually takes about 1 hour.
Once cooled, cover the cake and store it until you're ready to serve.

Enjoy your delicious Pumpkin Spice Yellow Cake with this detailed recipe! It's perfect for fall and any dessert occasion.

Yield/Servings:

This recipe yields approximately 12 servings, making it perfect for sharing with friends and family or saving some for later.

How to Store:

Storing your Pumpkin Honey Bun Cake is a breeze:

Simply cover it with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and keep it at room temperature for up to 2-3 days.
If you want to keep it fresh for a bit longer, pop it in the refrigerator for up to a week. Just be sure to bring it back to room temperature before serving to enjoy its full flavor.

Shelf Life:

This cake is so scrumptious that it might not last long, but if you manage to resist its charms, it should stay fresh for 2-3 days at room temperature or up to a week in the fridge.

Substitutions & Variations:

Feel free to get creative with your Pumpkin Honey Bun Cake. Here are a few ideas to spice things up:

Cream Cheese Drizzle: Swap the powdered sugar icing for a luscious cream cheese drizzle. Mix 4 oz of softened cream cheese with powdered sugar and a dash of vanilla extract until smooth.
Nutty Crunch: Add some toasted pecans or walnuts to the brown sugar layer for a delightful nutty crunch.
Gluten-Free Option: If you're following a gluten-free diet, use a gluten-free cake mix to make this cake just as irresistible.

Tips & Tricks:

Make sure your brown sugar layer is evenly distributed to create that irresistible swirl of sweetness throughout the cake.
Test the cake's doneness with a toothpick; it should come out clean when inserted into the center.
For a picture-perfect presentation, let the cake cool completely before cutting into it.

FAQs:

Q: Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned pumpkin?

A: Absolutely! If you have fresh pumpkin puree, it's a great option. Just make sure it's well-drained to avoid excess moisture in the cake.

Q: Can I make this cake ahead of time for a special occasion?

A: Yes, you can prepare it a day in advance. The flavors tend to meld and become even more delightful over time.

Q: Is it necessary to prick the warm cake with a fork before adding the icing?

A: Pricking the cake allows the icing to penetrate and infuse every inch with sweetness, making it even more delicious.

Q: Can I freeze leftovers?

A: While it's best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze individual slices in an airtight container for up to three months. Thaw in the refrigerator and bring to room temperature before serving.

There you have it, a delightful Pumpkin Honey Bun Cake that's sure to become a fall favorite in your household. Whether you're sharing it with loved ones or savoring it on your own, this dessert is a taste of autumn that you won't want to miss.

I'd love to hear about your experience making this cake, so please drop a comment below. Share your thoughts, tips, and any creative variations you tried. Don't forget to subscribe to my newsletter for the latest recipes and updates, and share this mouthwatering recipe on social media to spread the fall flavor love.

Happy baking, and may your fall be filled with the sweetest moments and the most delicious treats! 🍁🍰

-Stay Sweet, Xoxo Chyna B

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Pumpkin Honey Bun Cake