A Warm, Cinnamon-Swirled Coffee Cake That Tastes Like the Beloved Snack
Why You’ll Love This
🍯 Gooey cinnamon-sugar swirls just like a honey bun
🔥 Golden brown glaze that soaks into the cake
⏱ Ready in under 1 hour – no yeast, no waiting
☕ Perfect with coffee for breakfast or dessert
Ingredients
Cake Batter
1 box (15.25 oz) yellow cake mix
¾ cup (180ml) vegetable oil
4 large eggs
1 cup (240g) sour cream
Cinnamon Swirl
½ cup (100g) brown sugar
2 tsp cinnamon
½ cup (60g) chopped pecans (optional)
Glaze
1 cup (120g) powdered sugar
2 tbsp (30ml) milk
1 tsp vanilla extract
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Make the Batter
- Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C). Grease a 9×13-inch pan.
- Mix cake mix, oil, eggs, and sour cream until smooth (batter will be thick).
2. Layer & Swirl
- Spread half the batter in the pan.
- Mix brown sugar, cinnamon, and pecans; sprinkle evenly over batter.
- Carefully spread remaining batter on top (it’s okay if some swirl shows through).
3. Bake & Glaze
- Bake 40-45 minutes until golden and a toothpick comes out clean.
- Whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla; drizzle over hot cake.
Pro Tips
🔥 Extra gooey: Poke holes in the warm cake before glazing
🍯 Honey twist: Add 1 tbsp honey to the glaze
❄️ Make ahead: Bake the night before; glaze before serving
Serving Suggestions
☕ Perfect with coffee or milk
🍓 Top with fresh berries for balance
🍦 Serve warm with vanilla ice cream
“Breakfast or dessert? Why not both!” 🍯✨
Storage: Keeps 3 days covered at room temperature.
Variations:
- Cream Cheese Swirl: Add 4 oz softened cream cheese to half the batter
- Apple Cinnamon: Layer with thinly sliced apples
- Chocolate Chip: Fold ½ cup mini chocolate chips into the batter