This ultra-moist, buttery pound cake is swirled with a cinnamon-brown sugar ribbon and draped in a sweet vanilla glaze—just like the classic honey bun, but homemade and irresistible! Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✅ Rich, tender crumb – Sour cream ensures maximum moisture
✅ Cinnamon-sugar swirl – Melty, fragrant, and slightly crunchy
✅ Easy to make – No fancy techniques, just simple mixing
✅ Crowd-pleaser – Disappears fast at potlucks and parties
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 2½ cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 6 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 cup full-fat sour cream
- ½ cup whole milk
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
For the Cinnamon Swirl:
- ⅔ cup light brown sugar
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ cup chopped pecans/walnuts (optional)
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 tbsp milk
- ½ tsp vanilla or almond extract
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prep & Preheat
- Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C).
- Grease and flour a 10-inch Bundt pan (get into all the crevices!).
2. Make the Batter
- Cream butter and sugar until fluffy (~5 mins).
- Add eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla.
- Whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Alternate adding dry ingredients with sour cream and milk, starting and ending with flour.
3. Create the Swirl
- Mix brown sugar, cinnamon, and nuts (if using).
4. Layer & Swirl
- Pour half the batter into the pan.
- Sprinkle cinnamon swirl evenly over batter.
- Top with remaining batter.
- Optional: Swirl gently with a knife.
5. Bake to Perfection
- Bake 60–75 mins (check at 60 mins with a toothpick).
- Cool in pan 15 mins, then invert onto a rack.
6. Glaze & Serve
- Whisk glaze ingredients until smooth. Drizzle over slightly warm or cooled cake.
Pro Tips for Success
🔥 Room temp ingredients – Ensures even mixing
🌀 Don’t over-swirl – 2–3 knife passes max for defined layers
⏳ Cool before glazing – Prevents glaze from melting off
FAQs
1. Can I use yogurt instead of sour cream?
✅ Yes, but full-fat Greek yogurt works best.
2. How to prevent sticking?
- Use baking spray with flour
- Let cake cool 15 mins before inverting
3. Can I make it ahead?
✅ Bake, cool, and glaze up to 2 days before serving.
4. Why did my cake sink?
- Underbaked
- Opened oven door too early
5. Can I add honey to the glaze?
✅ Replace 1 tbsp milk with 1 tbsp honey for extra flavor.
Serving Suggestions
☕ Breakfast: Pair with coffee
🍦 Dessert: Serve with vanilla ice cream
🎁 Gifting: Wrap in cellophane with a ribbon
Final Thoughts
This Honey Bun Pound Cake is pure comfort in every slice—buttery, spiced, and just sweet enough. One bite and you’ll be hooked!
What’s your favorite nostalgic treat turned into cake? Share below! 👇💛
Happy Baking! 🎉🍯
#PoundCake #HoneyBun #CinnamonSwirl #EasyDesserts
