Honey Bun Brownies are a mix of two favorite treats—the sweet, cinnamon flavor of a honey bun and the soft, chewy texture of a brownie. Instead of the usual chocolate taste, these brownies have a warm, buttery base with a cinnamon-sugar swirl in the middle, just like a classic honey bun. To make them even better, they’re topped with a simple vanilla glaze that soaks into the warm brownies, adding extra sweetness in every bite.
This recipe is inspired by honey buns, the soft and sticky pastries with a gooey cinnamon center and a sweet icing drizzle. But instead of making dough and waiting for it to rise, these brownies are quick and easy to bake—no yeast, no frying, just mix and bake!
If you love honey buns or just want to try something new, these brownies are a great choice. They’re simple to make, super soft and sweet, and perfect for any occasion—whether it’s a family dessert, a holiday treat, or just a fun way to enjoy something homemade.
Ingredients
For the Brownies:
- Yellow cake mix
- Vegetable oil
- Large eggs
- Honey
- Brown sugar (packed)
- Ground cinnamon
- Ground nutmeg (optional)
For the Glaze:
- Powdered sugar
- Milk
- Vanilla extract
Detailed Instructions for Honey Bun Brownies
1. Preheat the Oven
Begin by setting your oven to a moderate temperature to ensure even baking. Grease a rectangular baking pan or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make brownie removal easier.
2. Prepare the Batter
In a large mixing bowl, combine the dry cake mix with the wet ingredients, including eggs, oil, and honey. Mix well until a smooth and lump-free batter forms. This will create a moist and flavorful base for your brownies.
3. Create the Cinnamon Swirl
In a separate bowl, prepare the cinnamon-sugar mixture by combining brown sugar with ground cinnamon. If you want an extra layer of warmth and depth in flavor, add a hint of ground nutmeg.
4. Assemble the Layers
Pour a portion of the prepared batter into the greased baking pan, spreading it evenly to create a smooth base. Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture generously over this layer, ensuring even coverage. Carefully pour the remaining batter on top, spreading it gently to cover the cinnamon layer completely.
5. Bake the Brownies
Transfer the pan to the preheated oven and bake until the brownies are set and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Baking times may vary slightly, so begin checking for doneness toward the end of the estimated baking time.
6. Prepare the Glaze
While the brownies are baking, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a bowl until the glaze is smooth and pourable. The consistency should be thin enough to drizzle yet thick enough to coat the surface of the brownies without running off completely.
7. Glaze the Brownies
Once baked, remove the brownies from the oven and allow them to cool slightly. While still warm, drizzle the prepared glaze evenly over the top, letting it seep into the surface for extra moisture and sweetness.
8. Cool and Serve
Let the glazed brownies cool completely in the pan before slicing into squares. Once cooled, serve and enjoy these delicious, honey-infused brownies with a warm, spiced flavor and a sweet glaze!
Variations and Add-ins
You can customize your Honey Bun Brownies to suit your taste preferences by incorporating creative variations and add-ins. Here are a few delicious ideas to elevate your brownies:
1. Cream Cheese Swirl for a Tangy Contrast
Adding a cream cheese swirl creates a rich, tangy contrast to the sweetness of honey and cinnamon.
How to Add It:
In a bowl, mix 8 oz of softened cream cheese, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, 1 egg, and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract until smooth.
After pouring half of the batter into the pan, dollop the cream cheese mixture over the batter.
Use a knife or skewer to gently swirl it into the batter.
Pour the remaining batter on top and bake as usual.
2. Chopped Nuts for Added Crunch
Adding chopped pecans, walnuts, or almonds brings a crunchy texture and a nutty flavor that pairs well with the warm spices.
How to Add It:
Stir 1/2 cup of chopped nuts into the batter before pouring it into the baking pan.
You can also sprinkle additional nuts on top before baking for an extra crunch.
3. Drizzling a Glaze on Top for Extra Sweetness
While the standard glaze is already a part of the recipe, you can experiment with different types of glazes for extra indulgence.
Cinnamon Vanilla Glaze: Add 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon to the powdered sugar glaze for a spiced twist.
Honey Glaze: Mix 2 tablespoons of honey, 1/2 cup powdered sugar, and 1 tablespoon of warm milk for a honey-infused topping.
Chocolate Drizzle: Melt 1/4 cup of chocolate chips and drizzle over the cooled brownies for a chocolatey touch.
Serving Suggestions
These Honey Bun Brownies taste incredible on their own, but here are some ways to make them even more special:
1. Pairing with a Scoop of Vanilla Ice Cream
Serve warm brownies with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream to balance the sweetness of honey and cinnamon with the creamy coolness of the ice cream.
Drizzle extra honey or caramel sauce over the ice cream for an irresistible dessert.
2. Serving Warm with a Drizzle of Caramel Sauce
Warm the brownies slightly before serving and drizzle caramel sauce on top for a gooey, bakery-style treat.
Homemade caramel sauce: Melt 1/2 cup sugar, 2 tablespoons butter, and 1/4 cup heavy cream in a saucepan until smooth, then drizzle over brownies.
3. Enjoying with Coffee or Tea for a Delightful Snack
These brownies pair perfectly with a cup of hot coffee, chai tea, or spiced latte, making them a cozy breakfast or afternoon snack.
Try serving them slightly warm with a dusting of powdered sugar on top for an extra treat.
Storage Tips
To keep your Honey Bun Brownies fresh and delicious, follow these storage recommendations:
1. Keeping at Room Temperature (Up to 4 Days)
Store brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days.
Place a sheet of parchment paper between layers to prevent them from sticking together.
2. Refrigerating for Extended Freshness (Up to 1 Week)
If you prefer to extend the shelf life, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 7 days.
Let them come to room temperature before serving, or warm them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds for a soft, fresh-out-of-the-oven taste.
3. Freezing for Long-Term Storage (Up to 3 Months)
How to Freeze:
Wrap each brownie individually in plastic wrap and place them in a ziplock bag or airtight container. Store in the freezer for up to 3 months.
How to Reheat:
Remove a brownie from the freezer and let it thaw at room temperature for 30 minutes. For a warm treat, microwave for 15-20 seconds before serving.
More Recipes
Honey Bun Brownies
Ingredients
For the Brownies:
- 1 box 15.25 oz yellow cake mix
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 4 large eggs
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup brown sugar packed
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg optional
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Preheat the Oven:
- Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
Prepare the Batter:
- In a large bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, vegetable oil, 3 eggs, and honey. Mix until the batter is smooth and well combined.
Create the Cinnamon Swirl:
- In a separate bowl, mix together the brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg (if using).
Assemble the Layers:
- Pour half of the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly.
- Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the batter layer.
- Pour the remaining batter over the cinnamon-sugar layer, carefully spreading it to cover the filling.
Bake:
- Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Baking times may vary, so start checking at the 25-minute mark.
Prepare the Glaze:
- While the brownies are baking, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a small bowl until smooth.
Glaze the Brownies:
- Once the brownies are done baking, remove them from the oven and let them cool for about 10 minutes.
- While the brownies are still warm, drizzle the glaze evenly over the top, allowing it to seep into the brownies.
Cool and Serve:
- Let the glazed brownies cool completely in the pan before cutting them into squares.
- Serve and enjoy your homemade Honey Bun Brownies!