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Honey Bun Brownies

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.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Cooling Time 10 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Brownies, Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 12 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!

Notes

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.
Keyword Honey Bun Brownies Recipe for Beginners, Honey Bun Brownies with Glaze