If you’re on the hunt for a dessert that perfectly captures the warm, cozy flavors of a classic cinnamon roll with the rich, fudgy appeal of a brownie, you’ve just found it. This Honey Bun Brownies Recipe blends the best of both worlds—imagine moist yellow cake batter swirled with a cinnamon-sugar crunch and topped with a sweet glaze that makes every bite utterly irresistible. Whether you’re baking for a family gathering or simply treating yourself, these brownies are a amazing way to bring comfort and indulgence to your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Honey Bun Brownies Recipe lies in the simplicity and harmony of a handful of pantry staples that come together to create a texture and flavor that’s truly special. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in building that signature sweet, tender, and cinnamon-kissed treat.
- Yellow cake mix: Provides a moist and tender base that’s quick to prepare and easy to work with.
- Vegetable oil: Adds moisture and helps keep the brownies soft without weighing them down.
- Large eggs: Bind everything together and contribute to the rich texture.
- Sour cream: Gives a subtle tang and extra moisture, making the brownies wonderfully dense and creamy.
- Light brown sugar: Packed with molasses, this is essential for that deep, caramel-like sweetness in the cinnamon swirl.
- Ground cinnamon: The star spice that infuses the brownies with that classic honey bun flavor.
- Powdered sugar: Used in the smooth glaze that finishes the brownies off with a sweet, delicate touch.
- Milk: Helps thin the glaze for drizzling, balancing the sweetness perfectly.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances and rounds out all the flavors with its warm, inviting aroma.
How to Make Honey Bun Brownies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Dish and Batter
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and lightly greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish. This sets the stage so nothing sticks, and you get perfectly shaped brownies every time. In a large bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, vegetable oil, eggs, and sour cream. Whisk everything together until the batter is smooth and uniform, which will ensure even baking and that melt-in-your-mouth texture you’re dreaming of.
Step 2: Create the Cinnamon-Sugar Swirl
In a small bowl, mix together the light brown sugar and ground cinnamon. This simple but flavorful combo is the key to the signature honey bun taste. Pour half the batter into your prepared dish, spreading it out evenly. Then sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture over the top, covering every bit of the surface for that sweet, spicy layer that gets all marbled into the final brownie.
Step 3: Add the Remaining Batter and Swirl
Spoon the rest of the batter gently over the cinnamon-sugar layer. Use a knife to swirl the two layers together—it’s this marbling that gives the brownies their irresistible, textured look and flavor. Don’t overmix; you want distinct swirls that peek through after baking.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Place your dish in the oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. The brownies are ready when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. This step is crucial for that perfect gooey yet cooked-through consistency.
Step 5: Prepare and Drizzle the Glaze
While the brownies bake, whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a small bowl to make the glaze. When the brownies come out of the oven and have cooled slightly (but are still warm), drizzle the glaze generously over the top. Let it set for a few minutes before slicing so that every piece is coated with a glossy, sweet finish.
How to Serve Honey Bun Brownies Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of chopped nuts, like pecans or walnuts, adds a lovely crunch that contrasts beautifully with the tender brownie. You can also dust a little extra cinnamon or powdered sugar on top for a pretty, bakery-style touch that elevates your presentation effortlessly.
Side Dishes
Pair these brownies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream for an indulgent treat. A cup of strong coffee or a warm chai tea works beautifully alongside, balancing the sweetness and enhancing the overall cozy vibe.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn your Honey Bun Brownies Recipe into bite-sized snack bars or sandwich them with cream cheese frosting for an irresistible twist. Wrapping individual brownies in parchment paper tied with twine makes a charming homemade gift that’s sure to impress friends and family.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your Honey Bun Brownies stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This keeps them soft and fresh without drying out. If you want to extend their shelf life, refrigeration works well too, but allow them to come to room temperature before enjoying for the best texture.
Freezing
These brownies freeze wonderfully. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. They’ll keep for up to 3 months. When you’re ready, thaw them overnight in the fridge or at room temperature to enjoy that fresh-baked comfort any time you like.
Reheating
For warm, gooey brownies just like fresh from the oven, reheat individual pieces in the microwave for about 15 seconds or warm larger portions in an oven preheated to 300°F for 10 minutes. Drizzle a little extra glaze or honey on top after heating for an extra-special touch.
FAQs
Can I use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream?
Absolutely! Greek yogurt can be substituted one-for-one with sour cream, adding a similar tang and moisture. It’s a great option if you want a slightly lighter or healthier twist while still keeping that creamy texture.
What’s the best pan to bake these brownies in?
A 9×13-inch baking dish is recommended to get the ideal thickness and bake time. Glass or metal pans both work well—the key is to grease it lightly to prevent sticking and achieve those clean brownie edges.
Can I add nuts or other mix-ins?
Yes! Adding chopped pecans or walnuts into the cinnamon-sugar layer gives extra texture and a delicious nutty flavor. Chocolate chips could also be a delightful addition if you want to amp up the chocolaty decadence.
Can this recipe be made gluten-free?
To make a gluten-free version, choose a gluten-free yellow cake mix. Just ensure the other ingredients you use don’t contain gluten. The rest of the recipe stays the same and still results in tasty, moist brownies.
How long do these brownies stay fresh?
Stored properly in an airtight container, these Honey Bun Brownies stay fresh for about 3 days at room temperature. They’re often best enjoyed slightly warm for that soft, gooey experience.
Final Thoughts
Give this Honey Bun Brownies Recipe a try, and prepare to fall in love with a new classic dessert that’s simple to make yet absolutely bursting with flavor. Every moist bite, cinnamon swirl, and sweet glaze drip offers a comforting hug in brownie form. Whether you’re baking for yourself or sharing with loved ones, these brownies are guaranteed to become a beloved favorite in your recipe collection.
Print
Honey Bun Brownies Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Honey Bun Brownies are a scrumptious twist on classic brownies, combining the ease of a yellow cake mix with a cinnamon-sugar swirl and a sweet glaze. These bars feature a rich, moist texture thanks to sour cream and are finished with a powdered sugar glaze that mimics the flavor of honey buns.
Ingredients
Brownie Batter
- 1 box (15.25 oz) yellow cake mix
- ¾ cup vegetable oil
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup sour cream
Cinnamon-Sugar Swirl
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Mix Batter. In a large bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, vegetable oil, eggs, and sour cream. Whisk until the batter is smooth and fully blended.
- Create Cinnamon-Sugar Mixture. In a separate small bowl, mix together the packed light brown sugar and ground cinnamon until evenly combined.
- Layer Batter and Cinnamon Sugar. Spread half of the batter evenly into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the brown sugar-cinnamon mixture evenly over this layer.
- Add Remaining Batter and Swirl. Spoon the remaining batter over the cinnamon sugar layer. Using a knife, gently swirl the top layer to create a marbled effect with the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
- Bake. Place the pan in the oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Prepare Glaze. While the brownies bake, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a small bowl until smooth to create the glaze.
- Cool and Glaze. Let the brownies cool slightly after baking. Then, drizzle the glaze evenly over the warm brownies.
- Set and Serve. Allow the glaze to set before slicing into squares and serving. Enjoy warm for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the cinnamon-sugar layer for extra crunch and texture.
- You can substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream to lighten the texture.
- These brownies are best served slightly warm to enjoy the gooey glaze and moist interior.
