Home → Recipes → Dessert → Cake → Air Fryer Honey Bun Cake

Air Fryer Honey Bun Cake

Jump to recipe

Air-Fryer Honey Bun Cake—If you are looking for the perfect Air Fryer Easter Dessert, look no further than this homemade honeybun cake!

If you want even more delicious air fryer cake recipes, try my recipe for air fryer homemade cherry pie, air fryer blueberry cobbler for one, or air fryer blueberry crisp.

What Is A Honey Bun Cake?

Honey Bun Cake is a delightful dessert inspired by the classic honey bun pastry. It typically consists of a moist and tender yellow cake base infused with cinnamon and brown sugar, reminiscent of a traditional honey bun.

This cake is often topped with a sweet glaze or icing, adding sweetness and decadence. Honey Bun Cake is loved for its comforting flavors and is perfect for serving at breakfast, brunch, or as a delicious dessert any time of day.

Why You Will Love This Recipe!

Irresistible Flavor: Enjoy the comforting flavors of cinnamon, brown sugar, and honey, which remind you of classic honey bun pastries.
Moist and Tender Texture: An air fryer ensures even cooking and moisture retention, resulting in a moist and tender cake base.
Quick and Easy Preparation: The air fryer reduces cooking time compared to traditional oven baking.
Customizable Toppings: Experiment with various toppings, such as a sweet glaze or icing, to personalize your honey bun cake and enhance its sweetness to your liking.
Versatile Serving Options: This delectable cake is suitable for breakfast, brunch, or as a delightful dessert, making it ideal for any occasion or time of day.
Perfect Portion Control: The air fryer allows for individual-sized portions, making it easy to enjoy a satisfying treat without the temptation of excess leftovers.

Ingredients To Make A Honeybun Cake Air Fryer

The following ingredients are perfect for making a homemade honeybun cake in the air fryer.

Remember the step-by-step directions and detailed ingredient list are below, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post, as well as the nutritional information.

Yellow Cake Mix: The yellow cake mix provides the base for this delightful dessert, offering a rich and moist texture with its blend of flour, sugar, and other essential ingredients.
Sour Cream: Adds moisture and richness, ensuring a tender crumb and delightful texture.
Vegetable Oil: Adds moisture to the cake while helping to keep it soft and tender, resulting in a perfectly baked honeybun cake.
Eggs: Eggs act as a binding agent in the cake batter, helping to hold the ingredients together and contribute to its structure and texture.
Cinnamon Sugar Mixture: Adds a warm and aromatic flavor to the cake, reminiscent of classic honey bun pastries. It provides a delightful sweetness and spice.
Brown Sugar: Brown sugar enhances the cake’s flavor with its rich and caramel-like taste, adding depth and sweetness to every bite.
Chopped Pecans (Optional): Chopped pecans add a crunchy texture and nutty flavor to the cake batter, complementing the sweetness of the cake and cinnamon sugar mixture.
Confectioners’ Sugar (Powdered Sugar): Dusting the baked honeybun cake with confectioners’ sugar adds sweetness and a beautiful finishing touch to this delightful dessert.
Vanilla Glaze (Optional): Drizzling the honeybun cake with a vanilla glaze adds an extra layer of sweetness and indulgence, elevating its flavor and presentation.

How To Make Honey Bun Cake In Air Fryer

Here are the step-by-step directions for making a honey bun cake in the air fryer.

Prepare the Cake Batter: In a large mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, sour cream, vegetable oil, and eggs. Mix until well combined and the batter is smooth.

Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar Mixture: In a separate small bowl, mix the brown sugar and ground cinnamon until evenly combined.

Layer the Cake Batter: Pour half of the cake batter into the bottom of a greased air fryer-safe baking pan or dish. Sprinkle half of the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over the batter. Repeat with the remaining batter and cinnamon sugar mixture.

Swirl the Batter: Use a knife or skewer to gently swirl the cinnamon sugar mixture into the cake batter, creating a marbled effect.

Add Pecans (Optional): If desired, sprinkle chopped pecans over the top of the cake batter for added crunch and flavor.

Air-Fry the Cake: Place the baking pan or dish into the preheated air fryer basket. Air-fry the cake at 325°F (160°C) for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Cool and Serve: Once the cake is cooked, remove it from the air fryer and let it cool slightly. Dust the top of the cake with confectioners’ sugar for a sweet finish. Drizzle with vanilla glaze before serving if desired.

Pro Tips

Grease the Pan: Grease the air fryer-safe baking pan or dish well to prevent the cake from sticking to the bottom.
Even Layers: When layering the cake batter and cinnamon sugar mixture, strive for even distribution to achieve consistent flavor throughout the cake.
Swirl Gently: Do not overmix or vigorously swirl the cinnamon sugar mixture into the cake batter to maintain the desired marbled effect.
Check for Doneness: Use a toothpick or cake tester to check for doneness. Insert it into the center of the cake, and if it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, the cake is ready.
Cooling Time: Allow the cake to cool slightly in the air fryer basket or on a wire rack before dusting with confectioners’ sugar or adding the vanilla glaze. This helps prevent the glaze from melting too quickly.
Customize Toppings: Get creative with toppings! Try adding a cream cheese frosting instead of the vanilla glaze for an extra decadent touch, or sprinkle additional chopped pecans on top for added crunch.
Storage: Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days or refrigerate for longer storage. Reheat leftovers in the microwave for a few seconds before serving.
Serve with Coffee or Tea: Honey Bun Cake pairs perfectly with hot coffee or tea, making it an ideal treat for breakfast, brunch, or dessert. Enjoy the delightful combination of flavors and aromas for a cozy and comforting experience.

Faq’s

Can I use a different cake mix flavor? Yes, you can experiment with different cake mix flavors to create unique variations of Honey Bun Cake. Remember a classic yellow cake mix provides the traditional flavor profile for this recipe.

Can I make this cake without a cinnamon sugar swirl? While the cinnamon sugar swirl adds a classic honey bun flavor to the cake, you can omit it if desired. The cake will still be delicious, albeit without the characteristic cinnamon sweetness.

Can I substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream? Yes, you can substitute an equal amount of Greek yogurt for sour cream in this recipe. Both ingredients contribute to the moistness and richness of the cake batter.

How should I store leftover cake? Store any leftover Honey Bun Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days. If desired, you can also refrigerate the cake for longer shelf life.

Can I freeze Honey Bun Cake? Yes, you can freeze individual slices of Honey Bun Cake for longer-term storage. Wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. Thaw slices in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

Can I make this cake in a traditional oven instead of an air fryer? Yes, you can bake Honey Bun Cake in a traditional oven. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the cake for approximately 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

What can I serve with Honey Bun Cake? Honey Bun Cake pairs well with a variety of accompaniments, such as vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce. It also makes a delicious addition to brunch or dessert tables.

More Easy Air Fryer Recipes

Share Your Creations! Are you active on Facebook? Join our Air Fryer Recipes Group, where hundreds of thousands of Air Fryer enthusiasts gather and share your photos! I’m always thrilled to see what you’ve made. For those on Instagram, don’t forget to tag me @forktospoon – I can’t wait to admire your culinary adventures!

Search