Some desserts are simply meant to steal the spotlight — and this Red Velvet Honeybun Cake does exactly that. With its striking crimson hue, velvety texture, and swirl of warm cinnamon-sugar goodness, this cake is pure indulgence in every bite. And just when you think it can’t get any better, it’s topped with a luscious Cinnamon Cream Cheese Icing that melts beautifully over each slice.
It’s a dessert that feels both familiar and new — like your favorite red velvet cake and a cinnamon roll fell in love and created the ultimate treat. Every bite delivers that perfect balance of sweetness, spice, and silky richness. Whether you’re baking for Valentine’s Day, a birthday, or a cozy weekend at home, this cake is guaranteed to impress anyone lucky enough to taste it.
When Red Velvet Meets Honeybun Magic
Picture this: the soft, tender crumb of a red velvet cake layered with ribbons of cinnamon and brown sugar, then crowned with a tangy-sweet frosting that tastes like your favorite cinnamon roll glaze. That’s the beauty of this recipe — it takes two beloved classics and merges them into one heavenly dessert.
Red velvet cake on its own is already a showstopper. It’s rich, moist, and lightly cocoa-flavored with that unmistakable deep red color that makes it feel extra special. But add in the honeybun twist — the brown sugar and cinnamon swirl — and suddenly, you’ve got something magical. The swirl melts into caramel-like pockets of flavor while baking, infusing the cake with buttery warmth that contrasts beautifully with the tangy cream cheese icing.
This cake is indulgent but surprisingly easy to make. Using a red velvet cake mix as the base saves time, while a few key add-ins like sour cream, extra eggs, and sugar elevate it from ordinary to extraordinary. It’s a clever way to make a bakery-quality dessert right from your own kitchen — without the fuss.
What Makes a Honeybun Cake Special
Before we dive deeper into the recipe, let’s talk about what makes a honeybun cake so irresistible.
A honeybun cake gets its name from the beloved honeybun pastry — that soft, sweet, cinnamon-filled roll drizzled with glaze that’s often enjoyed for breakfast. The goal is to recreate that same melt-in-your-mouth, sticky, and comforting flavor in cake form.
The secret lies in the brown sugar-cinnamon mixture swirled through the batter. As the cake bakes, the sugar melts into caramelized ribbons that keep the cake extra moist and give it that “fresh from the bakery” scent. When you cut into it, you can actually see the marbled pattern — a swirl of red velvet and golden brown sugar that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.
What truly takes this version to another level is the combination of red velvet and cinnamon. The subtle cocoa undertones in red velvet blend perfectly with the sweet spice of cinnamon, creating a flavor experience that’s both cozy and luxurious. It’s like the best of Southern comfort baking wrapped up in one dessert.
The Red Velvet Twist
Red velvet is one of those cakes that instantly makes people stop and smile. There’s something about its color and texture — that rich crimson crumb and velvety bite — that feels so elegant and nostalgic at once.
Traditionally, red velvet gets its distinctive flavor from a hint of cocoa, vanilla, and a touch of tang from buttermilk or sour cream. In this recipe, sour cream adds moisture and richness, ensuring the cake stays soft and tender long after baking. The vegetable oil adds even more moisture, and the eggs help bind everything into a smooth, silky batter.
But what really makes this red velvet special is how it interacts with the cinnamon-sugar swirl. As it bakes, the red batter absorbs some of the caramelized sugar, creating pockets of deep flavor and a gooey texture reminiscent of cinnamon rolls. The slight cocoa flavor balances out the sweetness, giving you a cake that’s indulgent but not overwhelming.
Every forkful offers a contrast of flavors — sweet, tangy, spiced, and creamy. It’s the kind of cake that makes people close their eyes and savor every bite.
Why You’ll Love This Cake
There’s a reason this Red Velvet Honeybun Cake has quickly become a reader favorite — it’s everything you love about red velvet cake, but amplified with layers of flavor and texture that make it unforgettable.
Here’s why it’s destined to be your next go-to dessert:
- Easy and Foolproof: Starting with a boxed cake mix means you’re guaranteed the perfect texture every time. A few simple add-ins take it from boxed to “baked from scratch” quality.
- Moist and Flavorful: Thanks to sour cream, oil, and a cinnamon-sugar swirl, this cake stays soft for days. No dry crumbs here — just rich, melt-in-your-mouth perfection.
- Cinnamon Cream Cheese Icing: The icing isn’t just frosting — it’s a creamy, spiced glaze that drips over the cake and soaks in slightly, making each slice even more luscious.
- Visually Stunning: The bright red color contrasted with the golden brown sugar layers makes this cake a showstopper for any occasion.
- Versatile and Crowd-Friendly: Whether it’s a holiday dinner, potluck, or birthday party, this cake fits right in — and everyone will be asking for the recipe.
It’s one of those desserts that manages to feel fancy and comforting all at once — perfect for impressing guests or simply treating yourself.
Ingredient Breakdown – Layers of Flavor
Before you start mixing, let’s take a closer look at what makes each component shine. Each ingredient plays an important role in creating that luscious, honeybun-like texture and flavor.
The Red Velvet Honeybun Base
- 1 box red velvet cake mix – The foundation of this cake. Using a quality mix saves time while ensuring a consistent, moist texture.
- 1 cup sour cream – Adds richness and tang, keeping the cake tender and flavorful.
- 4 large eggs – Provide structure, color, and that lovely dense crumb.
- ½ cup vegetable oil – Ensures the cake remains soft and moist for days.
- ½ cup water – Thins the batter just enough for even baking.
- ½ cup granulated sugar – Enhances sweetness and helps develop that bakery-style crumb.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Deepens the red velvet flavor and balances the cocoa notes.
The Cinnamon Sugar Swirl
- 1 cup packed brown sugar – Caramelizes during baking, forming gooey ribbons throughout the cake.
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon – Adds warmth, spice, and that unmistakable honeybun aroma.
When mixed together and swirled into the batter, these two ingredients create a molten brown sugar layer that melts beautifully into the red velvet base.
The Cinnamon Cream Cheese Icing
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened – The heart of that creamy, tangy glaze.
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened – Adds richness and silkiness.
- 2 cups powdered sugar – Sweetens and thickens the icing.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Enhances depth and flavor.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon – Infuses the icing with cozy warmth.
- 2–3 tablespoons milk (optional) – Used to adjust the consistency to drizzle perfectly over the cooled cake.
The combination of cream cheese and cinnamon creates a glaze that’s not just delicious — it’s addictive. It adds a layer of luxury to an already incredible cake.
Step-by-Step Recipe Guide
Ready to bake something unforgettable? Let’s walk through each stage of this Red Velvet Honeybun Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Icing — from mixing the batter to the final drizzle. Don’t worry, this recipe is as easy as it is rewarding. Every step builds toward that soft, gooey, perfectly spiced cake that tastes like pure love in dessert form.