There’s something truly magical about a slice of Pumpkin Honey Bun Cake. Imagine a warm, spiced cake drizzled with honey and topped with a crunchy streusel that sings autumn in every bite. The aroma fills your kitchen, wrapping you in a cozy hug while the flavors dance on your palate, making it impossible to resist going for seconds.

This delightful dish isn’t just food; it’s the essence of fall on a plate, perfect for everything from holiday gatherings to lazy Sunday brunches. Each slice brings back memories of family traditions and laughter, promising to create new ones as you savor its sweetness.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Pumpkin Honey Bun Cake is easy to prepare and perfect for any occasion
- Its rich flavor profile combines warm spices with honey’s sweetness
- The beautiful layers and drizzles make it visually stunning on any dessert table
- Enjoy it warm or at room temperature, making it versatile for any gathering
Sharing this cake at my family’s Thanksgiving last year led to the most enthusiastic compliments—everyone wanted the recipe!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Canned Pumpkin Puree: Ensure you choose pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling, for authentic flavor.
Granulated Sugar: Use standard granulated sugar to sweeten the batter without overpowering the pumpkin flavor.
Brown Sugar: Brown sugar adds a rich depth and moisture that keeps the cake tender.
Cinnamon: Opt for ground cinnamon to sprinkle warmth throughout each bite.
All-Purpose Flour: All-purpose flour provides structure; feel free to substitute half with whole wheat for added nutrition.
Baking Powder: This helps the cake rise perfectly, creating that fluffy texture we all love.
Vegetable Oil: Vegetable oil keeps the cake moist; you can use melted butter if preferred for extra flavor.
Eggs: Eggs help bind all ingredients together while adding richness to the batter.
Honey: Drizzle over the top for a natural sweetness that enhances the autumnal flavors.
Pecans or Walnuts (optional): Chopped nuts add crunch and texture; toast them lightly for a richer taste.
Powdered Sugar (for glaze): Mix with milk or cream to create a luscious drizzle on top of your baked masterpiece.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Pumpkin Honey Bun Cake
Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a bundt pan well so your cake releases easily later.
Mix Wet Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine canned pumpkin puree, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vegetable oil, and eggs until smooth and creamy. The mix should look like sunshine in a bowl.
Sift Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. Sifting helps avoid lumps and ensures even mixing.
Combine & Fold: Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined—a few flour streaks are okay! Overmixing can lead to dense cake.
Create Streusel Topping: In a separate bowl, mix together brown sugar, chopped nuts (if using), cinnamon, and flour until crumbly. This will become your delicious crunchy topping.
Add Layers: Pour half of the batter into your prepared bundt pan. Sprinkle half of the streusel topping over it then pour in the remaining batter before adding the rest of the streusel on top.
Bake & Cool: Bake in preheated oven for 55-60 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it onto a wire rack.
Now you have a beautiful Pumpkin Honey Bun Cake ready to be drizzled with honey or glazed as desired! Enjoy every bite as you relive those cherished moments shared around your table.
You Must Know
- Pumpkin Honey Bun Cake is a delightful dessert that combines the warmth of spices with the sweetness of honey
- The cake’s moist texture and rich flavors make it perfect for gatherings, especially during fall festivities
- Don’t be surprised if one slice leads to another!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Mix your wet ingredients first, then combine with dry ingredients for an even texture. Pour into a greased pan and bake for about 45 minutes until golden brown.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to add chopped nuts or chocolate chips for extra texture. You can also substitute maple syrup for honey if you prefer a different flavor profile. Get creative; it’s your kitchen!
Storing & Reheating
Store any leftover Pumpkin Honey Bun Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, refrigerate or freeze; just reheat in the oven before serving.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for better mixing results
- Avoid over-mixing the batter to keep your cake light and fluffy
- Let the cake cool completely before icing for a smooth finish
Sharing Pumpkin Honey Bun Cake at my family gathering was unforgettable; everyone went back for seconds! It’s heartwarming when friends ask for the recipe because they loved it so much.
FAQ
Can I use canned pumpkin puree?
Canned pumpkin puree works perfectly in this recipe, offering convenience and great flavor.
How do I know when the cake is done?
Insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean when the cake is fully baked.
Can I freeze the Pumpkin Honey Bun Cake?
Yes, this cake freezes well; just wrap it tightly before storing in an airtight container.
Pumpkin Honey Bun Cake
Pumpkin Honey Bun Cake is the ultimate autumn dessert, blending warm spices with honey’s sweetness in a moist, spiced cake topped with a crunchy streusel. Each slice not only delights the palate but also evokes cozy memories of fall gatherings and family traditions. Perfect for Thanksgiving or a casual brunch, this cake promises to be a hit at any occasion.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- 3/4 cup vegetable oil
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
- 1/4 cup honey (for drizzling)
- Powdered sugar (for glaze)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a bundt pan.
- In a bowl, mix pumpkin puree, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vegetable oil, and eggs until smooth.
- In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.
- Gently fold dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined.
- For the streusel topping, mix brown sugar, chopped nuts (if using), cinnamon, and flour until crumbly.
- Pour half of the batter into the bundt pan. Add half of the streusel topping. Pour in remaining batter and top with remaining streusel.
- Bake for 55-60 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let cool before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 30g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: For added flavor, substitute melted butter for vegetable oil. Experiment by adding chocolate chips or different nuts to the batter for extra texture.