Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Moist and Flavorful: The combination of grated carrots and a cinnamon-sugar swirl ensures each bite is moist and packed with flavor.
Easy to Prepare: Utilizing a carrot cake mix simplifies the process without compromising on taste.
Irresistible Glaze: The cream cheese glaze adds a rich, tangy sweetness that perfectly complements the spiced cake.

Ingredients

For the Cake:

1 box (15.25 oz) carrot cake mix
1 cup grated carrots
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1/2 cup milk
4 large eggs
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)

For the Cinnamon-Sugar Swirl:

1/2 cup brown sugar
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

For the Cream Cheese Glaze:

1 cup powdered sugar
2 tablespoons milk
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.

Directions

Prepare the Cake Batter:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
- In a large bowl, combine the carrot cake mix, grated carrots, vegetable oil, milk, eggs, and ground cinnamon. Mix until well combined.
- Fold in the chopped nuts if using.
Create the Cinnamon-Sugar Swirl:
- In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar and ground cinnamon.
Assemble the Cake:
- Pour half of the cake batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly.
- Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the batter.
- Pour the remaining batter on top, spreading gently to cover the cinnamon-sugar layer.
Bake:
- Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes.
Prepare the Cream Cheese Glaze:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Adjust the consistency by adding more milk if needed.
Glaze the Cake:
- While the cake is still warm, drizzle the cream cheese glaze over the top, allowing it to seep into the cake.
- Let the cake cool completely before slicing and serving.

Servings and Timing

Servings: This recipe yields approximately 12-15 servings.
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Baking Time: 40-45 minutes
Total Time: Approximately 1 hour, including cooling time

Variations

Nut-Free: Omit the nuts if you have allergies or prefer a nut-free version.
Raisin Addition: Add 1/2 cup of raisins to the batter for extra sweetness and texture.
Vegan Option: Use flax eggs, plant-based milk, and oil to make this recipe vegan-friendly.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store the cooled cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Refrigeration: If you prefer, refrigerate the cake to extend its freshness, allowing it to come to room temperature before serving.

FAQs

Can I use homemade carrot cake batter instead of a mix?

Yes, you can use your favorite homemade carrot cake recipe in place of the mix.

How do I prevent the cinnamon-sugar swirl from sinking?

Pouring half of the batter, adding the cinnamon-sugar, and then topping with the remaining batter helps prevent the swirl from sinking.

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Absolutely. This cake stores well and can be made a day in advance.

Is the cream cheese glaze necessary?

While the glaze adds sweetness and moisture, the cake is also delicious without it.

Can I freeze this cake?

Yes, wrap the cooled cake tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw before serving.

Conclusion

The Carrot Cake Honey Bun is a delightful dessert that combines the best of both worlds—moist, spiced carrot cake with a sweet cinnamon-sugar swirl, all topped with a creamy glaze. It’s a treat that’s sure to satisfy your sweet cravings and impress your guests

Carrot Cake Honey Bun

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Author: Amy
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40-45 minutes
Total Time: Approximately 1 hour, including cooling time
Yield: 12-15 servings
Category: Dessert, Brunch
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Print Recipe

Description

Indulge in this Carrot Cake Honey Bun, a delicious dessert featuring moist carrot cake, a cinnamon-sugar swirl, and a luscious cream cheese glaze. The perfect combination of spiced cake and sweet, sticky goodness, making it an ideal treat for brunch, gatherings, or satisfying your sweet tooth.

Instructions

1. Prepare the Cake Batter:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
In a large bowl, combine the carrot cake mix, grated carrots, vegetable oil, milk, eggs, and ground cinnamon. Mix until well combined.
Fold in the chopped nuts if using.

2. Create the Cinnamon-Sugar Swirl:

In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar and ground cinnamon.

3. Assemble the Cake:

Pour half of the cake batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly.
Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the batter.
Pour the remaining batter on top, spreading gently to cover the cinnamon-sugar layer.

4. Bake:

Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes.

5. Prepare the Cream Cheese Glaze:

In a medium bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Adjust the consistency by adding more milk if needed.

6. Glaze the Cake:

While the cake is still warm, drizzle the cream cheese glaze over the top, allowing it to seep into the cake.
Let the cake cool completely before slicing and serving.

Notes

Nut-Free – Omit the nuts if you have allergies or prefer a nut-free version.
Raisin Addition – Add ½ cup of raisins to the batter for extra sweetness and texture.
Vegan Option – Use flax eggs, plant-based milk, and oil to make this recipe vegan-friendly.