Honey Bun Brownies Recipe: A Sweet Treat with a Spiced Twist

Imagine the comforting sweetness of a honey bun, with its warm cinnamon aroma, blended with the decadence of a fudgy brownie. That’s what you get with Honey Bun Brownies—a delightful mash-up of two dessert favorites. The combination of moist brownie batter with a swirl of spiced honey creates a rich and aromatic treat that’s hard to resist. Whether you’re a brownie enthusiast or a fan of cinnamon-spiced baked goods, this dessert is bound to hit the sweet spot.

Jump to Recipe

This recipe is incredibly simple, using a cake mix as a base, which makes the whole process even more convenient without sacrificing flavor. You’ll be able to whip up this dessert in no time, making it perfect for unexpected guests, potlucks, or just a cozy afternoon at home.

Why You’ll Love These Honey Bun Brownies

• Effortless to Make: With minimal ingredients and simple steps, these brownies come together in under an hour.
• Warm, Spiced Flavor: The addition of cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice gives the brownies a warming and comforting taste, reminiscent of a classic honey bun.
• Perfect Balance of Sweetness: The honey drizzle not only adds a delightful sweetness but also gives the brownies a unique and satisfying texture.
• Versatile Treat: Whether you serve them for dessert, as a snack, or as part of a holiday spread, these brownies fit any occasion. Plus, they pair beautifully with a hot cup of coffee or tea.

Let’s get started with the ingredients and step-by-step guide for these delicious Honey Bun Brownies!

Ingredients for Honey Bun Brownies

This recipe only requires a handful of ingredients, many of which you may already have in your pantry.

1. White or Spice Cake Mix (1 box)

Using a box of cake mix simplifies the recipe, giving you a delicious base for your brownies with minimal effort. You can choose either white cake mix for a lighter flavor or spice cake mix to add even more depth with additional spices.

2. Vegetable Oil (½ cup)

Vegetable oil is a key ingredient in ensuring your brownies turn out moist and tender. It adds richness without overpowering the other flavors.

3. Water (¼ cup)

Water helps to create the perfect consistency for the brownie batter. This small amount keeps the batter from being too thick while still allowing the brownies to bake up dense and fudgy.

4. Eggs (2 eggs)

Eggs act as a binding agent in the recipe, helping to hold the ingredients together and give structure to the brownies. They also add moisture and richness.

5. Honey (¼ cup)

Honey is the star of this recipe, bringing a natural sweetness and a subtle floral note. It adds that signature “honey bun” flavor to the brownies and creates a luscious swirl that pairs beautifully with the warm spices.

6. Cinnamon (1 teaspoon)

Cinnamon gives these brownies their cozy, spiced aroma and flavor. It’s essential for replicating the taste of a traditional honey bun and brings warmth to every bite.

7. Nutmeg (¼ teaspoon)

Nutmeg adds a slightly nutty, sweet flavor that complements the cinnamon. It has a strong aromatic quality that enhances the overall spiced profile of the brownies.

8. Allspice (¼ teaspoon)

Allspice is another warming spice that adds depth to the flavor. A small amount goes a long way, giving the brownies a subtle hint of cloves, cinnamon, and nutmeg all in one.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Honey Bun Brownies

Now that we’ve gathered all the ingredients, it’s time to dive into the baking process. These Honey Bun Brownies are quick to prepare and bake, making them a great option for both beginners and experienced bakers alike.

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure the oven is at the right temperature by the time your brownie batter is ready. While the oven heats up, grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter. This will prevent the brownies from sticking and make it easier to remove them from the pan once baked.

Step 2: Prepare the Brownie Batter

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cake mix, vegetable oil, water, and eggs. Stir the mixture together until everything is well combined. The batter should be smooth but thick. Using a cake mix as the base allows you to skip some of the more complicated baking steps while still achieving a deliciously moist brownie. Once the batter is ready, set it aside for a moment while you prepare the honey mixture.

Step 3: Mix the Honey and Spices

In a separate small bowl, combine the honey, cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice. Stir these ingredients together until they’re fully mixed. The honey should take on a rich, amber color from the spices, creating a fragrant and flavorful mixture that will be swirled into the brownie batter.

Step 4: Pour and Swirl

Pour the prepared brownie batter into your greased 9×13 inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly with a spatula. Once the batter is evenly distributed, drizzle the honey mixture on top. This is where the magic happens! Use a knife or toothpick to swirl the honey mixture into the brownie batter. You can create beautiful swirls and patterns by gently dragging the knife through the batter, ensuring that the honey mixture is incorporated throughout the brownies without fully blending it in.

Step 5: Bake the Brownies

Place the baking dish in your preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the brownies comes out clean. The edges should be golden brown, and the center should be set but not overbaked. Keep an eye on them during the last few minutes to avoid overcooking, as this could make the brownies dry.

Step 6: Cool and Serve

Once the brownies are fully baked, remove the dish from the oven and allow them to cool for about 10-15 minutes before cutting. Letting them cool slightly will make them easier to cut and serve. Once cooled, cut the brownies into squares and serve them warm or at room temperature.

Tips for Making the Perfect Honey Bun Brownies

While this recipe is straightforward, a few helpful tips can ensure your Honey Bun Brownies turn out perfectly every time.

1. Choose Your Cake Mix Wisely

Both white cake mix and spice cake mix work well in this recipe, but they provide slightly different flavors. For a more traditional honey bun flavor, use the white cake mix. If you want a bolder, spicier flavor, opt for the spice cake mix, which adds an extra layer of warmth from additional spices.

2. Don’t Overmix the Batter

When combining the cake mix, oil, water, and eggs, be sure to mix the ingredients until just combined. Overmixing can result in tough brownies, and we want them to stay soft and tender.

3. Swirl with Care

When swirling the honey mixture into the brownie batter, be gentle to avoid overblending. You want to maintain distinct swirls of honey throughout the brownies, so use light strokes with the knife or toothpick to create a beautiful marbled effect.

4. Let the Brownies Cool

Allow the brownies to cool for at least 10-15 minutes before cutting them. This will help the brownies set and make them easier to slice without crumbling. If you prefer a gooey texture, feel free to serve them warm, but they’ll hold their shape better once cooled.

Variations and Add-Ins

If you want to switch things up or put your own twist on this recipe, here are some fun variations and add-ins to try:

1. Add a Glaze

For an extra indulgent touch, you can drizzle a simple glaze over the top of the cooled brownies. Combine powdered sugar, a splash of milk, and a dash of vanilla extract to create a smooth glaze, and drizzle it over the brownies for added sweetness and presentation.

2. Mix in Nuts

Chopped walnuts or pecans can add a nice crunch to the brownies. Simply fold in about half a cup of your favorite nuts into the batter before pouring it into the pan.

3. Chocolate Chips

To make the brownies even more decadent, sprinkle some chocolate chips over the top of the batter before adding the honey mixture. The chocolate will melt into the brownies, creating pockets of rich, gooey goodness.

4. Swap the Honey

If you’re not a fan of honey or want to experiment with different flavors, try swapping the honey for maple syrup or caramel sauce. Both options will add their unique sweetness to the brownies.

Serving Suggestions

These Honey Bun Brownies are versatile and can be enjoyed on their own or paired with a variety of sides and beverages. Here are a few ideas for serving them:

1. With Coffee or Tea

The warm spices in the brownies make them the perfect treat to enjoy with a cup of coffee or tea. Serve them alongside a hot drink for a cozy afternoon snack.

2. A La Mode

For an extra indulgent dessert, serve the brownies warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The combination of warm, spiced brownies and cold, creamy ice cream is simply irresistible.

3. Holiday Dessert Spread

These brownies would make a great addition to any holiday dessert table. Their spiced flavors fit perfectly with the warm, festive season, and they’re sure to be a hit with guests.

Conclusion

These Honey Bun Brownies are a delightful blend of warm spices, sweet honey, and rich cake-like brownies.