Looking for an easy yet crowd-pleasing dessert that combines the flavor of classic sticky buns with the ease of a cake mix? This Sticky Bun Cake is your answer. Layered with gooey caramel topping, warm cinnamon-sugar filling, and a soft, buttery crumb, it’s the perfect dessert for brunches, holiday mornings, or a sweet weekend treat
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
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Quick and easy – Uses a boxed cake mix for convenience
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Gooey and rich – Caramelized topping oozes into every slice
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Perfect for brunch or dessert – Versatile for any occasion
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Customizable – Add nuts, raisins, or drizzle with icing
Ingredients Breakdown
For the Cake:
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1 box yellow cake mix – Quick, moist base.
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1 cup water – Hydrates the batter.
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1/3 cup vegetable oil – Adds tenderness.
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3 large eggs – Structure and richness.
For the Sticky Topping:
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1 cup brown sugar – Sweet and caramelized flavor.
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1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted – Rich buttery base.
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1/4 cup corn syrup – Keeps the topping gooey.
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1/2 tsp ground cinnamon – Warm spice note.
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1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional) – Crunchy texture and nutty flavor.
For the Cinnamon Filling:
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1/2 cup granulated sugar – Sweet layer inside.
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1 tbsp ground cinnamon – Classic sticky bun flavor
Tips and Tricks:
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Use parchment paper for easier release when inverting the cake.
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For extra gooeyness, drizzle with warm caramel or butterscotch sauce after flipping.
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Serve warm for maximum flavor impact.
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Add a touch of sea salt to the topping for a sweet-salty twist.
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Top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
Variations and Customizations:
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Nut-Free Option: Skip the nuts or replace with sunflower seeds for crunch.
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Apple Sticky Bun Cake: Add a layer of thin apple slices before pouring the cake batter.
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Cream Cheese Swirl: Add spoonfuls of sweetened cream cheese between layers for extra richness.
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Maple Twist: Substitute corn syrup with maple syrup for a breakfast-style version.
Pairing Suggestions:
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Beverages:
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Cinnamon latte
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Spiced chai
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Cold brew coffee
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Side Ideas:
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Fresh fruit salad
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Greek yogurt with honey
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Crispy bacon for a sweet-savory balance
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Storage Instructions:
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Room Temperature: Store covered for up to 2 days.
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Refrigerate: Lasts up to 5 days in an airtight container.
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Freeze: Wrap tightly in plastic and foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw and warm before serving.
Popular Questions:
Can I use a different cake mix?
Yes! Spice cake or butter pecan cake mix adds a unique twist.
Do I have to invert the cake?
Inverting helps the caramel topping soak into the cake layers. It’s optional, but highly recommended for the full sticky bun effect.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely. Bake and store up to 2 days in advance. Reheat slices in the microwave or oven before serving.