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:

Quick and easy – Uses a boxed cake mix for convenience
Gooey and rich – Caramelized topping oozes into every slice
Perfect for brunch or dessert – Versatile for any occasion
Customizable – Add nuts, raisins, or drizzle with icing

Ingredients Breakdown

For the Cake:

1 box yellow cake mix – Quick, moist base.
1 cup water – Hydrates the batter.
1/3 cup vegetable oil – Adds tenderness.
3 large eggs – Structure and richness.

For the Sticky Topping:

1 cup brown sugar – Sweet and caramelized flavor.
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted – Rich buttery base.
1/4 cup corn syrup – Keeps the topping gooey.
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon – Warm spice note.
1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional) – Crunchy texture and nutty flavor.

For the Cinnamon Filling:

1/2 cup granulated sugar – Sweet layer inside.
1 tbsp ground cinnamon – Classic sticky bun flavor

Tips and Tricks:

Use parchment paper for easier release when inverting the cake.
For extra gooeyness, drizzle with warm caramel or butterscotch sauce after flipping.
Serve warm for maximum flavor impact.
Add a touch of sea salt to the topping for a sweet-salty twist.
Top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.

Variations and Customizations:

Nut-Free Option: Skip the nuts or replace with sunflower seeds for crunch.
Apple Sticky Bun Cake: Add a layer of thin apple slices before pouring the cake batter.
Cream Cheese Swirl: Add spoonfuls of sweetened cream cheese between layers for extra richness.
Maple Twist: Substitute corn syrup with maple syrup for a breakfast-style version.

Pairing Suggestions:

Beverages:
- Cinnamon latte
- Spiced chai
- Cold brew coffee
Side Ideas:
- Fresh fruit salad
- Greek yogurt with honey
- Crispy bacon for a sweet-savory balance

Storage Instructions:

Room Temperature: Store covered for up to 2 days.
Refrigerate: Lasts up to 5 days in an airtight container.
Freeze: Wrap tightly in plastic and foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw and warm before serving.

Sticky Bun Cake

Author: easysweetmeal
Total Time: 1 hour
Yield: 12 servings 1x

Print Recipe

Description

Sticky Bun Cake – A gooey, buttery mashup of cinnamon-swirled yellow cake and caramelized brown sugar-pecan topping. Inverted for a decadent drizzle, it’s the perfect sweet, sticky treat for brunch or dessert!

Ingredients

Scale

1 box yellow cake mix
1 cup water
1/3 cup vegetable oil
3 large eggs
1 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
1/4 cup corn syrup
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional but recommended)
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 tbsp ground cinnamon

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan to prevent sticking.

2. Make the Sticky Topping:

In a small bowl, combine brown sugar, melted butter, corn syrup, and cinnamon.
Stir until smooth and well blended.
Pour the mixture evenly into the prepared baking pan.
Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts on top, if using.

3. Prepare the Cake Batter:

In a large bowl, mix the cake mix, water, vegetable oil, and eggs.
Beat on low speed for 30 seconds, then medium speed for 2 minutes until smooth.

4. Mix the Cinnamon Filling:

In a separate small bowl, stir together granulated sugar and cinnamon.

5. Assemble the Cake:

Pour half of the cake batter over the sticky topping.
Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the batter.
Pour the remaining cake batter on top, smoothing it evenly.

6. 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 10 minutes.

7. Invert and Serve:

Run a knife around the edge of the cake to loosen it.
Place a large platter or baking sheet over the pan and carefully invert the cake.
Let the sticky caramel drizzle over the top of the cake.

Notes

Don’t skip the cooling time before inverting—the topping needs to set slightly to hold its shape.
This cake is best served slightly warm to showcase its gooey texture.
For a bakery-style finish, dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with icing after inverting.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American