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.
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.
