Oreo Honeybun Cake with Cinnamon Cookies ‘n Cream Icing Recipe
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If you are looking for a dessert that brings together the nostalgic crunch of Oreos, the warmth of cinnamon spices, and the tender moistness of a classic honeybun, you have just found your new favorite: the Oreo Honeybun Cake with Cinnamon Cookies ‘n Cream Icing Recipe. This mouthwatering cake blends a perfectly spiced yellow cake base with a luscious, creamy cinnamon cookie icing studded with Oreo bits, making dessert time an irresistible celebration of flavors and textures.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this cake lies in its straightforward yet perfectly balanced ingredients. Each element plays a vital role, from the rich tang of sour cream keeping the cake moist, to the cinnamon and crushed Oreos layering in those signature flavors and fun textures.
- Yellow cake mix: A convenient foundation that ensures a moist and fluffy cake every time.
- Eggs: Essential for structure and binding all ingredients together smoothly.
- Sour cream: Adds a subtle tang and keeps the cake wonderfully tender.
- Vegetable oil: Keeps the crumb moist without overpowering flavor.
- Milk: Helps create a batter that’s easy to mix and bake evenly.
- Granulated sugar: Blends with cinnamon to create a sweet, spiced layer inside the cake.
- Ground cinnamon: Infuses the cake with comforting, warm spice notes.
- Oreo cookies (crushed): Incorporate delightful chocolate crunch and creaminess throughout.
- Cream cheese (softened): The base of the luscious icing, giving it a rich, tangy depth.
- Unsalted butter (softened): Contributes to a creamy, spreadable icing texture.
- Powdered sugar: Sweetens and smooths the icing perfectly.
- Vanilla extract: Adds a fragrant, sweet aroma that rounds out the icing’s flavor.
- Milk (for the icing): Used to adjust icing consistency for easy spreading.
How to Make Oreo Honeybun Cake with Cinnamon Cookies ‘n Cream Icing Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Pan and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius) and greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish. This simple prep step sets the stage to bake your cake evenly and prevents it from sticking, ensuring clean slices later.
Step 2: Mix the Cake Batter
Combine the yellow cake mix, eggs, sour cream, vegetable oil, and milk in a large mixing bowl. Stir gently until you have a smooth, lump-free batter. This blend of wet and dry ingredients creates a tender crumb and gives your cake that perfect rise.
Step 3: Make the Cinnamon Sugar Layer
In a separate small bowl, mix together the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon. This spiced sugar mixture is what infuses the cake with the signature honeybun cinnamon flavor and adds a sweet contrast to the creamy Oreo bits.
Step 4: Layer Batter, Cinnamon Sugar, and Oreos
Pour half of your cake batter into the greased pan, then evenly sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture followed by the crushed Oreo cookies over it. Creating this middle layer ensures every bite bursts with a sweet, cinnamony Oreo crunch surprise.
Step 5: Top with Remaining Batter and Swirl
Pour the remaining batter over the layered ingredients and take a butter knife to gently swirl the layers together. This step gives your cake a hypnotic marbled effect, making it look as amazing as it tastes.
Step 6: Bake Until Perfectly Set
Bake the cake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Once baked, allow it to cool completely before moving on to the delicious icing phase. Cooling ensures your icing won’t melt and slide off, preserving that gorgeous look and taste.
Step 7: Prepare the Cinnamon Cookies ‘n Cream Icing
In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until silky smooth and creamy. This rich base makes the icing utterly decadent.
Step 8: Sweeten and Flavor the Icing
Add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon to the cream cheese mixture, then beat again. Cinnamon adds that warm spice to the creamy sweetness, tying it perfectly to the cake flavors.
Step 9: Fold in Finely Crushed Oreos
Gently fold finely crushed Oreo cookies into the icing for added texture and bursts of chocolatey goodness. If necessary, add one to two tablespoons of milk, a little at a time, to achieve a spreadable consistency without running.
Step 10: Frost and Garnish Your Cake
Spread the luscious cinnamon cookies ‘n cream icing evenly over your cooled cake. For an extra special touch, garnish with more crushed Oreos or a light dusting of cinnamon. This final flourish makes it look stunning for serving or gifting.
How to Serve Oreo Honeybun Cake with Cinnamon Cookies ‘n Cream Icing Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance the visual appeal and flavor of this cake with extra crushed Oreos or a sprinkle of cinnamon on top. These simple garnishes add just the right amount of texture contrast and invite everyone to dig in eagerly.
Side Dishes
This cake pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream. For a warm beverage pairing, a cup of spiced chai or bold coffee complements the cinnamon and cream cheese flavors perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a party or special occasion, serve the cake in neat square slices on a platter with decorative edible flowers or mint leaves. You can also turn it into a trifle by layering cake pieces with additional Oreos and whipped cream for a fun twist on presentation and texture.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep the cream cheese icing fresh. Proper storage will keep the cake moist and flavorful for 3 to 4 days, perfect for enjoying over several days or sharing.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, freeze the cake without icing. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, freezing for up to 2 months. Thaw completely, then prepare and spread the cinnamon cookies ‘n cream icing fresh when ready to serve for the best texture.
Reheating
Gently warm individual slices in the microwave for about 15 seconds to revive softness without melting the icing. Avoid reheating the whole cake to prevent the icing from becoming too soft or runny. Enjoy it slightly chilled or at room temperature for the best flavor balance.
FAQs
Can I use homemade yellow cake batter instead of box mix?
Absolutely! Homemade batter will work beautifully and can impart a more personalized flavor. Just be sure your batter isn’t too thick, as the sour cream and liquid amounts help achieve the tender crumb in this recipe.
Is there a substitute for sour cream in this recipe?
You can use plain Greek yogurt as a one-to-one substitute for sour cream. It maintains the tangy flavor and moist texture equally well, making it a convenient alternative.
How finely should I crush the Oreos for the icing?
Finely crushed Oreos for the icing should resemble small crumbs rather than large chunks, so the texture is creamy with subtle bits. Use a food processor or place them in a bag and crush with a rolling pin for best results.
Can I make this cake gluten-free?
Yes! Use a gluten-free yellow cake mix and gluten-free Oreos or similar cookies to adapt this recipe. Be mindful to verify all ingredients are certified gluten-free for a safe treat.
How long does the cake take to bake?
The Oreo Honeybun Cake with Cinnamon Cookies ‘n Cream Icing Recipe bakes for about 35 to 40 minutes at 350°F. Check with a toothpick towards the end to avoid overbaking; it should come out clean when the cake is done.
Final Thoughts
This Oreo Honeybun Cake with Cinnamon Cookies ‘n Cream Icing Recipe is truly a knockout dessert that’s as fun to make as it is to eat. The mingling of cinnamon spice and Oreo crunch wrapped in a moist yellow cake, topped with a rich, creamy icing, is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Whether for a casual family treat or a festive gathering, I encourage you to give this recipe a try and watch it become a beloved classic in your dessert rotation.
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Oreo Honeybun Cake with Cinnamon Cookies ‘n Cream Icing Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 12–16 servings 1x
Description
This Oreo Honeybun Cake with Cinnamon Cookies ‘n Cream Icing is a deliciously moist yellow cake with a swirl of cinnamon sugar and crushed Oreos, topped with a creamy cream cheese and Oreo icing. Perfect for dessert or celebrations, this cake combines classic flavors with a fun twist for an irresistible treat.
Ingredients
For the Cake
- 1 box yellow cake mix
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup sour cream
- 3/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 12 Oreo cookies, crushed
For the Cinnamon Cookies ‘n Cream Icing
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 6 Oreo cookies, crushed finely
- 1–2 tablespoons milk (as needed for consistency)
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare pan: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking dish to ensure the cake doesn’t stick.
- Mix cake batter: In a large mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, eggs, sour cream, vegetable oil, and milk. Stir together until the batter is smooth and well incorporated.
- Prepare cinnamon sugar: In a small bowl, mix the granulated sugar with the ground cinnamon until combined.
- Layer batter and toppings: Pour half of the cake batter into the prepared pan. Evenly sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture and crushed Oreos over the batter layer.
- Add remaining batter and swirl: Pour the remaining batter over the topping layer. Use a butter knife to gently swirl the layers to create a marbled effect.
- Bake the cake: Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Remove from oven and allow the cake to cool completely in the pan.
- Make the icing base: In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy using a mixer or whisk.
- Add dry ingredients to icing: Gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon to the cream cheese mixture. Mix well until fully blended.
- Incorporate crushed Oreos and adjust consistency: Fold in the finely crushed Oreos to the icing. Add milk one tablespoon at a time to achieve a spreadable icing consistency.
- Apply icing and garnish: Spread the cinnamon cookies ‘n cream icing evenly over the cooled cake surface. Optionally garnish with additional crushed Oreos or a light sprinkle of cinnamon.
Notes
- Ensure the cake has completely cooled before applying icing to avoid melting.
- You can use reduced-fat sour cream or substitute with Greek yogurt for a tangy flavor.
- For a stronger cinnamon taste, increase cinnamon slightly in both batter and icing.
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator and consume within 3-4 days.
- The marbling effect is achieved by gently swirling the layers; avoid overmixing to maintain distinct swirls.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American