Oreo Honeybun Cake with Cinnamon Cookies Recipe

If you’re a dessert fanatic with a passion for all things sweet and a soft spot for cookies and cream, prepare to be dazzled: the Oreo Honeybun Cake with Cinnamon Cookies is the ultimate crowd-pleaser. Imagine a fluffy, tender cake swirled with ribbons of cinnamon and brown sugar, laced with crushed Oreos, and finished with a luscious, dreamy icing—plus plenty more Oreos for good measure. This cake captures that comforting, nostalgic vibe of a classic honeybun but elevates it to new heights with both depth of flavor and eye-catching texture. Whether you’re baking for a celebration, a potluck, or just a weekday pick-me-up, this cake brings home-style comfort and a playful twist with every moist, decadent bite.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Oreo Honeybun Cake with Cinnamon Cookies is that it’s built on familiar, easily-found ingredients, each playing a starring role in both the cake’s taste and its delightful presentation. Every element in this recipe contributes its own magic—think moisture, richness, hint of spice, or that undeniable cookie crunch.

• Yellow cake mix: The classic base that gives the cake its soft, light crumb and nostalgic flavor.
• Sour cream: Adds incredible moisture, keeping the cake tender and sumptuous for days.
• Vegetable oil: Contributes richness and ensures a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• Large eggs: Provide structure and help the cake rise beautifully.
• Vanilla pudding mix: Deepens the flavor and adds extra softness to each bite.
• Crushed Oreos: These cookies-in-the-cake add surprising bites of chocolatey crunch throughout.
• Vanilla extract: Rounds out the sweetness and complements the cinnamon swirl perfectly.
• Brown sugar: Key to a gooey, irresistible cinnamon layer running through the cake.
• Cinnamon: Brings that cozy, aromatic warmth you love in classic honeybun treats.
• Heavy whipping cream: Whips up into a fluffy base for the creamy icing.
• Cream cheese: Lends a slight tang and stability to the whipped topping.
• Powdered sugar: Sweetens the icing while keeping it smooth and silky.
• More vanilla: Infuses the frosting with a comforting, sweet finish.
• Extra cinnamon: A pinch in the icing gives an aromatic twist and echoes the cake’s flavors.
• More crushed Oreos: A generous topping for maximum cookie appeal!

How to Make Oreo Honeybun Cake with Cinnamon Cookies

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven

Begin by setting your oven to 350°F (175°C) and preparing your 9×13-inch baking pan. You can grease the pan thoroughly with butter or nonstick baking spray, or for extra ease, line it with parchment paper. This step guarantees that your Oreo Honeybun Cake with Cinnamon Cookies will lift out perfectly, showing off all of those beautiful swirls!

Step 2: Mix the Cake Batter

Grab a large mixing bowl and blend together the yellow cake mix, sour cream, vegetable oil, eggs, vanilla pudding mix, one cup of crushed Oreos, and vanilla extract. Use an electric mixer to beat everything until the batter is silky smooth and well blended. You’ll notice the Oreos start to melt into the mix, creating a stunning speckled effect—pure anticipation in bowl form!

Step 3: Whip Up the Cinnamon Swirl

In a separate bowl, combine the brown sugar and cinnamon. For an extra Oreo punch, stir in half a cup of crushed Oreos as well (this part is totally optional but highly encouraged if you want the ultimate Oreo Honeybun Cake with Cinnamon Cookies experience).

Step 4: Layer and Create the Swirl

Pour half of your cake batter into the prepared pan and gently smooth it out. Sprinkle half of the cinnamon swirl mixture evenly over the batter layer. Add the remaining batter on top, then finish with the rest of the cinnamon mixture. Now, using a butter knife or a skewer, gently swirl through the batter—don’t overdo it; a few artistic twirls will produce those signature honeybun ribbons everyone loves!

Step 5: Bake the Cake

Slide your pan into the oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the center of the cake springs back gently when touched, or a toothpick comes out mostly clean. Let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then carefully transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before icing. This patience pays off: it ensures your icing won’t melt off and creates those perfect layers inside!

Step 6: Make the Dreamy Icing

While your Oreo Honeybun Cake with Cinnamon Cookies cools, whip the heavy cream to soft peaks in a large bowl. In a separate bowl, beat together the cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla, and cinnamon until it’s silky and smooth. Gently fold in the whipped cream, taking care not to deflate all that lovely air. The icing should be creamy, fluffy, and positively irresistible. Stir in half a cup of crushed Oreos for bonus flavor and texture.

Step 7: Frost and Finish

Once your cake is completely cool, spread the icing generously over the top. For show-stopping results, sprinkle with even more crushed Oreos, and if you like, a pinch of cinnamon. Slice, serve, and prepare for wide-eyed “wow”s from anyone who takes a bite!

How to Serve Oreo Honeybun Cake with Cinnamon Cookies

Garnishes

This cake is already a stunner, but a few simple garnishes take it to bakery-worthy status. Try a generous handful of crushed Oreos scattered over the icing just before serving, or tuck whole mini cinnamon cookies around the edge. A light dusting of cinnamon or powdered sugar adds a final elegant touch, setting off the creamy topping beautifully.

Side Dishes

Oreo Honeybun Cake with Cinnamon Cookies is a showpiece on its own, but a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream on the side amps up the indulgence. Complement with hot coffee, chai, or even cold milk to create a classic cookies-and-cream dessert moment for your guests—or yourself!

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re serving at a party, slice the cake into neat squares and arrange them on a platter lined with parchment and extra Oreo crumbs. For a more playful vibe, use cookie cutters to cut shapes, or serve individual slices in cupcake wrappers for grab-and-go convenience. When gifting, stack slices between parchment in a pretty tin lined with more crushed cinnamon cookies for a sweet surprise.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, keep them fresh by storing slices of your Oreo Honeybun Cake with Cinnamon Cookies in an airtight container in the fridge. The combination of sour cream and pudding in the batter means this cake stays moist and delicious for up to five days, making it perfect for snacking all week long.

Freezing

This cake freezes beautifully, both iced and un-iced! Wrap tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing, and it will keep for up to three months. For the best results, slice before freezing—then you can grab individual pieces whenever a craving strikes.

Reheating

If you prefer your cake just slightly warm, microwave individual slices for about 10-15 seconds straight from the fridge. For frozen cake, let it thaw overnight in the fridge, then give it that quick burst in the microwave. The icing will remain creamy, and the cake will taste oven-fresh again.

FAQs

Can I use a different cake mix flavor?

Absolutely! While yellow cake mix gives that traditional honeybun flavor, white or French vanilla cake mix works beautifully, and even a chocolate base will create a richer, double-cookie experience.

Do I have to add Oreos to the cinnamon swirl?

No, that addition is totally optional. However, adding Oreos to the swirl gives an extra layer of chocolate crunch, making your Oreo Honeybun Cake with Cinnamon Cookies truly unforgettable!

Can I make this recipe gluten free?

Yes—you can substitute the yellow cake mix and Oreo cookies with gluten-free versions available at most supermarkets. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten free, so no further tweaks are needed.

Is the icing stable enough to pipe?

The cream cheese-based icing is wonderfully smooth and fluffy, perfect for spreading or gently piping simple swirls. For elaborate decorations, chill it for 20-30 minutes first to firm it up.

What’s the best way to crush the Oreos?

You can place Oreos in a zip-top bag and use a rolling pin, or pulse them in a food processor. For the cake and icing, a mix of fine crumbs and larger chunks adds the most interesting texture to your Oreo Honeybun Cake with Cinnamon Cookies.

Final Thoughts

There’s a reason the Oreo Honeybun Cake with Cinnamon Cookies has become a favorite in so many kitchens—it’s guaranteed to make every moment feel a bit more special and every gathering a little sweeter. Don’t be surprised if it disappears in a flash! Give this one a go, and you may just find yourself with a brand new signature dessert.