There’s something extra cozy and comforting about the rich aroma of cinnamon and vanilla wafting through the kitchen. And when you add Oreos into the mix? Pure magic. This Oreo Honeybun Cake with Cinnamon Cookies n' Cream Icing is a mashup of classic comfort desserts with a decadent cookies-and-cream twist.
Inspired by the old-fashioned honeybun cakes you might remember from childhood, this version takes things up a notch with crushed Oreos baked right into the batter and a spiced swirl of brown sugar and cinnamon throughout. It’s topped with a luscious cinnamon cream cheese icing speckled with even more Oreos for a cake that’s equal parts nostalgic and totally crave-worthy.
Whether you’re baking for brunch, dessert, or a special occasion, this cake is a guaranteed showstopper that looks impressive but comes together easily with pantry staples.
Why You’ll Love Oreo Honeybun Cake
- Incredibly moist and flavorful from sour cream and pudding mix.
- Loaded with crushed Oreos for that perfect cookies-and-cream vibe.
- Rich cinnamon swirl gives it that signature honeybun texture.
- Heavenly cinnamon Oreo cream cheese icing—sweet and tangy with a crunch.
- Perfect for holidays, brunches, or anytime dessert.
- Freezer-friendly—great for making ahead.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Cake:
- 1 box (15.25 oz) yellow cake mix
- 1 cup sour cream
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 4 large eggs
- 1 package (3.9 oz) instant vanilla pudding mix
- 1 cup crushed Oreos (about 10–12 cookies)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Cinnamon Swirl:
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- ½ cup crushed Oreos (optional, for added crunch)
For the Icing:
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ cup crushed Oreos (for topping)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat the oven
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease and flour a 9x13-inch baking pan or line with parchment paper.
- Prepare the cake batter
- In a large bowl, combine the cake mix, pudding mix, sour cream, oil, eggs, and vanilla extract.
- Beat until smooth and well combined (about 2 minutes).
- Gently fold in the crushed Oreos.
- Layer with cinnamon swirl
- In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, cinnamon, and optional Oreos for the swirl.
- Pour half the cake batter into the prepared pan.
- Sprinkle the cinnamon swirl mixture evenly over the batter.
- Pour the remaining batter on top and smooth with a spatula.
- Bake
- Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
- Make the icing
- In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar, then vanilla extract and cinnamon.
- Add heavy whipping cream and beat until light and fluffy.
- Frost and garnish
- Spread the icing evenly over the cooled cake.
- Sprinkle crushed Oreos on top for that extra cookies-and-cream finish.
Serving and Storage Tips
- Serve at room temperature or slightly chilled.
- Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Freeze slices wrapped individually for up to 2 months.
- Let chilled cake sit at room temp for 15–20 minutes before serving for best texture.
Helpful Notes
- Use full-fat sour cream for a richer, moister cake.
- Don’t overmix the batter after adding Oreos—they should stay a little chunky.
- Add chopped nuts or white chocolate chips for extra texture.
- Want more crunch? Add more Oreos to the cinnamon swirl.
- Make ahead: Bake and ice the cake a day in advance for deeper flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use chocolate cake mix instead of yellow?
Yes, but it will create a richer, double-chocolate flavor. Delicious, but different from the honeybun vibe. - Can I make this as a layer cake?
Absolutely. Just divide the batter between two 9-inch round pans and adjust baking time to 30–35 minutes. - What if I don’t have pudding mix?
The pudding adds moisture and structure, but you can still make the cake without it—just reduce baking time slightly. - Can I use low-fat cream cheese or sour cream?
Yes, though the texture and richness may be slightly reduced. - Can I make this without Oreos?
You can skip them, but they really make this cake special. Try substituting with another cookie or leave them out for a more classic honeybun flavor.
Final Thoughts
This Oreo Honeybun Cake with Cinnamon Cookies n' Cream Icing is the ultimate comfort dessert with a cookies-and-cream twist. It combines the nostalgia of cinnamon-swirled honeybun cakes with the rich, chocolatey crunch of Oreos in every bite. The cream cheese icing ties everything together with tang, sweetness, and a sprinkle of cinnamon.
Whether you're celebrating something special or just need a sweet pick-me-up, this cake is the perfect centerpiece. It’s rich, moist, beautifully spiced, and completely irresistible. If you try it, let me know how it turned out—drop a comment, leave a rating, or tag me in your baking adventures!
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