Banana Honeybun Cake with Cream Cheese Icing & Caramel Drizzle
A moist banana cake layered with creamy icing and a golden caramel finish.
Introduction
Honeybun cakes are famous for their soft texture and sweet glaze, but this version takes things up a notch. By adding ripe bananas, tangy cream cheese icing, and a luscious caramel drizzle, you get a dessert that’s both nostalgic and elevated.
This cake is perfect for birthdays, potlucks, or cozy family gatherings. It’s easy to make with pantry staples, yet it looks and tastes like something straight from a bakery.
Ingredients
For the Cake
1 box yellow cake mix
3 large eggs
1 cup sour cream
½ cup vegetable oil
1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2–3 bananas)
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 tsp ground cinnamon
½ cup chopped nuts (optional)
For the Cream Cheese Icing
8 oz cream cheese, softened
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
4 cups powdered sugar
2 tsp vanilla extract
2–3 tbsp milk (to desired consistency)
For the Caramel Drizzle
½ cup caramel sauce (store‑bought or homemade)
Directions
- Preheat the Oven
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease a 9×13‑inch baking pan.
- Prepare the Cake Batter
In a large bowl, combine cake mix, eggs, sour cream, oil, mashed bananas, vanilla, and cinnamon.
Mix until smooth.
Fold in nuts if using.
- Bake the Cake
Pour batter into prepared pan.
Bake 30–35 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Cool completely on a wire rack.
- Make the Cream Cheese Icing
Beat cream cheese and butter until creamy.
Gradually add powdered sugar.
Stir in vanilla.
Add milk a little at a time until smooth and spreadable.
- Assemble the Cake
Spread icing evenly over cooled cake.
Drizzle caramel sauce generously over the top.
- Serve
Cut into squares.
Garnish with extra nuts or banana slices if desired.
Recipe Notes
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Bake Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: ~55 minutes
Servings: 12–15
Tips for Success
Use very ripe bananas for maximum flavor and sweetness.
Chill cake before slicing for cleaner cuts.
For a bakery‑style look, drizzle caramel in zig‑zag patterns.
Toast nuts before adding for extra crunch.
Fun Variations
Chocolate Banana Honeybun Cake: Add ½ cup cocoa powder to the batter.
Salted Caramel Twist: Sprinkle flaky sea salt over caramel drizzle.
Tropical Flair: Add shredded coconut to the batter or topping.
Mini Cakes: Bake in muffin tins for individual servings.
Serving Ideas
Pair with coffee or tea for a cozy dessert.
Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Garnish with sliced bananas and extra caramel for presentation.
Cut into bite‑sized squares for party trays.
Storytelling Element
Imagine slicing into this cake: the golden banana base is moist and fragrant, the cream cheese icing adds tangy sweetness, and the caramel drizzle glistens like liquid gold. It’s the kind of dessert that makes people pause after the first bite, savoring the layers of flavor.
Conclusion
This Banana Honeybun Cake with Cream Cheese Icing and Caramel Drizzle is a show‑stopping dessert that’s surprisingly easy to make. With its moist banana base, creamy topping, and decadent caramel finish, it’s bound to become a favorite in your recipe collection.