In the ever-evolving world of desserts, where creativity meets indulgence, the Oreo Honeybun Cake with Cinnamon Cookies ‘n Cream Icing emerges as an unforgettable masterpiece. This decadent creation brings together the familiar warmth of a honeybun, the nostalgic crunch of Oreo cookies, and the creamy delight of a cinnamon-infused cookies ‘n cream frosting—all layered into a moist, spiced cake that’s as beautiful to look at as it is addictive to eat.
Perfect for birthdays, holidays, potlucks, or any moment that calls for something uniquely sweet, this cake transcends the ordinary. The pairing of rich yellow cake and tangy sour cream ensures a moist crumb, while the swirl of cinnamon, brown sugar, and crushed Oreos bakes into a gooey, aromatic center that channels the essence of a honeybun. And then, there’s the icing—a luxurious blend of cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and Oreo crumbles that drips down the layers in ribbons of velvety sweetness.
Whether you’re an Oreo fanatic, a cinnamon roll enthusiast, or someone who simply appreciates bold flavor and texture in every bite, this cake is your next dessert obsession waiting to happen. From the first swirl to the last crumb, the Oreo Honeybun Cake offers a dreamy combination of crunchy, creamy, chewy, and cakey elements all in one slice.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
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Cinnamon + Oreo Fusion: It marries the classic, cozy spice of a honeybun with the cookies ‘n cream crunch of Oreos.
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Drip-Worthy Frosting: The cinnamon cookies ‘n cream icing is creamy, luscious, and visually stunning as it drapes over the cake.
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Easy Ingredients, Bakery-Level Flavor: A yellow cake mix gets a gourmet upgrade with brown sugar, cinnamon, sour cream, and crushed cookies.
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Texture Heaven: Each bite offers contrast—moist cake, gooey cinnamon sugar, and crunchy Oreo bits.
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Perfect for Any Occasion: Birthday party? Holiday dessert table? Late-night indulgence? This cake delivers every time.
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Customizable: You can easily tweak the Oreos (try Golden Oreos or mint-flavored!) or add a caramel drizzle.
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Great Make-Ahead Dessert: The flavors deepen beautifully after chilling, making it even better the next day.
Ingredients:
For the Cake:
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1 box yellow cake mix
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3/4 cup vegetable oil
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4 large eggs
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1 cup sour cream
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1/2 cup brown sugar
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1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
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10 Oreo cookies, crushed
For the Filling and Swirl:
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1/2 cup brown sugar
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1 tablespoon cinnamon
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1/4 cup crushed Oreo cookies
For the Cinnamon Cookies ‘n Cream Icing:
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8 oz cream cheese, softened
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1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
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2 cups powdered sugar
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1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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1/4 cup crushed Oreo cookies
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1–2 tablespoons milk (to thin the frosting, if needed)
For Garnish:
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Extra Oreos (whole and crushed) for topping
Preparation:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare Pans
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 8-inch round cake pans or line them with parchment paper circles. Set aside.
Step 2: Make the Cake Batter
In a large mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, vegetable oil, eggs, and sour cream. Use a hand mixer or stand mixer to beat until smooth and fully blended (about 2 minutes on medium speed). Then, gently fold in the brown sugar, cinnamon, and 10 crushed Oreo cookies until evenly distributed.
Step 3: Mix the Swirl Filling
In a separate small bowl, stir together 1/2 cup brown sugar, 1 tablespoon cinnamon, and 1/4 cup crushed Oreo cookies. This sweet-and-spicy filling is what gives the cake its honeybun-inspired swirls.
Step 4: Assemble the Layers with Swirl
Pour half of the cake batter evenly into the prepared pans. Sprinkle half of the swirl mixture over the batter. Add the remaining batter on top, then finish by sprinkling the rest of the swirl mixture. Use a knife to gently swirl the filling through the batter in each pan—don’t overmix, you want distinct marbled ribbons.
Step 5: Bake the Cake
Place pans in the preheated oven and bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then remove and allow to cool completely on wire racks before frosting.
Step 6: Prepare the Cinnamon Cookies ‘n Cream Icing
In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and fluffy. Gradually add powdered sugar, cinnamon, vanilla extract, and crushed Oreo cookies. Mix until fully combined. Add 1–2 tablespoons of milk to thin the icing to your desired drip consistency.
Step 7: Frost and Assemble
Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a thick layer of icing on top. Add the second cake layer, then generously frost the top and let the icing drip down the sides naturally. You can use a spoon or piping bag to create intentional drips.
Step 8: Garnish and Serve
Top with whole Oreos and extra crushed Oreos for an eye-catching, indulgent finish. Refrigerate for 30 minutes before slicing for best presentation.
Variation:
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Golden Oreo Twist: Use Golden Oreos for a vanilla version with a different flavor profile.
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Caramel Drizzle: Add caramel sauce between layers or drizzle over the top for even more decadence.
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Chocolate Cake Base: Substitute yellow cake mix with chocolate cake mix for a cookies ‘n chocolate experience.
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Nutty Version: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the swirl for extra crunch.
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Spiced Up: Incorporate a dash of nutmeg or allspice for an autumn twist.
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Mini Cakes or Cupcakes: Bake in cupcake tins or mini bundt pans for single-serve treats.
COOKING Note:
This cake is best served slightly chilled. Letting it rest in the refrigerator helps the flavors meld and gives the icing a firmer, smoother texture. When slicing, use a sharp knife cleaned between cuts for neat layers. You can also make the cake layers a day in advance and frost them the next day for even easier assembly.
Serving Suggestions:
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Serve with a cold glass of milk or vanilla latte to complement the cake’s creamy richness.
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Pair it with a scoop of cinnamon ice cream or Oreo cookie gelato for a plated dessert.
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Add it to a holiday dessert board with brownies, cookies, and truffles for variety.
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Serve in small slices for potlucks or large parties—this cake is rich and goes a long way.
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Add a dusting of powdered sugar and extra cinnamon for a professional bakery finish.
Tips:
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Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your eggs, sour cream, and cream cheese are room temperature for best texture.
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Use a Serrated Knife: For neat slicing, especially if the cake is chilled.
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Crush Oreos Coarsely: You want some texture, not a fine powder.
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Swirl, Don’t Mix: Light swirling creates visual and textural contrast.
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Let the Cake Cool: Warm cake will melt the icing and ruin the drip effect.
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Frost Generously: The rich cream cheese frosting is part of the magic—don’t skimp!
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cooking Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Nutritional Information (Per Slice, approx.):
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Calories: 520 kcal
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Protein: 5g
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Sodium: 380mg
FAQs
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes! The cake layers can be made a day in advance. Store wrapped in plastic wrap at room temperature. Ice the next day for best presentation.
Can I use a different cake mix?
Absolutely. While yellow cake gives the honeybun vibe, white or chocolate cake mix works great too.
Can I make this as a sheet cake?
Yes! Pour the batter into a greased 9×13-inch pan and bake for 35–40 minutes. Adjust the swirl and icing accordingly.
How should I store leftovers?
Keep covered in the fridge for up to 4–5 days. Let slices come to room temp before eating for soft texture.
Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
You can freeze the unfrosted cake layers. Thaw overnight, then frost fresh. Frosted slices don’t freeze as well due to cream cheese texture changes.
Can I double this recipe for a crowd?
Definitely. Double the batter and bake in two 9×13-inch pans or make a tall four-layer cake.
Conclusion:
The Oreo Honeybun Cake with Cinnamon Cookies ‘n Cream Icing is more than just a dessert—it’s a celebration of flavor, nostalgia, and indulgence all rolled into one. From the spiced cinnamon-sugar swirls to the chunks of Oreo that bring crunchy delight, every layer of this cake tells a story of comfort and joy. Whether you’re baking it for a celebration or treating yourself to something extraordinary, it delivers that bakery-quality “wow” factor right from your own kitchen. So grab your mixer, preheat your oven, and get ready to impress everyone with this irresistible creation. One slice is never enough—this is a dessert you’ll crave again and again.
