Honey Bun Brownies

Honey Bun Brownies are a fun and flavorful mashup of two beloved treats — dense, chocolatey brownies with a sweet honey and cinnamon swirl reminiscent of a classic honey bun. With a marbled top and warm, spicy notes, these brownies are perfect for family dessert nights, potlucks, or any time you crave a cozy, bakery-style treat.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to make — uses a simple brownie mix base with minimal prep. 
• Cinnamon-honey twist gives familiar brownies a warm, comforting flavor. 
• Swirled, marbled top looks gorgeous and tastes indulgent. 
• Fudgy texture with sweet swirls makes every bite irresistible. 

Ingredients

• 1 box of brownie mix 
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil 
• 2 eggs 
• 1/3 cup honey 
• 1/3 cup brown sugar 
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon 

Directions

Step 1: Prepare Oven & Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray or butter and set aside. 

Step 2: Make the Brownie Base

In a large mixing bowl, prepare the brownie mix according to package instructions, adding the vegetable oil and eggs called for on the box. Mix until the batter is smooth and homogeneous. 

Step 3: First Layer

Spread half of the prepared brownie batter evenly into the prepared baking dish, using a spatula to smooth the surface.

Step 4: Honey-Cinnamon Swirl

In a medium bowl, whisk together the honey, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon until fully combined and glossy. 

Drizzle this honey mixture evenly over the brownie batter in the pan. 

Step 5: Top with Remaining Brownie Batter

Using a spoon, drop spoonfuls of the remaining brownie batter over the honey mixture. It doesn’t need to cover everything — the contrast makes a beautiful marbled effect. 

Step 6: Create the Swirl

Take a butter knife or skewer and gently swirl the brownie batter and honey mixture together. Use broad, sweeping motions to create a marbled pattern. Avoid over-mixing — you want distinct swirls. 

Step 7: Bake

Bake the brownies in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes. They are done when the edges appear set and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs, but not raw batter. 

Step 8: Cool and Serve

Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. This helps them firm up and makes slicing easier. Once cool, cut into squares and serve. 

Pro Tips and Variations

• Use a high-quality brownie mix for deeper chocolate flavor. 
• For extra gooeyness, bake closer to the shorter end of the time range. 
• Add chopped nuts or chocolate chips to the batter for texture.
• Serve warm with a scoop of ice cream for an indulgent dessert experience.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
• Drizzle with caramel sauce for extra sweetness.
• Enjoy with coffee or milk as a decadent treat.

Storage/Reheating

• Room Temperature: Store cooled brownies in an airtight container for up to 3 days. 
• Refrigerator: Keep covered up to one week; bring to room temperature before serving. 
• Freezer: Wrap tightly and freeze up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the fridge.

FAQs

Can I use homemade brownie batter instead of a box mix?
Yes! Just use your favorite from-scratch batter and follow the same method.

My honey mixture sank — what now?
Make sure the initial batter layer is spread evenly. If it sinks slightly, it still tastes great.

Why swirl instead of mixing fully?
The swirl gives a marbled look and maintains distinct cinnamon-honey pockets.

Conclusion

Honey Bun Brownies are a delightful twist on classic brownies — rich, chocolaty, and beautifully marbled with a sweet honey-cinnamon swirl. Easy to make and always a hit, they’re the perfect dessert when you want something cozy and flavor-packed. 

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