Fall, y’all. It’s here. 🍂 The air is crisp, the leaves are starting to crunch under our boots, and the pumpkin patches are filling up with families making sweet seasonal memories. If you’re anything like me—a Crazy Busy Mama—your schedule is packed tighter than a hayride wagon, but you still want to bring a little fall magic into your home. That’s why I’m so excited to share one of my favorite seasonal recipes: Pumpkin Patch Honey Buns.
These aren’t your ordinary honey buns. They’re gooey, spiced, pumpkin-packed, glazed with sweet vanilla goodness, and baked up in a way that makes your kitchen smell like pure autumn. Even better? They’re made with a box of yellow cake mix, so they come together quickly—perfect for busy mamas who don’t have time for complicated, all-day recipes.
Let’s be real: life is chaotic, but food has this beautiful way of slowing us down and making us present in the moment. That’s what Pumpkin Patch Honey Buns are for me. They’re not just dessert—they’re memory-makers. So grab your whisk, your pumpkin puree, and your cozy fall playlist, and let’s dive into this recipe that will become your family’s new seasonal favorite.
Why Pumpkin Patch Honey Buns Are the Ultimate Fall Treat
I’ve tried my share of fall desserts, but there’s something special about Pumpkin Patch Honey Buns. They bring together everything I love about autumn in one sweet bite. Here’s why they’ve become a staple in my kitchen:
- Pumpkin Spice Flavor. Between the pumpkin puree, cinnamon, and pumpkin pie spice, these honey buns taste like fall in dessert form.
- Gooey Goodness. The cinnamon swirl bakes right into the cake, giving it that sticky-sweet, honey bun vibe.
- Simple Ingredients. A box of yellow cake mix is the base—so easy and so forgiving for busy mamas.
- Family Favorite. Whether it’s after school, for a weekend brunch, or a fall party, these Pumpkin Patch Honey Buns disappear fast.
- Perfect for Sharing. The recipe makes a 9×13 pan, so there’s plenty to bring to church potlucks, small groups, or family gatherings.
Ingredients for Pumpkin Patch Honey Buns

Here’s everything you need to make a pan of these gooey fall favorites:
Cake:
- 1 box yellow cake mix
- ½ cup milk
- ⅓ cup vegetable oil
- 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- 3 eggs
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Cinnamon Swirl:
- 1 stick (½ cup) butter, softened
- 1 cup light brown sugar
- 2 Tbsp flour
- 1 tsp cinnamon
Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- 3–4 Tbsp milk
Step-by-Step Instructions for Pumpkin Patch Honey Buns

Now let’s walk through this recipe step by step. Trust me—it’s simple enough for a crazy busy mama, but impressive enough for guests.
Prepare the Cake Batter
In a large mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, milk, oil, pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, eggs, pumpkin puree, and vanilla. Mix by hand until smooth—no mixer required.

Assemble in the Pan
Grease a 9×13 baking dish. Pour the pumpkin batter evenly into the dish.

Make the Cinnamon Swirl
In a small bowl, stir together softened butter, brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon until a thick paste forms. Drop 5 large scoops of this mixture evenly across the pumpkin batter. Use a knife to swirl it gently through the batter, creating a marbled effect.

Bake
Bake at 350°F for about 40 minutes, or until golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean.
Glaze
While warm, whisk together powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk until smooth. Pour the glaze evenly over the cake so it soaks in beautifully.

Serve
Slice into squares and serve warm. The gooey glaze, spiced cake, and cinnamon swirl make these taste just like a fall version of honey buns.

A CBM Tip for Stress-Free Fall Baking
✨ CBM TIP: Make these Pumpkin Patch Honey Buns the night before a busy morning. They’re just as delicious the next day, and you’ll thank yourself when you’ve got a ready-made fall breakfast treat waiting for your crew. To reheat, pop squares in the microwave for 10–15 seconds and they’ll taste fresh from the oven.
Why Pumpkin Patch Honey Buns Work for Busy Families
Here’s the thing, mama: life isn’t slowing down. The calendar is full, the kids are busy, and some days it feels like you can barely keep up. But recipes like Pumpkin Patch Honey Buns are proof that you can still sprinkle in those cozy, meaningful traditions without burning yourself out.
These honey buns come together in one bowl, one pan, and bake while you fold laundry, help with homework, or sip your coffee. That’s my kind of recipe. Because at the end of the day, our kids won’t remember how clean the house was or how perfectly decorated everything looked—they’ll remember sitting around the table eating warm Pumpkin Patch Honey Buns while talking and laughing.
Fun Variations of Pumpkin Patch Honey Buns
Want to make your honey buns extra special? Here are some fun variations my family has tried:
- Maple Glaze. Swap the vanilla in the glaze for maple extract for extra fall flavor.
- Pecan Crunch. Sprinkle chopped pecans on top of the cinnamon swirl before baking.
- Caramel Drizzle. After glazing, add a drizzle of caramel sauce for gooey perfection.
- Mini Muffins. Bake the batter in a muffin tin for bite-sized versions—perfect for parties!

Pumpkin Patch Honey Buns for Every Occasion
One of the reasons I love Pumpkin Patch Honey Buns is their versatility. Here’s where they fit perfectly into your fall schedule:
- School Events. Send a pan for teacher treats or class parties.
- Church Gatherings. These disappear fast at potlucks or small groups.
- Family Brunch. Serve alongside scrambled eggs and bacon for a sweet fall breakfast.
- After-School Snack. Nothing says “I love you” like a warm honey bun waiting on the counter.
- Halloween Night. Bake a batch to enjoy before trick-or-treating—it’ll give the kids (and you!) sweet energy for the night.

Gooey Pumpkin Patch Honey Buns
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 box yellow cake mix
- ½ cup milk
- ⅓ cup vegetable oil
- 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- 3 eggs
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup butter softened
- 1 cup light brown sugar
- 2 Tbsp flour
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- 3 –4 Tbsp milk
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13 pan.
- Mix cake ingredients in a large bowl until smooth. Pour into pan.
- Mix cinnamon swirl ingredients into a paste. Drop spoonfuls onto batter and swirl with a knife.
- Bake 40 minutes or until golden and a toothpick comes out clean.
- Mix glaze and pour over warm cake.
- Slice into squares and enjoy warm or at room temp.
It was delicious!
This Cake was sooo yummy!! Whole family enjoyed ever morsel! It wiilll definitely be a Thanksgiving Day dessert we plan to add it to our Menu!! Thank you!!🥰