The honey bun is a sweet, sticky pastry that has become a beloved breakfast and snack item for people across America. Known for its soft, pillowy texture and sweet glaze topping, the origins of the honey bun stretch back over 100 years.
Honey buns first started appearing in the early 1900s, around the time when more automated bakery equipment was being introduced that allowed mass production of baked goods. The characteristic sticky, sweet glaze on top of honey buns comes from a icing made of honey, giving the treat its signature name.
Over the decades, honey buns grew in popularity, becoming a lunchbox staple for children and a favorite midday snack for adults. Their grab-and-go portability makes them an ideal on-the-run breakfast. By the 1950s and 60s, brands like Pillsbury had introduced pre-packaged honey buns that could be bought in grocery stores and convenience stores across the country.
Today, honey buns are mass-produced by brands like Pillsbury and Sara Lee and sold in grocery store bakery sections everywhere. Many restaurants and cafeterias also bake fresh honey buns daily for guests to enjoy. Their sweet taste satisfies cravings and brings back nostalgic childhood memories for many who eat them.
When searching for the perfect honey bun, there are a few key factors to consider, from the type of honey bun to the ingredients used. This buying guide provides an in-depth look to help you pick the ideal honey buns for any occasion.
Duchess LIMITED EDITION Honey Buns
You will love sinking your teeth into these delicious Duchess Honey Buns. The sweet, soft dough is topped with a generous swirl of creamy honey icing that takes these snacks over the top.
With each fluffy bun individually wrapped for freshness, you can enjoy these tasty treats anywhere. Keep a box in your car, desk drawer, or pantry so a honey bun is always close at hand when you crave a delicious dessert.
Pop one in the microwave for about 15 seconds and the dough becomes warm and gooey while the icing gets extra sweet. They're the perfect pick-me-up when you need an energy boost at midday. Or snack on these golden goodies as a late-night treat before bed.
Key Features:
- Fluffy dough topped with creamy honey swirl icing
- Individually wrapped for freshness and portability
- Just 15 seconds in the microwave warms them up
What We Like:
- Delicious sweet honey flavor
- Soft, pillowy texture
- Perfect portable snack
Mrs. Freshley's Honey Buns
When a sugar craving hits, reach for Mrs. Freshley's Honey Buns to satisfy your sweet tooth. These jumbo honey buns are seriously addicting with their fluffy interior and topping of glistening icing.
Take a bite and you'll savor the rich honey notes blended into the dough. The glazed icing adds extra sweetness to every swirl. One taste and you'll understand why these snacks fly off the shelves.
Keep your kitchen stash well stocked so you always have these yummy buns ready to grab for breakfast, a midday pick-me-up, or a late-night nibble. The individually wrapped portions lock in freshness and make Mrs. Freshley's Honey Buns perfect for packing in lunches or taking along in the car.
Key Features:
- Soft, pillowy dough infused with honey
- Sweet glazed icing on top
- Individually wrapped portions
What We Like:
- Satisfyingly sweet flavor
- Jumbo-size buns are extra filling
- Wrappers keep them fresh on-the-go
Little Debbie Honey Buns
When you're craving something sweet, reach for Little Debbie Honey Buns. These beloved snacks feature soft, golden pastry swirled with honey and cinnamon and then topped with rich glazed icing.
Take a bite to enjoy the tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture of the dough paired with deliciously sweet honey notes. The topping of white icing adds the perfect finishing touch. No wonder honey buns remain a classic favorite snack people turn to again and again.
With each bun individually wrapped, you can toss them in your purse or backpack when you're on the go. Or keep a supply at your desk to help power through the afternoon slump. However you snack on them, Little Debbie Honey Buns satisfy your sweet tooth in the tastiest way.
Key Features:
- Fluffy golden dough swirled with honey
- Frosted with sweet glazed icing
- Individually wrapped portions
What We Like:
- Irresistibly sweet honey flavor
- Soft, cake-like texture
- Mess-free individual wrappers
Duchess Honey Buns
Sink your teeth into a Duchess Honey Bun for a tender, sweet treat you'll love. The soft pastries are topped with a delicious glaze that complements the subtle hints of cinnamon. They make the perfect snack alongside your morning coffee or as a late night dessert.
The portable, individually wrapped buns are easy to throw in your bag so you can enjoy one on-the-go. Stash some in your desk drawer at the office for an afternoon pick-me-up. Or hand them out as a tasty snack at a party or potluck. Kids will love them too - pop some in their lunchbox for a special surprise.
This 12-pack contains a dozen 3 oz honey buns, so there's plenty to share or stock up your pantry. The shelf-stable pastries stay fresh until you're ready to indulge.
Key Features:
- Delicious glazed topping with a hint of cinnamon
- Individually wrapped for portability
- 12-pack contains 12x 3 oz pastries
- Shelf-stable and stays fresh
What We Like:
- Tender, sweet pastry with a satisfying glaze
- Easy to grab for a quick snack or dessert
- Perfectly portioned so you can enjoy just one
- Great to have on hand for kids, parties, potlucks
Tastykake Iced Honey Buns
The Tastykake Iced Honey Buns Mega Pack contains two 8-count packs of individually wrapped honey buns, for a total of 16 iced honey buns. Tastykake has been making quality bakery products since 1914 and is committed to delivering delicious snacks with superior freshness.
These iced honey buns are made with real honey and have a sweet glazed topping. The buns are delivered fresh and stay fresh when individually wrapped.
This mega pack contains enough snacks to satisfy a crowd or stock up the pantry. Tastykake offers great snacking variety including different flavors of iced buns, donuts, pies, cakes, and more.
Key Features:
- 16 total individually wrapped iced honey buns
- Made by Tastykake since 1914
- Sweet honey flavor with glazed icing
What We Like:
- Delicious fresh taste
- Individually wrapped portions
- Trusted brand since 1914
- Variety of snacking options
Mrs. Freshley's Jelly Swirl Honey Bun
The Mrs. Freshley's Jelly Swirl Honey Bun - Case of 9 is a delicious snack cake that offers a sweet jelly filling wrapped in soft, sweet dough and iced on top. This case comes with 9 individually wrapped jumbo honey buns, making it perfect for snacking, desserts, gifts, and more.
The jelly swirl filling provides a nice fruity flavor contrast to the sweet dough. The icing on top adds an extra touch of sweetness and makes these honey buns look even more appetizing. They come individually wrapped so they stay fresh.
Key Features:
- Case of 9 jumbo jelly swirl honey buns
- Individually wrapped for freshness
- Sweet dough with jelly swirl filling
- Topped with sweet icing
- Great for snacking, desserts, gifts
What We Like:
- Convenient case of individually wrapped honey buns
- Tasty jelly swirl filling provides fruity flavor
- Sweet icing on top looks appetizing
- Individual wrapping keeps them fresh
- Versatile for snacking, desserts, gifts
Cloverhill Jumbo Iced Honey Buns
The Cloverhill Jumbo Iced Honey Buns are sweet bakery treats with a delicious honey flavor. This 3-pack contains 36 individually wrapped jumbo honey buns.
The jumbo size makes these honey buns extra satisfying. The soft, sweet dough has a nice honey flavor that shines through. Each bun is topped with a sweet icing for an extra hint of sweetness.
Key Features:
- Pack of 3, a total of 36 individually wrapped buns
- Jumbo size honey buns
- Sweet dough with honey flavor
- Topped with sweet icing
- Microwaveable
What We Like:
- Jumbo size is extra satisfying
- Sweet honey-flavored dough
- Icing on top adds sweetness
- Individually wrapped for freshness
- Can be heated in the microwave
Mrs. Baird's Honey Buns
The Mrs. Baird's Honey Buns are sweet bakery treats with a delicious honey flavor. This 8-pack contains individually wrapped 4 oz honey buns, perfect for snacking.
The honey buns have a sweet dough with a nice honey flavor. They make a satisfying snack at 230 calories per serving. Their individually wrapped packaging keeps them fresh.
Key Features:
- 8-pack of 4 oz Mrs. Baird's Honey Buns
- Sweet honey-flavored dough
- 230 calories per serving
- Individually wrapped
- 2 servings per bun
What We Like:
- Sweet honey flavor
- Perfect size for snacking
- Individually wrapped for freshness
- Good source of energy at 230 calories per serving
- Provides 2 servings per bun
Tribeca Curations | Five Flavor Honey Bun Variety Pack
The Tribeca Curations Honey Bun Variety Pack provides 5 flavors of honey buns from popular brands like Hostess, Cloverhill, and Mrs. Freshley's. This pack includes 10 total honey buns in unique flavors like iced, glazed, chocolate, jelly, and cremey.
The variety allows you to enjoy different flavors of these classic honey buns. They come from well-known brands for consistent quality. It's a fun mix for snacking or sharing.
Key Features:
- 10 honey buns in 5 flavors
- Hostess, Cloverhill, and Mrs. Freshley's brands
- Iced, glazed, chocolate, jelly, and cremey flavors
- Variety pack of honey bun flavors
What We Like:
- Fun variety of flavors to try
- Well-known brands for consistent quality
- Great for snacking or sharing
- Allows you to sample different honey bun flavors
- Convenient mix of honey bun classics
Honey Bun Buying Guide
There are a few main types of honey buns to choose from:
The Classic and Traditional Honey Bun
The most classic version is made from a sweet yeast dough full of milk, eggs, sugar, and butter to give it a soft, pillowy texture. These traditional honey buns are rolled up into a spiral log shape before baking. A sweet, sticky honey glaze is drizzled over the top once cooled to give it an extra boost of sweetness.
The traditional swirled shape and chewy texture gives these honey buns great portability as the glaze helps the spiral stay together, even when eaten by hand. This makes the classic honey bun perfect for snacking on-the-go.
Filled Honey Buns
Some honey buns have a layer of filling inside for extra flavor and texture. Common fillings include sweetened cream cheese, cinnamon sugar, fruit preserves or pie fillings like apple and cherry.
The rich and creamy cream cheese filling pairs nicely with the sweetness of the dough. Warm cinnamon and fruit fillings add another flavor dimension to balance out the honey glaze.
Honey Bun Variations
There are other variations on the classic honey bun as well. Some recipes make them into a pull-apart bread by forming bite-size balls of dough then baking them together.
Honey bun cake is another popular version made with a buttery honey bun coffee cake baked in a sheet pan or bundt pan. The variations provide more options for different tastes and serving sizes.
Examining Important Characteristics
When browsing the bakery aisle, there are a few key characteristics to look for when evaluating honey buns:
Consider the Size
Honey buns come in various sizes, from mini 2-bite portions to large jumbo sizes. Think about how many people you are serving and if you want smaller portions for snacking or bigger buns for a breakfast entree.
Some common sizes are:
- Mini or snack-size: Around 2 inches, perfect for packing in lunch boxes
- Standard: 4-6 inches long, ideal for one breakfast serving
- Jumbo: Up to 8 inches long, better for sharing or eating over multiple sittings
Note the Shape
Traditionally, honey buns are rolled into a long spiral log that gives them their characteristic swirled look. However some versions are made in a simple round bun shape instead.
The traditional spiral shape can be easier to eat on-the-go since the honey glaze helps the spiral adhere together. Round buns may be better for tearing apart or using in recipes. Consider if portability is a priority.
Consider the Glaze
One of the most important parts of a honey bun is the sweet honey glaze drizzled on top. Look for a glaze that is thick and sticky so it coats the entire surface.
A thin, soggy glaze means the buns may end up greasy instead of pleasantly sticky. The glaze should add extra sweetness without making the bun soggy.
Choose Your Filling
For filled honey buns, the type of filling is another big factor. Cream cheese and cinnamon fillings are warm and comforting. Fruit fillings like cherry or blueberry provide a fresh, tangy twist.
You may also see specialty fillings like chocolate, dulce de leche, peanut butter, or other sweet flavors. The filling you choose depends on your particular tastes.
Evaluating Ingredients for Texture and Flavor
The ingredients that go into honey bun dough greatly impact the flavor and texture of the final product. Here are some of the key ingredients to look for when evaluating options:
The Flour Type Matters
Honey buns are typically made with a white flour for a soft, pillowy texture. Most recipes call for all-purpose flour which provides enough protein for structure while still being tender.
Some recipes may use cake flour for extra softness or bread flour for a chewier texture. Consider your own textural preferences when selecting a flour type.
Sweeteners Impact Sweetness
Two common sweeteners used are granulated white sugar and honey. Sugar adds a neutral sweetness while honey has a distinct floral, tangy flavor. Some recipes also use dark molasses for a richer, almost caramel-like sweetness.
Look at the types and amounts of sweeteners used to gauge the potential sweetness level of the bun. More sugar or honey means a sweeter flavor.
Richness Comes from Fats
The fat in a honey bun recipe also influences the richness and texture. Most recipes use butter for full, rich flavor. Vegetable oil or shortening can be used for more tenderness and softer texture.
Consider if you want a more decadent, buttery taste or a lighter, softer crumb when looking at the bun's fat source.
Yeast Causes Rising and Airiness
The type of yeast is key for getting honey bun dough to rise properly. Most recipes use active dry yeast which requires proofing in warm liquid. Using fresh yeast can enhance flavor complexity.
The amount of yeast impacts the rise. More yeast means faster rising and lighter texture while less yeast causes slower fermentation and denser buns.
Eggs Add Structure and Richness
Whole eggs provide moisture, structure, and fat to honey bun dough. Using only egg yolks gives more fat for tenderness. Egg whites add structure without added fat.
The number of eggs and types used influences the softness and richness of the final bun. Whole eggs offer the best balance.
Evaluating Nutrition to Meet Your Needs
Since honey buns are considered more of an indulgent treat, you want to balance out the enjoyment with your individual nutritional needs. Here are some nutrition facts to keep in mind:
- Calorie count: Expect 200-500 calories per average honey bun depending on size. Mini buns range from 100-300 calories.
- Sugar content: Sugar is one of the main ingredients, so expect 20-40g total sugars in a standard bun.
- Fat content: Most traditional honey buns have 5-15g total fat per serving thanks to ingredients like butter and eggs.
- Carb content: Look for around 30-60g total carbohydrates coming mostly from the flour and sweeteners.
- Protein: Since these are yeast-leavened buns, they provide more protein than other pastry items at 3-5g per serving typically.
- Trans fats: Many mass produced varieties use hydrogenated shortening, leading to trans fats. Check labels if you're concerned and pick trans fat free options.
Considering the nutrition facts can help you keep portion sizes in check and balance out your other food choices for the day.
Considering Brand Reputation and Quality
There are many brand options when it comes to packaged honey buns. Here are some top contenders to choose from:
Mass Produced Brand Favorites
Popular mainstream brands like Pillsbury, Sara Lee, Mrs. Freshley's, and Little Debbie's all offer classic honey buns in grocery stores nationwide. They provide convenience and consistency in terms of flavor and quality.
Bakery Sections of Large Chains
Store bakery sections of chains like Costco, Sam's Club, and Walmart also produce fresh honey buns. These provide more variety in terms of fillings and sizes. Quality depends on each location.
Specialty Bakery Offerings
Smaller specialty bakeries may offer gourmet honey buns made with higher quality ingredients and creative flavors. However, these usually come at a higher price point and aren't as readily available.
Consider how important factors like flavor, ingredients, and convenience are when deciding on a brand. Testing out a few options can help determine your favorites.
Proper Storage for Freshness and Shelf Life
To get the most enjoyment out of your honey buns, proper storage is key. Here are some tips:
Understand Shelf Life
Shelf life depends on the preparation method:
- Fresh baked honey buns are best consumed within 1-3 days.
- Commercially packaged buns last 1-2 weeks unopened at room temp.
- Frozen pre-made honey buns have a shelf life of 2-3 months in the freezer.
Refrigeration Extends Freshness
For maximum freshness, store leftover honey buns in the refrigerator in a sealed container. This prevents them from drying out and extends the shelf life to around 5-7 days.
Freezing for Long-Term Storage
Freshly baked honey buns freeze well for long-term storage. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or foil before freezing. Frozen honey buns will keep for 2-3 months before quality declines.
Mind Humidity and Temperature
Avoid leaving honey buns out on the counter for more than a day or two, as the glaze can weep and the buns can become stale. Store them at room temperature no higher than 70°F.
Enjoying Honey Buns in Sweet and Savory Treats
Honey buns aren't just for snacking - they can be used in all sorts of sweet and savory recipes as well. Here are some tasty ways to enjoy honey buns:
- Use them for the bread layer in a breakfast trifle with whipped cream and fruit.
- Crumble them up to make bread pudding or bread stuffing.
- Make honey bun sliders with sausage patties and maple glaze.
- Top torn up honey bun pieces with ice cream for an a la mode treat.
- Use as the base for sweet sandwiches filled with nut butter and jam.
- Make a dessert casserole by layering torn up buns with bananas, chocolate, and marshmallows.
So feel free to get creative with how you use up leftover or day-old honey buns! Their versatility makes them perfect for recipes.
Finding the Best Places to Purchase
Honey buns are produced and sold at various locations. Here are some of the best places to find fresh and quality honey buns:
Grocery Store Bakery Sections
The bakery sections in most major grocery store chains will carry packaged honey buns from leading brands. This provides a convenient way to buy them during regular shopping.
Warehouse Stores Offer Variety
Warehouse stores like Costco, Sam's Club, and BJ's have large bakery sections with fresh-made honey buns in multiples flavors and sizes. You can buy in bulk for gathering or big families.
Online Ordering and Delivery
Many grocery delivery services like Instacart allow you to order honey buns online. Specialty online bakeries also ship fresh gourmet honey buns nationwide.
Local Bakeries Offer Quality
Visit local bakeries and donut shops to find high-quality made-from-scratch honey buns. These are best for enjoying honey buns at their freshest.
Trying honey buns from different sources can help you find your ultimate favorites. Consider convenience, price, and flavor when picking where to buy them.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to some common questions about buying and enjoying honey buns:
Are fresh or frozen honey buns better?
Freshly baked honey buns will always taste best. However, frozen pre-made honey buns still offer decent quality. Thaw them fully before eating for best texture.
What is the best way to reheat honey buns?
Microwave 10-20 seconds for a quick heat-up that leaves them soft. For crisper edges, bake at 325°F for 4-6 minutes. Do not overheat or they can dry out.
Can you freeze homemade honey buns?
Yes! Homemade honey buns freeze well for 2-3 months. Wrap individually then place in an airtight container or freezer bag. Thaw before serving.
Key points:
| Characteristic | What to Look For |
|---|---|
| Ingredients | Short, simple list. Avoid artificial preservatives, stabilizers, dough conditioners. |
| Glaze | Simple ingredients like powdered sugar, milk, butter, vanilla. Avoid corn syrup or hydrogenated oils. |
| Shape and Size | Consistent size and shape. Mini or large based on preference. |
| Freshness | Tastes freshly baked with a soft, moist interior. Check sell-by dates. |
| Price | From $0.50 for mass-produced to $3 for bakery buns. Pay more for quality. |
| Bakery Reputation | Well-reviewed bakeries known for quality baked goods. |
Conclusion
Honey buns are the perfect portable sweet treat when you're craving something delicious and indulgent. With so many options to choose from, you can find the ideal honey bun to satisfy your preferences. Keep an eye on size, shape, glaze quality, fillings, and ingredients to determine which variety will hit that sweet spot.
Proper storage helps honey buns maintain maximum freshness and taste. And you can get creative by using them in recipes or as vessels for ice cream and other fillings. With this guide's tips in mind, you'll be fully prepared to pick the best honey buns to delight your tastebuds. So go on and enjoy this iconic sweet baked good that evokes happy memories and satisfaction.
Resources:
- Deliciously Seasoned: Homemade Honey Buns
- This recipe for homemade honey buns is rich, delicious, and loaded with flavor. It includes a classic glaze that we all love and is a great family treat.
- Cookie Dough and Oven Mitt: Honey Bun Recipe
- These homemade honey buns are a cross between a donut and a cinnamon roll. They have a swirl of cinnamon in them and can be both fried and baked. They make a great breakfast or just a sweet treat to have on hand.
- I Heart Eating: Best Homemade Honey Buns
- This easy homemade honey bun recipe makes soft sweet rolls topped with honey butter icing in about an hour. The recipe includes a 9x13-inch pan and a list of ingredients.
- McKee Food Service: Glazed Honey Bun
- This website offers a classic pastry snack made with a touch of honey and cinnamon, topped with a light glaze. The glazed honey bun is great warmed for a few seconds in the microwave and enjoyed with a warm cup of coffee.
- The Novice Chef: Homemade Honey Buns
- These sweet and sticky homemade honey buns are filled with cinnamon sugar and coated in a sweet glaze. They have the same melt-in-your-mouth texture that you love from store-bought honey buns and are made from scratch with real ingredients.