Youtube Episode - The Joy of Honeybun Cake: Layers of Fatherhood and Family

In Loving Memory of Johnnie Michael Taylor (April 16, 1959 - August 27, 2024)

This week on The Cooking Up Joy Show, I had the chance to sit down with my brother, JT, for a heartfelt conversation about our dad, Johnnie Michael Taylor. Big Mike, who I lovingly called him, was actually my step-dad, but you would never know it because he only referred to me as his daughter. We reflected on his impact on our lives, the lessons he taught us, and how his love continues to shape us today. It was a bittersweet episode, filled with laughter, memories, and even a few tears. But more than anything, it was a celebration of the man who taught us to believe in ourselves and to show up for the people we love. He taught us so much, not just about skills and hobbies, but about confidence, self-worth, and how to carry ourselves in this world. His impact is woven into who I am, and I’ll always be grateful for the time we shared.

The Heart of the Episode

Big Mike wasn’t just a father figure—he was a force of nature. He had this incredible ability to make everyone feel seen and valued, and he never hesitated to share his wisdom with us. In the episode, JT and I talked about the ways Big Mike influenced us as individuals and as a family. In this episode of The Cooking Up Joy Show, I sat down with my brother, JT, to reflect on Big Mike’s legacy and how it shaped the kind of father JT is today. It was a chance to celebrate our dads life and the lessons he passed down to us, even as we navigate the grief of losing him.

Honeybun Cake: A Sweet Tribute

For JT, honeybun cake isn’t just dessert—it’s a time machine. Every bite takes him back to the warmth of home, where the air was filled with laughter, love, and the comforting presence of his dad, Big Mike.

“Honeybun cake reminds me of home,” JT shared during the episode, “and home reminds me of him.”

Big Mike had a way of making home feel like a safe haven. The simple act of baking this cake brings back memories of family, connection, and the lessons Big Mike passed down.

What makes honeybun cake even more special is its connection to North Carolina. While the cake itself may not be widely known outside northeastern NC, it’s inspired by the honeybun—a sweet treat that was invented in Greensboro, NC in the 50’s. This regional connection adds another layer of meaning to this cake, rooting JT’s love for it in his heritage and the place he calls home.

Pictured: Big Mike and JT soaking up the sun in Miami, FL. A father and son duo whose bond was as warm and sweet as honeybun cake.

A Joyful Reflection

One of the most meaningful parts of filming this episode was hearing JT talk about how Big Mike’s love shaped his approach to fatherhood. It reminded me of how much of Big Mike’s spirit lives on in the way we love and care for others.

Big Mike was always teaching us something, whether it was teaching me how to drive a stick shift in 15 minutes (yes, he really did that!) or how to believe in ourselves. He had this way of making you feel like you could conquer the world, and that’s a gift that my brothers and I carry with us every day.

With its swirls of cinnamon and brown sugar, honeybun cake is more than just a dessert. It’s a symbol of love, family, and the ties that bind us to the people and places we cherish most.

Here’s the recipe if you’d like to try it yourself:

Honeybun Cake Recipe

Ingredients:

1 box yellow cake mix
4 large eggs
1 cup sour cream
¾ cup vegetable oil
1 cup brown sugar
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

For the glaze:

2 cups powdered sugar
4 tablespoons milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
In a large bowl, mix together the cake mix, eggs, sour cream, and vegetable oil until smooth.
In a smaller bowl, combine the brown sugar and cinnamon.
Pour half of the cake batter into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the brown sugar and cinnamon mixture evenly over the batter. Pour the remaining cake batter on top.
Use a knife to swirl the layers together, creating a marbled effect.
Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
While the cake is baking, prepare the glaze by whisking together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract.
Once the cake is done and slightly cooled, pour the glaze over the top. Let it set before serving.

A Note to Big Mike

Big Mike,

Thank you for stepping into my life and showing me what it means to be loved, supported, and encouraged. You were more than just a stepdad—you were a teacher, a cheerleader, a friend–my dad.

Thank you for teaching me how to drive, how to play tennis (even though I never won), and how to believe in myself. Thank you for the music, the laughter, and the lessons about life and confidence.

You always said we had to market ourselves, to sell who we are to the world. I hope you know that everything I do, every step I take toward my dreams, carries your voice and your wisdom.

We miss you every day, but we carry you with us in the way we live, love, and show up for ourselves and each other. Rest easy, Big Mike. We’ll keep building on the foundation you gave us.

With love,

Alisha Madeline

Pictured: Big Mike and I singing a duet—he always loved to sing.

Featured Recipes

Honeybun Cake: (Recipe above)
Peach Apple Cider Margarita:

Ingredients:

2 cups apple cider
1 cup peach nectar
1 cup tequila
½ cup triple sec
Ice cubes
Cinnamon sugar (for rimming glasses)

Instructions:

Rim your glasses with cinnamon sugar.
In a pitcher, combine apple cider, peach nectar, tequila, and triple sec. Stir well.
Fill glasses with ice and pour the margarita mixture over the top. Serve immediately.

Your Joy Assignment

This week, I invite you to watch the episode and bake something that reminds you of someone who’s left an impact on your life. Maybe it’s a family recipe or a dish that brings back a memory.

As you bake, take a moment to reflect on the lessons they left you and the love they poured into your life. If you decide to make this honeybun cake, I’d love for you to share your story with us using #cookingupjoy. Let’s honor the people we’ve loved by keeping their memories alive in the kitchen.

Watch the Episode

Catch the full episode of The Cooking Up Joy Show on YouTube, where JT and I share stories about Big Mike, bake this delicious honeybun cake, and reflect on the lessons that continue to guide us.

[Link to the episode]

Closing Thoughts

Grief is complicated, but it’s also a reflection of love. Through this episode, JT and I shared stories about Big Mike, celebrated his legacy, and reflected on the kind of love he gave us.

Honeybun cake reminds us that love isn’t always perfect—it’s layered, messy, and sometimes bittersweet. But when we take it all together, it’s what makes life meaningful.

So, as you bake this cake or sip your margarita, take a moment to honor the people who’ve shaped you. Think about the sweetness they brought to your life, and know that their love is still with you, in every layer.

In loving memory of Johnnie Michael Taylor.

Thank you for being here. Together, let’s continue honoring loss, embracing joy, and finding solace at the table of grief.

~ Alisha Madeline Smith