Strawberry Honeybun Cake with Strawberry Cream Icing

If you’re a fan of honeybun cakes, get ready to fall in love with this Strawberry Honeybun Cake with Strawberry Cream Icing! This cake is a sweet, moist, and slightly spiced delight with layers of cinnamon-sugar swirls nestled within a rich strawberry cake. Topped with a strawberry cream glaze, this dessert is a must-try for any strawberry lover.

This cake is perfect for brunch, afternoon coffee, or dessert, and it comes together with simple ingredients—most of which you probably already have in your kitchen. The combination of brown sugar and cinnamon inside the cake gives it a comforting warmth, while the strawberry icing adds a fresh, fruity twist.

Whether you’re baking for a special occasion, family gathering, or just because you’re craving something sweet, this strawberry honeybun cake is guaranteed to impress!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✔️ Easy to Make – Uses a boxed cake mix as the base but tastes completely homemade!
✔️ Moist & Fluffy Texture – Thanks to sour cream and milk, this cake stays soft and tender.
✔️ Sweet & Spiced Layers – The cinnamon-sugar swirl adds an unexpected but delightful warmth to the cake.
✔️ Strawberry Bliss – The strawberry puree icing adds a natural fruitiness to balance the sweetness.
✔️ Perfect for Any Occasion – Great for brunch, birthdays, tea parties, or as a coffee cake.

Recipe

Ingredients

For the Cake:

• 1 box strawberry cake mix
• ½ cup vegetable oil
• 3 large eggs
• 1 cup sour cream
• ½ cup whole milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ cup brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon

For the Strawberry Cream Icing:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons strawberry puree (blend fresh or frozen strawberries)
• 2 tablespoons heavy cream
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions

Step 1: Preheat & Prepare the Baking Dish

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray or butter.

Step 2: Make the Cake Batter

• In a large mixing bowl, combine the strawberry cake mix, vegetable oil, eggs, sour cream, milk, and vanilla extract.
• Mix with an electric mixer or whisk until the batter is smooth and creamy.

Step 3: Create the Cinnamon-Sugar Swirl

• In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar and cinnamon.

Step 4: Layer the Cake

• Pour half of the cake batter into the prepared baking dish.
• Sprinkle the brown sugar-cinnamon mixture evenly over the batter.
• Pour the remaining batter on top and spread it evenly with a spatula.

Step 5: Bake the Cake

• Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
• Allow the cake to cool slightly while you prepare the icing.

Step 6: Make the Strawberry Cream Icing

• In a medium bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, strawberry puree, heavy cream, and vanilla extract until smooth.
• Adjust the consistency by adding more heavy cream for a thinner glaze or more powdered sugar for a thicker icing.

Step 7: Drizzle the Icing Over the Cake

• While the cake is still slightly warm, drizzle the strawberry icing over the top, letting it soak into the cake slightly.
• Slice, serve, and enjoy!

Serving and Storage Tips

How to Serve:

• Serve warm or at room temperature for the best flavor.
• Pair with a cup of coffee, tea, or cold milk for a delicious treat.
• Add fresh strawberries on top for extra flavor and color.

How to Store:

• Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
• For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 5 days.
• To freeze, wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Helpful Notes

1. Use Whole Milk for Richness – Whole milk makes the cake extra moist. Avoid using skim milk, which may result in a drier texture.
2. Extra Strawberry Flavor – Stir ½ cup of chopped fresh strawberries into the batter for bursts of fruit in every bite.
3. Make the Icing Thicker – If you want a thicker frosting-style glaze, reduce the heavy cream slightly and add extra powdered sugar.
4. Let the Icing Soak In – Drizzling the icing over the warm cake allows it to absorb into the layers, making every bite extra flavorful.
5. Try Different Spices – For a fun twist, add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the cinnamon-sugar layer.

FAQs

1. Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes! You can bake the cake a day in advance and store it at room temperature. Add the icing just before serving for the best texture.

2. Can I use frozen strawberries for the puree?

Absolutely! Just thaw the frozen strawberries and blend them into a smooth puree before adding them to the icing.

3. What’s the best way to crush strawberries for the icing?

You can use a fork to mash fresh strawberries or blend them in a food processor for a smoother consistency.

4. Can I make this cake in a bundt pan?

Yes! Bake in a well-greased bundt pan at 350°F (175°C) for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.

5. How can I make this cake even more indulgent?

• Add a drizzle of melted white chocolate over the icing.
• Serve slices with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
• Layer with cream cheese frosting instead of the strawberry glaze.

Final Thoughts

This Strawberry Honeybun Cake is the perfect mix of nostalgia and indulgence. The moist strawberry cake, swirls of brown sugar and cinnamon, and sweet strawberry cream icing come together in an irresistible dessert.

Whether you’re making this for a weekend treat, a family gathering, or a special occasion, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser. The warm cinnamon filling and fruity strawberry icing make this cake a standout in any dessert lineup.

So grab your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to fall in love with every bite of this strawberry delight!

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