Strawberry Honeybun Cake with Strawberry Cream Icing

If you love the flavors of a classic honeybun and the sweet taste of strawberries, then this Strawberry Honeybun Cake with Strawberry Cream Icing is the perfect dessert for you. This delicious cake brings together the moist, cinnamon-swirled layers of a honeybun cake with a fruity strawberry twist, all topped with a luscious strawberry cream icing. It’s a delightful treat for any occasion, whether you’re baking for a special celebration, a holiday gathering, or just a cozy weekend at home.

In this guide, we’ll take you through every step of making Strawberry Honeybun Cake with Strawberry Cream Icing, from understanding the key ingredients to expert baking tips, creative variations, and the best ways to present your masterpiece.

Key Ingredients and Their Roles

Each ingredient in this recipe plays an important part in creating the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and sweetness.

For the Cake:

Strawberry Cake Mix – The base of the cake, giving it a soft, moist texture and a bright strawberry flavor.
Eggs – Help bind the ingredients together and add structure to the cake.
Vegetable Oil – Keeps the cake moist and enhances its rich texture.
Sour Cream – Adds a slight tang and makes the cake extra tender.
Brown Sugar – Creates the signature honeybun swirl and adds a deep caramel-like sweetness.
Cinnamon – Complements the brown sugar with a warm, spiced flavor.
Vanilla Extract – Enhances the overall flavor of the cake.

For the Strawberry Cream Icing:

Powdered Sugar – The base for a smooth and sweet icing.
Strawberry Jam or Puree – Infuses the icing with real strawberry flavor and a natural pink hue.
Butter – Adds richness and helps create a creamy, spreadable icing.
Milk or Heavy Cream – Adjusts the consistency of the icing, making it easy to drizzle or spread.

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
Cooling Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: About 1 hour 15 minutes

Ingredients

For the Cake:

1 box strawberry cake mix
4 large eggs
¾ cup vegetable oil
1 cup sour cream
½ cup brown sugar
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Strawberry Cream Icing:

1 ½ cups powdered sugar
3 tablespoons strawberry jam or puree
3 tablespoons butter, melted
2 tablespoons milk or heavy cream

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions with Expert Tips

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray or butter.

Step 2: Mix the Cake Batter

In a large mixing bowl, combine the strawberry cake mix, eggs, vegetable oil, sour cream, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth and well combined.

Expert Tip: Use a hand mixer or stand mixer for a smooth batter, but avoid over-mixing, as this can make the cake dense.

Step 3: Prepare the Honeybun Swirl

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

Step 4: Layer the Batter and Swirl

Pour half of the cake batter into the greased baking dish.
Sprinkle the brown sugar-cinnamon mixture evenly over the batter.
Pour the remaining cake batter on top and spread it out evenly.
Use a knife or toothpick to gently swirl the layers together, creating a marbled effect.

Expert Tip: Don’t over-swirl, or the cinnamon layer may blend too much into the batter instead of staying distinct.

Step 5: Bake the Cake

Place the cake in the oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Expert Tip: Ovens vary, so start checking for doneness around the 30-minute mark to prevent overbaking.

Step 6: Make the Strawberry Cream Icing

While the cake bakes, prepare the icing. In a medium bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, strawberry jam or puree, melted butter, and milk or heavy cream. Mix until smooth.

Expert Tip: If the icing is too thick, add more milk, one teaspoon at a time, until you reach the desired consistency. If it’s too thin, add more powdered sugar.

Step 7: Ice the Cake

Once the cake has cooled for about 20 minutes, drizzle or spread the strawberry cream icing over the top.

Expert Tip: For a thicker layer of icing, allow the first layer to set, then apply a second layer for an extra creamy finish.

Presentation Tips

Garnish with Fresh Strawberries – Top the cake with sliced or whole strawberries for an elegant touch.
Dust with Powdered Sugar – A light dusting can enhance the look of the cake and add an extra bit of sweetness.
Serve with Whipped Cream – A dollop of fresh whipped cream pairs beautifully with the strawberry flavors.
Cut into Squares or Bars – For easy serving at gatherings, slice the cake into neat squares.

Creative Twists for the best Strawberry Honeybun Cake

Add a Cream Cheese Swirl: Mix softened cream cheese with sugar and vanilla, then swirl it into the batter before baking for a cheesecake-like twist.
Make It a Layer Cake: Instead of baking in a single pan, divide the batter into two cake pans and layer them with extra strawberry icing.
Use a Different Fruit Flavor: Swap the strawberry cake mix for vanilla or lemon for a new take on this classic.
Turn It Into Cupcakes: Pour the batter into cupcake liners and adjust the baking time to 18-22 minutes for delicious, single-serving treats.

Pro Tip for Customization

If you want to enhance the strawberry flavor even more, try adding fresh strawberry pieces into the cake batter or using strawberry-flavored Greek yogurt instead of sour cream. This will give the cake an even richer and more natural strawberry taste.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different cake mix?

Yes! You can use vanilla, butter, or even cinnamon cake mix instead of strawberry. However, to keep the signature strawberry flavor, consider adding strawberry extract or fresh strawberries.

2. How should I store leftovers?

Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.

3. Can I freeze Strawberry Honeybun Cake?

Yes! Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and store them in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

4. Can I make Strawberry Honeybun Cake ahead of time?

Absolutely! Bake the cake a day in advance, but wait to add the icing until just before serving for the freshest taste.

5. Can I make Strawberry Honeybun Cake gluten-free?

Yes! Use a gluten-free cake mix and check that all other ingredients are gluten-free.

Conclusion

This Strawberry Honeybun Cake with Strawberry Cream Icing is a must-try for anyone who loves sweet, fruity desserts with a hint of cinnamon. It’s soft, moist, and full of delicious flavors, making it perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re baking it for a holiday, a special event, or just a sweet treat for yourself, this cake is sure to impress.

Try it out today and enjoy every bite of this delightful dessert!