Sweet Strawberry Honeybun Cake Recipe with Dreamy Cream Icing

Sweet strawberry honeybun cake could become your ultimate dessert obsession this season.

Passionate bakers understand how simple ingredients can create magical moments in the kitchen.

Strawberries burst with vibrant flavor, making this recipe a delightful treat for anyone who appreciates delicate desserts.

Mixing textures and tastes creates a memorable experience that feels both comforting and exciting.

Soft cake layers combine with creamy strawberry icing for a truly indulgent experience.

Minimal effort delivers maximum deliciousness in every single bite.

You’ll want to share this irresistible strawberry honeybun cake with everyone you know.

Strawberry Honeybun Cake That’s Anything but Boring

• Perfect for busy home bakers who want delicious results without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Offers a delightful twist on traditional honeybun cake with strawberry flavors that appeal to both kids and adults.
• Beginner-friendly recipe using boxed cake mix and simple ingredients, making it foolproof for novice bakers.
• Ideal for potlucks, family gatherings, birthday parties, or casual weekend desserts that everyone will love.

Inside Strawberry Honeybun Cake with Strawberry Cream Icing

• Cake Mix: White or yellow cake mix creates a soft, fluffy foundation for the cake.
• Eggs: Provide structure and help bind the cake ingredients together.
• Sour Cream: Adds moisture and richness to the cake texture.
• Vegetable Oil: Ensures the cake remains tender and prevents dryness.
• Strawberry Jam: Infuses natural strawberry flavor into the cake batter.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances overall flavor depth and sweetness.

• Brown Sugar, Cinnamon: Create a sweet and warm spice layer within the cake.

• Cream Cheese: Provides a tangy, creamy base for the icing.
• Butter: Adds richness and helps create a smooth icing texture.
• Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and thickens the icing.
• Strawberry Puree or Jam: Adds fresh strawberry flavor and natural color to the icing.
• Vanilla Extract: Rounds out the flavor profile of the icing.

How to Make Strawberry Honeybun Cake Step by Step

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a cozy 350F (175C). Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and give it a generous coating of grease to prevent any sticky situations.

Step 2: Mix the Magical Batter

• Cake mix
• Eggs
• Sour cream
• Vegetable oil
• Strawberry jam
• Vanilla extract

Whip everything together until the mixture looks smooth and dreamy.

Step 3: Create the Cinnamon Surprise

In a separate small bowl, blend brown sugar and cinnamon until they become best friends.

Step 4: Layer the Cake Magic

Pour half the batter into the greased dish, spreading it like a smooth blanket.

Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture across the surface.

Pour the remaining batter on top and create swirly patterns using a knife or skewer.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Slide the dish into the oven and bake for 35-40 minutes. The cake is ready when a toothpick comes out clean. Let the cake cool completely in the pan.

Step 6: Whip Up the Strawberry Cream Icing

• Cream cheese
• Butter

Beat until smooth and creamy.

• Powdered sugar
• Strawberry puree (or jam)
• Vanilla extract

Whip until the icing is fluffy and spreadable.

Step 7: Dress the Cake

Spread the strawberry cream icing generously over the cooled cake.

Step 8: Slice and Enjoy

Cut into delicious squares and serve. Stash any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Strawberry Honeybun Cake: Savvy Baker Tips

• Measure Ingredients Precisely: Use exact measurements for cake mix, eggs, sour cream, and other ingredients to ensure the perfect texture and consistency of your strawberry honeybun cake.
• Swirl with Care: When creating the cinnamon-sugar swirl, use a gentle hand and a knife or skewer to create delicate, marbled patterns without overmixing the batter.
• Check Cake Doneness Carefully: Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake and look for a clean, crumb-free result to confirm it’s fully baked without overbaking.
• Chill Before Icing: Allow the cake to cool completely at room temperature before adding the strawberry cream icing to prevent melting and ensure a smooth, even spread.
• Customize Strawberry Flavor: Experiment with fresh strawberry puree or high-quality strawberry jam to enhance the cake’s fruity essence and create a more intense strawberry profile.

Keep Your Strawberry Honeybun Cake Fresh

• Store leftover cake in an airtight container to maintain freshness and prevent drying out. Keep the cake in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Wrap the cake tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil before placing in the container to seal in moisture and protect from absorbing other food odors.
• Warm individual slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds on medium power. Let the slice sit for a few moments to distribute heat evenly and prevent soggy texture.
• Remove the cake from the refrigerator 30 minutes before serving to allow it to come to room temperature, which helps restore its soft, tender texture and enhances flavor.

What to Serve with Strawberry Honeybun Cake

• Brew a classic southern-style sweet tea with fresh mint leaves to complement the cake’s strawberry sweetness and cut through its rich, decadent texture.
• Serve alongside a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream to create a temperature contrast and add creamy smoothness that balances the cake’s warmth.
• Pour a chilled glass of rosé wine with light strawberry notes to elevate the dessert’s fruity profile and provide an elegant adult pairing.
• Top each cake slice with fresh strawberry slices and a light dusting of powdered sugar to intensify the fruit flavor and add visual appeal.

Strawberry Honeybun Cake Variations You’ll Adore

• Gluten-Free Version: Replace the standard cake mix with a gluten-free cake mix, ensuring all ingredients are certified gluten-free for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Vegan Adaptation: Substitute eggs with flax eggs, use dairy-free cream cheese, plant-based butter, and a vegan cake mix to create a completely plant-based dessert.
• Low-Sugar Option: Use a sugar-free cake mix, replace brown sugar with a monk fruit sweetener, and create a lighter icing using Greek yogurt and a sugar substitute for a diabetic-friendly version.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Use coconut cream cheese, dairy-free butter alternative, and almond milk-based cream to transform the recipe for those with lactose intolerance.

Strawberry Honeybun Cake: All Your Questions Answered

• Why use a cake mix instead of making cake from scratch?

Using a cake mix simplifies the recipe and ensures consistent results every time. It saves preparation time and reduces the number of ingredients needed while still creating a delicious, moist cake.

• How do I know if I’ve swirled the batter correctly?

The swirling technique doesn’t need to be perfect. Create gentle figure-eight or zigzag motions with a knife through the batter. You should see some cinnamon-sugar streaks throughout the cake, creating a marbled effect.

• Can I substitute any ingredients in this recipe?

For the sour cream, you can use Greek yogurt as an alternative. If you don’t have strawberry jam, try using raspberry or mixed berry jam to maintain a similar fruity flavor profile. The cream cheese can be replaced with mascarpone for a slightly different texture.

• What makes the cinnamon-sugar layer special in this cake?

The cinnamon-sugar mixture adds a warm, sweet layer of flavor that creates a delightful contrast to the strawberry elements. It provides a subtle spice and extra texture to the cake, making each bite more interesting and complex.

Strawberry Honeybun Cake With Strawberry Cream Icing Recipe

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4.6 from 27 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Sweet strawberry honeybun cake brings classic comfort with a modern twist, offering delightful layers of flavor that dance across taste buds. Homemade strawberry cream icing crowns this irresistible dessert, making each slice a moment of pure bliss for cake enthusiasts.

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Ingredients

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Cake Base:

• 1 box (15.25 ounces / 432 grams) strawberry cake mix
• 4 large eggs
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) sour cream
• ½ cup (120 milliliters) vegetable oil
• ½ cup (170 grams) strawberry jam or preserves
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Cinnamon-Sugar Swirl:

• ½ cup (100 grams) brown sugar, packed
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Strawberry Cream Icing:

• 4 ounces (115 grams) cream cheese, softened
• ¼ cup (57 grams) unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups (240 grams) powdered sugar
• 3 tablespoons strawberry puree (or 2 tablespoons strawberry jam)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Warm the cooking space to 350F (175C), coating a 9×13-inch baking vessel with a protective layer to prevent sticking.
2. Merge cake mix, eggs, sour cream, vegetable oil, strawberry jam, and vanilla extract in a spacious mixing container. Whip the mixture until silky and homogeneous.
3. Craft a fragrant blend of brown sugar and cinnamon in a petite mixing vessel.
4. Transfer half the cake mixture into the prepared baking dish, ensuring uniform distribution. Generously dust the cinnamon-sugar blend across the initial layer.
5. Cascade the remaining cake mixture over the first layer, tenderly intertwining the sections using a knife or skewer to create a mesmerizing marbled effect.
6. Position the dish in the preheated oven, allowing it to transform for 35-40 minutes. Verify doneness by inserting a testing implement into the center – it should emerge pristine.
7. While the cake cools completely, prepare the luscious topping by whipping cream cheese and butter until velvety and integrated.
8. Incorporate powdered sugar, strawberry puree, and vanilla extract into the creamy mixture. Beat until achieving a light, spreadable consistency.
9. Lavish the cooled cake with the strawberry cream icing, ensuring complete and even coverage.
10. Slice into delectable portions and serve. Preserve remaining pieces in a sealed container within the refrigerator for optimal freshness, consuming within three days.

Notes

• Swap cake mix with gluten-free variant for celiac-friendly version, ensuring all ingredients match dietary requirements.
• Reduce sugar content by using half the recommended brown sugar and choosing low-sugar strawberry jam for healthier alternative.
• Add extra texture by sprinkling chopped fresh strawberries or toasted almond slivers over icing for crunch and enhanced flavor profile.
• Use room temperature ingredients like eggs and cream cheese to guarantee smoother batter and more consistent mixing results.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 30 g
• Sodium: 210 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 42 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg