If you have a sweet tooth and love that perfect balance of tender cake with a cinnamon-sugar swirl and fresh fruity notes, this Strawberry Honeybun Cake with Strawberry Cream Icing Recipe will be your new favorite. This cake takes a simple vanilla base and turns it into a celebration of strawberries, cinnamon, and creamy sweetness that’s not just stunning to look at but absolutely bursting with flavor in every bite. From the moist, tender crumb to the luscious strawberry cream icing that drapes it like a silky ribbon, this cake is pure comfort in dessert form and perfect for sharing with friends, family, or simply indulging yourself.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make this Strawberry Honeybun Cake with Strawberry Cream Icing Recipe, you’ll only need straightforward, easy-to-find ingredients that each play a crucial role in creating the cake’s flavor, texture, and beautiful color. From the warmth of cinnamon to the freshness of strawberries, every item brings something special to the table.
- Vanilla cake mix: The base of the cake that ensures a soft and fluffy texture.
- Eggs: Provide structure and moisture to keep the cake tender.
- Sour cream: Adds richness and keeps the cake wonderfully moist.
- Vegetable oil: Contributes to the cake’s moist crumb without heaviness.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances the vanilla flavor for depth and sweetness.
- Ground cinnamon: Introduces warm spice that pairs amazingly with strawberries.
- Brown sugar: Gives a caramel-like sweetness and adds to the honeybun swirl effect.
- Diced strawberries: Fresh or thawed frozen strawberries add bursts of natural sweetness and moisture inside the cake.
- Powdered sugar: The base for the silky-smooth strawberry cream icing.
- Milk: Helps adjust the icing’s consistency to a perfect drizzle.
- Strawberry puree: Gives the icing its bright flavor and lovely pink color.
How to Make Strawberry Honeybun Cake with Strawberry Cream Icing Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan thoroughly to make sure the cake doesn’t stick and comes out clean after baking. This little step means your beautiful cake keeps its shape perfectly.
Step 2: Make the Cake Batter
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the vanilla cake mix, eggs, sour cream, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until the batter is smooth and uniform. This smooth batter promises a soft, tender crumb that melts in your mouth.
Step 3: Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar Mix
Mix together brown sugar and ground cinnamon in a small bowl. This sugary cinnamon combo is crucial—it creates the signature honeybun swirls inside the cake that make each slice a little magical.
Step 4: Layer the Batter and Cinnamon Sugar
Pour half of the cake batter evenly into your prepared pan. Next, sprinkle half of the cinnamon sugar mix evenly over the batter. Then, distribute the diced strawberries across the sugar layer carefully, ensuring every bite gets some fruity surprise.
Step 5: Top and Swirl
Pour the remaining batter over the strawberries, smoothing it gently to avoid disturbing the layers beneath. Finally, sprinkle the remaining cinnamon sugar mixture on top to create that golden honeybun crust.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes. Use a toothpick inserted in the center to check doneness—it should come out clean. This ensures the cake is baked just right, with a moist interior and those irresistibly golden swirls.
Step 7: Make the Strawberry Cream Icing
While the cake bakes, mix powdered sugar, milk, strawberry puree, and vanilla extract until you have a smooth, luscious icing. Adjust the milk to get a perfect drizzle consistency—creamy but not runny.
Step 8: Ice and Cool
Once the cake has cooled for about 10-15 minutes, pour the strawberry cream icing over the top. It will create a beautiful pink glaze that seeps slightly into the warm cake, adding a juicy strawberry sweetness to every bite. Allow the cake to cool completely before slicing for clean, perfect squares.
Step 9: Serve and Enjoy!
Slice your Strawberry Honeybun Cake with Strawberry Cream Icing Recipe into squares and get ready to enjoy the incredible harmony of cinnamon, strawberry, and creamy sweetness in every mouthful.
How to Serve Strawberry Honeybun Cake with Strawberry Cream Icing Recipe
Garnishes
The best part about this cake is how adaptable it is for presentation. Sprinkle extra diced fresh strawberries or a dusting of powdered sugar over the top to add freshness and a delicate finish. A few fresh mint leaves also add a pop of color and a refreshing touch.
Side Dishes
Serve alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a decadent dessert experience. For a brunch twist, pair with fresh berries, lemon curd, or a light coffee or tea to balance the sweetness.
Creative Ways to Present
Consider turning this cake into a layered dessert by cutting it into squares and layering with whipped cream and extra strawberries in individual glasses for a beautiful trifle-style treat. You can also cut it into smaller bite-sized pieces for an elegant party dessert tray.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover cake can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days or refrigerated for up to five days. Keep it covered to prevent the icing from drying out and the cake from absorbing other fridge odors.
Freezing
You can freeze this cake to enjoy later. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, then foil, and store it in the freezer for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
Reheating
If you want to bring a slice back to that freshly baked warmth, pop it in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. This softens the cake and melts the icing slightly, giving you that just-baked feeling in no time.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid excess moisture affecting the cake texture.
What if I don’t have vanilla cake mix?
You can substitute with a white or yellow cake mix, or even bake from scratch using your favorite vanilla cake recipe.
Can I make the icing without strawberry puree?
Yes! You can omit the puree and add a few drops of strawberry extract or swap for a simple vanilla glaze instead.
Is this cake suitable for special occasions?
Definitely. Its beautiful presentation and delicious flavor make it perfect for birthdays, holidays, or just treating yourself.
How moist is the cake?
This cake is wonderfully moist thanks to the sour cream and oil, combined with the juicy strawberries that keep each bite tender and flavorful.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about this Strawberry Honeybun Cake with Strawberry Cream Icing Recipe—its combination of comforting cinnamon swirls and fresh strawberry brightness is simply irresistible. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or just craving a classic sweet treat, this cake delivers all the joy you want from a homemade dessert. Give it a try and get ready to delight in every bite!
