Heavenly Strawberry Honeybun Cake With Strawberry Cream Icing Recipe

Sweet strawberry aromas dance through this delectable strawberry honeybun cake that promises pure indulgence.

Soft, moist layers brim with fruity charm and delightful texture.

The strawberry cream icing adds a luxurious touch to every single bite.

Homemade desserts never tasted so extraordinary and vibrant.

Bursting with fresh strawberry flavor, this cake brings pure joy to your table.

Each slice delivers a perfect balance of sweetness and richness.

Bakers of all skill levels can create this stunning treat that will surely impress everyone.

Why Strawberry Honeybun Cake Is So Special

• Surprise Inside Treat: Discover a delightful cream cheese center hidden within soft, strawberry-flavored cookies that adds a playful twist to traditional baking.
• Perfect for Sweet Lovers: Combines the creamy richness of cheesecake with the classic charm of cookies, creating a unique dessert that appeals to both kids and adults.
• Customize with Ease: Experiment with food coloring and extracts to personalize the cookies, making them perfect for special occasions or themed parties.
• Simple Baking Adventure: Requires basic baking skills and standard kitchen tools, allowing both novice and experienced bakers to create a show-stopping dessert with minimal stress.

Everything for Honeybun Cake With Cream Icing

• Yellow Cake Mix: A convenient base that provides the foundation for the cake's soft and tender texture.
• Eggs: Help bind the ingredients and create a rich, smooth cake structure.
• Sour Cream: Adds moisture and creates a tender, soft crumb in the cake.
• Vegetable Oil: Ensures the cake remains moist and helps achieve a tender texture.
• Vanilla Extract: Provides a warm, sweet background flavor to enhance the cake's taste.

• Brown Sugar, Ground Cinnamon: Create a sweet and warm swirl that mimics the classic honeybun flavor.
• Fresh Strawberries: Add natural sweetness and fruity bursts throughout the cake.

• Powdered Sugar: Serves as the primary sweetener and thickening agent for the icing.
• Milk: Helps create a smooth, pourable icing consistency.
• Strawberry Puree: Provides intense strawberry flavor and a beautiful pink color to the icing.
• Vanilla Extract: Complements the strawberry flavor with a subtle depth.

Steps to Bake a Strawberry Honeybun Cake

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Baking Pan

Warm up your oven to a toasty 350°F. Grab a 9×13-inch baking pan and give it a quick spray of cooking oil, then dust it with a light coating of flour to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create the Cake Base

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

Whip everything together until the mixture looks smooth and creamy.

Step 3: Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar Swirl

In a separate small bowl, blend brown sugar and ground cinnamon.

This magical mixture will add a warm, sweet twist to your cake.

Step 4: Layer the First Cake Batter

Pour half of the cake batter into the prepared pan.

Use a spatula to spread it evenly across the bottom, creating a perfect first layer.

Step 5: Add the Cinnamon Sugar and Strawberries

Sprinkle half of the cinnamon-sugar mixture over the batter.

Next, scatter diced strawberries across the surface, ensuring an even distribution.

Step 6: Complete the Cake Layers

Gently pour the remaining cake batter over the strawberry layer.

Smooth the top with a spatula, then dust the remaining cinnamon-sugar mixture over the surface.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Slide the pan into the preheated oven.

Bake for 30-35 minutes. To check if it’s done, insert a toothpick into the center – it should come out clean.

Step 8: Whip Up the Strawberry Cream Icing

• Powdered sugar
• Milk
• Strawberry puree
• Vanilla extract

Stir until the mixture becomes silky smooth. Add a splash more milk if needed to reach the perfect drizzling consistency.

Step 9: Cool and Ice the Cake

Let the cake rest in the pan for 10-15 minutes after baking. Drizzle the luscious strawberry cream icing over the top, allowing it to cascade down the sides.

Step 10: Serve and Enjoy

Once completely cooled, slice into this heavenly Strawberry Honeybun Cake and savor every delectable bite!

Notes for Soft and Moist Honeybun Cake Fans

• Add fresh strawberry puree directly into the cake batter for a more intense fruit taste.
• Toss diced strawberries in a little flour before adding to the cake to help them stay suspended in the batter.
• Use full-fat sour cream to keep the cake incredibly soft and tender throughout baking.
• Gently drag a knife through the brown sugar-cinnamon layer to create beautiful marbled patterns before baking.
• Insert a toothpick at an angle to ensure the center is completely baked without creating large holes in the cake surface.

Creative Twists for Honeybun Cake Lovers

• Gluten-Free Delight: Replace the cake mix with a gluten-free cake mix and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Vegan Berry Bliss: Swap eggs with flax eggs, use dairy-free sour cream alternative, and replace milk with almond milk in the icing for a plant-based version.
• Low-Sugar Option: Substitute brown sugar with monk fruit sweetener and use a sugar-free cake mix to reduce overall sugar content while maintaining flavor.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Use coconut cream instead of sour cream, plant-based milk in the icing, and coconut oil in place of vegetable oil for those avoiding dairy products.

Pairings for Strawberry Honeybun Cake Plates

• Pair Perfectly with Sparkling Rosé: Complement the cake's sweet strawberry notes with a light, fruity rosé that enhances the dessert's delicate flavors.
• Serve Alongside Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: Create a luxurious dessert experience by adding a scoop of creamy vanilla bean ice cream that balances the cake's warm cinnamon undertones.
• Match with Fresh Mint Tea: Brew a delicate mint tea to cut through the cake's sweetness and provide a refreshing counterpoint to the rich strawberry icing.
• Combine with Whipped Mascarpone: Top each slice with a dollop of light, airy mascarpone cream to add a smooth, tangy element that elevates the cake's texture and taste.

Storing Honeybun Cake for Dessert Time

• Store covered with plastic wrap or in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Keep the cake cool to maintain its moisture and freshness.
• Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
• Keep at room temperature in a sealed container for 1-2 days, ensuring it stays away from direct sunlight or heat sources.
• Warm individual slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds. Alternatively, reheat in a preheated oven at 300F for 5-7 minutes to restore the cake's soft texture.

FAQs

• Can I use fresh or frozen strawberries for this recipe?

You can use both fresh and frozen strawberries. If using frozen, thaw and drain them completely to prevent excess moisture in the cake.

• Is it possible to make this cake gluten-free?

Yes, simply substitute the regular cake mix with a gluten-free cake mix. Ensure all other ingredients are also gluten-free.

• How do I know if the cake is fully baked?

Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean with no wet batter, the cake is done. The top should also be golden brown and slightly springy to touch.

• Can I prepare the cake batter ahead of time?

It’s best to mix the batter right before baking. Preparing it too far in advance might affect the cake’s rising and texture.

Strawberry Honeybun Cake With Strawberry Cream Icing Recipe

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4.8 from 23 reviews

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

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Description

Strawberry honeybun cake dazzles with sweet Southern charm, blending classic comfort and fruity elegance. Creamy strawberry icing crowns this delightful dessert, inviting you to savor each irresistible bite.

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Ingredients

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Cake Base:

• 1 box yellow cake mix
• 4 large eggs
• 3/4 cup vegetable oil
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1/2 cup strawberry preserves

Strawberry Cream Icing:

• 4 ounces (113 grams) cream cheese, softened
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1/4 cup strawberry preserves
• 2 tablespoons milk
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Toppings and Garnish:

• 1 cup fresh strawberries, sliced
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar (for dusting)

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 350F (175C) and prepare a 9×13-inch baking pan by lightly greasing and dusting with flour.
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together cake mix, eggs, sour cream, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until thoroughly blended and smooth.
3. Create a fragrant cinnamon-sugar mixture by combining brown sugar and ground cinnamon in a separate small bowl.
4. Transfer half of the cake batter into the prepared pan, carefully spreading it into an even layer.
5. Generously sprinkle half of the cinnamon-sugar blend across the initial batter layer, then evenly distribute fresh diced strawberries over the surface.
6. Gently pour the remaining cake batter on top, smoothing it carefully to cover the strawberry layer.
7. Finish by sprinkling the remaining cinnamon-sugar mixture across the top of the cake.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, checking doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should emerge clean.
9. While the cake bakes, craft the strawberry cream icing by blending powdered sugar, milk, strawberry puree, and vanilla extract until silky and smooth.
10. After baking, allow the cake to rest in the pan for 10-15 minutes, then drizzle the vibrant strawberry cream icing generously across the surface.
11. Let the cake cool completely before slicing and serving this delectable strawberry honeybun treat.

Notes

• Use room temperature ingredients for a smoother, more even cake batter that blends seamlessly.
• Dice strawberries small to ensure even distribution and prevent sinking to the bottom of the cake.
• For a gluten-free version, swap regular cake mix with a gluten-free alternative to accommodate dietary restrictions.
• Adjust sweetness by reducing sugar in the brown sugar-cinnamon mixture if you prefer a less sweet dessert.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 415
• Sugar: 35.6 g
• Sodium: 270 mg
• Fat: 22.5 g
• Saturated Fat: 5.8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 16.2 g
• Trans Fat: 0.3 g
• Carbohydrates: 51.2 g
• Fiber: 0.8 g
• Protein: 3.5 g
• Cholesterol: 57 mg