Strawberry Honeybun Cake with Strawberry Cream Icing 🍰🍓

If you’ve ever been captivated by the simple elegance of a homemade cake with a fruity twist, Strawberry Honeybun Cake with Strawberry Cream Icing will quickly become a favorite in your recipe arsenal. This delectable cake combines the rich, comforting flavors of vanilla and cinnamon with the juicy burst of fresh strawberries, topped off with a creamy, vibrant strawberry icing. Perfect for a cozy afternoon with friends, a birthday celebration, or even just as a sweet treat to share with your family on a weekend, this cake will surely win over the hearts of all who try it.

The inspiration for this cake came from the classic honeybun cake, but with a modern, fruity update that enhances its flavor and visual appeal. With fresh strawberries in both the cake and the icing, this dessert takes comfort food to a whole new level. Whether you’re an experienced baker or a beginner, this easy-to-make recipe will have you looking like a pro in no time!

Why You’ll Love Strawberry Honeybun Cake 🍓✨

This Strawberry Honeybun Cake has everything you could want in a dessert—fluffy cake, gooey cinnamon swirl, and the irresistible flavor of fresh strawberries. The beauty of this cake lies in its layers of flavor and texture. Imagine biting into a soft, buttery cake with a hint of cinnamon and the juicy surprise of strawberries tucked inside, then finishing off with a luscious strawberry cream icing. Not only does it taste incredible, but it also looks beautiful, making it perfect for both casual and festive occasions.

Whether you’re planning a summer BBQ, celebrating a birthday, or just looking to treat yourself to something sweet, this cake is the perfect dessert to impress your guests and elevate the occasion. Let’s dive into the simple yet delightful steps to making this showstopper of a cake!

Ingredients You’ll Need for Strawberry Honeybun Cake 🍰

For the Cake:

1 box (15.25 oz) vanilla cake mix – This forms the base of our cake. Using a cake mix makes the process easier while still giving you a homemade result.
3 large eggs – Eggs help bind everything together, creating a rich texture.
1 cup sour cream – Adds moisture and richness, making the cake soft and tender.
½ cup vegetable oil – Ensures the cake stays moist and fluffy.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract – For a lovely, aromatic flavor that complements the sweetness of the strawberries.
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon – A warm spice that adds depth and pairs perfectly with the vanilla and strawberries.
½ cup brown sugar – A touch of sweetness with a slight molasses flavor that complements the cinnamon.
1 cup diced strawberries – Fresh or frozen, these strawberries bring freshness, moisture, and vibrant color to the cake.

For the Red Strawberry Cream Icing:

2 cups powdered sugar – The base of the icing, providing sweetness and smoothness.
2 tablespoons milk – To adjust the consistency of the icing.
½ cup strawberry puree – Made by blending fresh strawberries, this brings a natural strawberry flavor and lovely color to the icing.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Adds a little extra richness and depth to the icing.

Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Make the Best Strawberry Honeybun Cake 🍓

1. Preheat the Oven:

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the oven is at the right temperature when you’re ready to bake. Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan to prevent the cake from sticking and make it easier to remove after baking.

2. Prepare the Cake Batter:

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cake mix, eggs, sour cream, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Using an electric mixer or whisk, mix until everything is well combined and smooth. The batter should be thick and creamy.

In a separate small bowl, mix the brown sugar and cinnamon together until evenly combined. This mixture will be sprinkled over the cake in layers, giving it a warm, cinnamon-sugar swirl throughout.

3. Assemble the Cake:

Now comes the fun part—assembling the cake! Pour half of the cake batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly across the bottom. Sprinkle half of the cinnamon-brown sugar mixture over the batter. Then, take the diced strawberries and scatter them evenly over the top of the cinnamon-sugar layer. The juicy strawberries will infuse the cake with flavor as it bakes.

Next, pour the remaining cake batter on top and smooth it out to cover the strawberries. Finish by sprinkling the remaining cinnamon-brown sugar mixture on top. This creates a gorgeous, cinnamon-sugar crust when baked.

4. Bake the Cake:

Place your cake into the preheated oven and bake for about 30-35 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean, the cake is ready. Let the cake cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes before applying the icing.

5. Prepare the Strawberry Cream Icing:

While the cake is baking, you can prepare the strawberry cream icing. In a medium bowl, combine the powdered sugar, milk, strawberry puree, and vanilla extract. Mix well until the icing is smooth and creamy. If you prefer a thinner icing, add a little more milk to reach your desired consistency. The icing should be thick enough to drizzle but not too runny.

6. Ice the Cake:

Once the cake has cooled slightly, drizzle the strawberry cream icing over the top of the cake. You can use a spoon or a spatula to spread it evenly across the surface. Let the cake cool completely before cutting into it to allow the icing to set.

7. Serve and Enjoy:

After the cake has fully cooled, slice it into squares and serve. The combination of the sweet, fluffy cake and the tangy strawberry icing makes for a dessert that’s truly irresistible. Whether you’re enjoying it with a cup of coffee, sharing it with friends, or indulging in a slice on your own, this Strawberry Honeybun Cake is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Pro Tips for Perfect Strawberry Honeybun Cake 🍓

Use Fresh or Frozen Strawberries: Both fresh and frozen strawberries work well for this cake. If you’re using frozen strawberries, make sure to thaw and drain them well before adding them to the batter to avoid excess moisture in the cake.
Adjust the Icing Consistency: If you prefer a thicker icing, use less milk. If you like a more drizzle-friendly consistency, add a little extra milk until you reach the perfect texture.
Make It Ahead of Time: This cake can be made a day in advance, and in fact, it might taste even better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld. Simply store it in an airtight container at room temperature.
Add Extra Flavor: If you’re looking to elevate the flavor even further, consider adding a splash of almond extract to the cake batter or icing for a unique twist.

Why This Cake Is a Must-Try 🍰🍓

There’s something incredibly comforting about a cake that’s both easy to make and packed with flavor. Strawberry Honeybun Cake combines everything we love in a dessert—rich, moist cake, a burst of cinnamon sugar, fresh strawberries, and a creamy strawberry icing that brings it all together. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply craving something sweet, this cake will not disappoint.

Not only is it perfect for summer when strawberries are in season, but it also works as a fun twist on the classic honeybun cake, making it a year-round favorite. This recipe is sure to become a go-to for gatherings, family dinners, or just a little indulgence on a lazy afternoon.

So, what are you waiting for? Preheat that oven, gather your ingredients, and get ready to enjoy a slice of this delightful Strawberry Honeybun Cake with strawberry cream icing. You won’t regret it!

Share the Joy – Pin This Recipe for Later 📌

If you’ve fallen in love with this recipe (and we’re sure you will), be sure to pin it for later or share it with your friends! Whether you’re planning a party, a cozy dinner, or simply want to treat your loved ones to something special, this Strawberry Honeybun Cake with Strawberry Cream Icing is the perfect choice. Happy baking, and enjoy every delicious bite!