Strawberry Honeybun Cake with Strawberry Cream Icing

If you’re looking for a cake that’s bursting with flavor, is irresistibly moist, and topped with the kind of icing that makes your taste buds sing, then this Strawberry Honeybun Cake with Strawberry Cream Icing is about to steal the show. Imagine a cake that combines the best of both worlds: the rich, buttery goodness of a classic honeybun cake and the fresh, sweet flavor of strawberries. The cake itself is tender, with a slight cinnamon swirl throughout, and the icing? Oh, it’s a dreamy, strawberry-flavored cream topping that takes this cake from delicious to divine.

Whether you’re preparing it for a special occasion or simply because you’ve got a craving for something indulgent, this cake delivers the perfect balance of sweetness, tang, and decadence. It’s the kind of dessert that makes people ask for the recipe before they even finish their first bite. Trust me, you’re going to love this one!

Why You’ll Love Strawberry Honeybun Cake with Strawberry Cream Icing

Here’s why this cake will quickly become a favorite:

Moist and Flavorful

This cake is incredibly moist, thanks to the combination of sour cream and the buttery batter. The swirl of cinnamon and brown sugar running through the middle adds a delightful flavor that pairs perfectly with the fresh strawberry cream icing.

Strawberry Heaven

The strawberry cream icing is out-of-this-world delicious. It’s smooth, creamy, and packed with the natural sweetness of strawberries. A perfect complement to the honeybun cake’s spiced richness.

Easy to Make

You don’t need to be an expert baker to pull this one off. It’s a simple, straightforward recipe that delivers big results. Even if you’re a beginner, this cake is a great way to impress your family and friends.

Perfect for Any Occasion

From casual gatherings to celebrations, this cake is always a crowd-pleaser. It’s beautiful enough to serve at a party but cozy enough to enjoy with a cup of coffee on a lazy afternoon.

Budget-Friendly

With ingredients that you likely already have on hand, this cake is as affordable as it is delicious. No fancy ingredients required—just simple, wholesome goodness.

Ingredients in Strawberry Honeybun Cake with Strawberry Cream Icing

This cake is made with simple, yet flavorful ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Cake:

• Cake Mix: A yellow cake mix is the base for this cake, but it’s taken up a notch with added ingredients that make it rich and delicious.
• Sour Cream: Adds moisture and a bit of tang to the cake, making it extra tender.
• Butter: A must for flavor and richness, ensuring that every bite is buttery and melt-in-your-mouth.
• Eggs: To help bind everything together and give the cake structure.
• Cinnamon & Brown Sugar: These create the signature swirl that runs through the cake, giving it a sweet, spiced flavor.
• Vanilla Extract: A little vanilla goes a long way to enhance the overall flavor of the cake.

For the Strawberry Cream Icing:

• Fresh Strawberries: Use fresh, ripe strawberries for the most vibrant and natural flavor.
• Powdered Sugar: To sweeten the icing without making it too heavy.
• Cream Cheese: This gives the icing a creamy, smooth texture and a bit of tanginess that balances the sweetness.
• Butter: For that rich, creamy texture in the icing.
• Heavy Cream: To thin the icing and make it silky smooth.

(Note: Full ingredient measurements are provided in the recipe card below.)

Instructions

Making this Strawberry Honeybun Cake with Strawberry Cream Icing is simple, and the result is absolutely worth it. Let’s break it down:

Prepare the Cake:

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent the cake from sticking.
2. Mix the Cake Batter: In a large mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, sour cream, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix everything together until smooth and well combined. The batter should be thick and creamy.
3. Make the Cinnamon Swirl: In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar and cinnamon.
4. Assemble the Cake: Pour half of the cake batter into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle half of the cinnamon-sugar mixture over the batter. Add the remaining batter on top, then swirl the cinnamon-sugar mixture through the cake using a knife or skewer. Don’t over-mix—it’s the swirl that makes the cake special!
5. Bake the Cake: Place the cake in the oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Make the Strawberry Cream Icing:

1. Puree the Strawberries: In a blender or food processor, puree the fresh strawberries until smooth. You should have about 1/2 cup of strawberry puree.
2. Make the Icing: In a mixing bowl, beat together the cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy. Add the powdered sugar and strawberry puree, and beat until well combined. If the icing is too thick, add a little heavy cream, one tablespoon at a time, until it reaches a spreadable consistency.
3. Chill the Icing: Place the icing in the fridge for about 15 minutes to firm up slightly, which will make it easier to spread on the cake.

Frost the Cake:

1. Frost the Cake: Once the cake has cooled completely, spread the strawberry cream icing evenly over the top. Use a spatula to smooth it out and make sure the whole cake is covered in that delicious pink icing.
2. Chill the Cake: For best results, refrigerate the cake for at least 30 minutes before serving to let the icing set.

Serve and Enjoy:

3. Serve: Slice the cake into squares, serve with a fresh strawberry on top if desired, and enjoy this indulgent treat!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 12
Calories per serving: 420
Total Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 14g
Cholesterol: 60mg
Sodium: 250mg
Total Carbohydrates: 49g
Dietary Fiber: 1g
Sugars: 41g
Protein: 4g
Vitamin A: 10% DV
Vitamin C: 15% DV
Calcium: 6% DV
Iron: 4% DV

(Note: These values are estimates and may vary depending on specific ingredients used.)

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Bake Time: 35-40 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

How to Serve Strawberry Honeybun Cake with Strawberry Cream Icing

This cake is decadent enough to stand on its own, but here are a few ways to elevate your serving experience:

• With a Fresh Strawberry Garnish: A few fresh strawberries on top of the cake make for a lovely presentation and a burst of extra strawberry flavor.
• Serve with Whipped Cream: A dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream pairs wonderfully with the sweet strawberry cake.
• Pair with Ice Cream: For an extra indulgent treat, serve this cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or strawberry sorbet.

Additional Tips

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: For the smoothest batter and frosting, make sure your butter, eggs, and cream cheese are at room temperature.
• Customize the Icing: Add a splash of vanilla extract or a touch of lemon zest to the icing for a fun twist.
• Make It Ahead: This cake actually tastes even better the next day, so feel free to make it ahead of time. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free yellow cake mix for a gluten-free version of this delicious cake.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use frozen strawberries for the icing?
A1: Yes, frozen strawberries will work, but be sure to thaw and drain them well before pureeing to avoid excess moisture in the icing.

Q2: Can I use a different type of frosting?
A2: Absolutely! If you prefer a different type of frosting, cream cheese frosting or even a simple whipped cream frosting would complement this cake beautifully.

Q3: Can I make this cake in advance?
A3: Yes, you can make both the cake and the icing ahead of time. Just store them separately in the fridge and frost the cake before serving.

Q4: How should I store leftovers?
A4: Store leftover cake in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The cake stays moist and the icing remains creamy.

Q5: Can I freeze this cake?
A5: Yes, you can freeze the cake (without icing) for up to 3 months. Let it cool completely, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and freeze. Thaw before serving, then frost with fresh icing.

Q6: Can I use a different cake mix flavor?
A6: Yes, a white or vanilla cake mix would work just as well as yellow. You can even try a strawberry cake mix for an extra burst of flavor!

**Q7: Can I add

other fruits to the icing?**
A7: Sure! You could mix in some mashed raspberries or blueberries to the icing for a mixed berry flavor. Just be sure to adjust the sugar to balance the tartness.

Q8: Is this cake suitable for vegetarians?
A8: Yes, this cake is vegetarian-friendly, but make sure the cake mix you use doesn’t contain any animal-derived ingredients like gelatin.

Q9: Can I reduce the sugar in the cake or icing?
A9: Yes, you can reduce the sugar to your preference, but keep in mind that the flavor and texture might change slightly.

Q10: How do I make the icing thicker?
A10: If you prefer a thicker icing, add a little more powdered sugar until you reach the desired consistency.

Conclusion

This Strawberry Honeybun Cake with Strawberry Cream Icing is one of those desserts that truly hits the spot. It’s moist, flavorful, and beautifully sweet without being overly rich. Whether you’re serving it at a family gathering or indulging in a slice after dinner, it’s sure to be a hit every time. So go ahead, bake it up, and let the irresistible aroma of strawberries and cinnamon fill your kitchen. Happy baking!

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