Introduction
The Strawberry Honeybun Cake with a luscious Strawberry Cream Icing is a show-stopping dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. This recipe combines the rich flavors of a honeybun-inspired cake with fresh, sweet strawberries and a drizzle of creamy strawberry icing. Whether it’s for a birthday party, afternoon tea, or a family gathering, this cake is bound to impress.
This dessert is easy to make yet looks and tastes like it took hours to prepare. With just a few simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, you’ll have a moist, flavorful cake that will leave everyone asking for the recipe.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
1 box (15.25 oz) vanilla cake mix
3 large eggs (room temperature for better mixing)
1 cup sour cream (adds moisture and richness)
½ cup vegetable oil (or melted butter for extra flavor)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract (enhances the cake’s flavor)
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (adds a warm, aromatic note)
½ cup brown sugar (for a sweet and slightly caramelized flavor)
1 cup diced strawberries (fresh or frozen, thawed and drained to remove excess moisture)
For the Strawberry Cream Icing:
2 cups powdered sugar (sifted for smooth icing)
2 tablespoons milk (adjust as needed for desired consistency)
½ cup strawberry puree (made by blending fresh strawberries until smooth)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan, or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
Step 2: Prepare the Cake Batter
In a large mixing bowl, combine the vanilla cake mix, eggs, sour cream, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract.
Beat with a hand mixer or stand mixer on medium speed until smooth and well combined, about 2 minutes. The batter should be thick and creamy.
In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar and ground cinnamon. This mixture will create the sweet and slightly spiced layers in the cake. Set aside.
Step 3: Assemble the Cake
Pour half of the prepared cake batter into the greased baking pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
Sprinkle half of the brown sugar-cinnamon mixture evenly over the batter.
Distribute the diced strawberries evenly over the cinnamon mixture.
Pour the remaining cake batter on top, spreading it carefully to cover the strawberries. Sprinkle the remaining brown sugar-cinnamon mixture on top.
Step 4: Bake the Cake
Place the baking pan on the center rack of your preheated oven.
Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The cake should be golden brown and slightly springy to the touch.
Step 5: Prepare the Strawberry Cream Icing
While the cake is baking, make the icing. In a medium bowl, combine the powdered sugar, milk, strawberry puree, and vanilla extract. Whisk until smooth.
If the icing is too thick, add more milk, one teaspoon at a time, until it reaches a pourable consistency.
Step 6: Ice the Cake
Once the cake is baked, let it cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes. This allows the structure to set while still being warm enough for the icing to absorb slightly.
Drizzle the strawberry cream icing evenly over the cake. For a thicker layer, you can spread it with a spatula.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Allow the cake to cool completely before slicing. This ensures clean cuts and helps the flavors meld together.
Serve your Strawberry Honeybun Cake with fresh strawberries on the side or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra indulgent touch.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
1. Easy to Make: This recipe uses a cake mix as a base, saving time without compromising on flavor.
2. Packed with Flavor: The combination of strawberries, cinnamon, and creamy icing creates a perfect balance of sweetness and tanginess.
3. Versatile: Ideal for birthdays, holidays, or a simple family dessert.
4. Beautiful Presentation: The strawberry icing and fresh strawberries make this cake a stunning centerpiece.
Tips for Success
Use Fresh Strawberries: If using frozen strawberries, ensure they are thawed and drained well to avoid adding excess moisture to the cake.
Room Temperature Ingredients: Let your eggs and sour cream come to room temperature before mixing to ensure a smoother batter.
Don’t Overmix: Once you add the wet and dry ingredients, mix until just combined to avoid a dense cake.
Cool Before Icing: Let the cake cool slightly before adding the icing to prevent it from melting too much.
Serving Suggestions
This Strawberry Honeybun Cake pairs wonderfully with:
Fresh Berries: Serve with extra strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries.
Whipped Cream: Add a dollop of whipped cream for a light, airy contrast to the rich cake.
Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream complements the warm cinnamon and strawberry flavors.
Hot Coffee or Tea: Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or an afternoon treat.
Variations
Lemon Strawberry Cake: Add a teaspoon of lemon zest to the batter for a zesty twist.
Chocolate Strawberry Cake: Sprinkle mini chocolate chips in the batter or drizzle melted chocolate over the icing.
Layered Cake: Divide the batter into two round pans and stack the layers with icing and fresh strawberries in between.
FAQs
Can I use a different cake mix flavor?
Absolutely! A white cake mix or even a strawberry-flavored mix works beautifully for this recipe.
How long can I store the cake?
Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Bake the cake and prepare the icing a day ahead. Store the cake and icing separately, then drizzle the icing on the cake just before serving.
Can I freeze the cake?
Yes, you can freeze the cake (without icing) for up to 3 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Thaw at room temperature before icing and serving.
Nutritional Information
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 12
Calories: Approximately 320 kcal per slice
Conclusion
The Strawberry Honeybun Cake with Strawberry Cream Icing is a dessert that will win over everyone’s heart. It’s moist, flavorful, and topped with a vibrant icing that makes it a feast for the eyes and the taste buds. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply treating yourself, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Try this recipe today, and enjoy the delicious combination of fresh strawberries, cinnamon, and creamy icing. Don’t forget to save this recipe—it’s one you’ll come back to time and time again!
