Strawberry Honeybun Cake with Strawberry Cream Icing 

Instructions

1. Prepare the Cake Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent the cake from sticking. You can also use non-stick cooking spray with flour.

2. Make the Cake Batter

In a large mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, vegetable oil, eggs, sour cream, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth and fully combined. The batter should be thick and creamy, which will create a rich, tender cake.

3. Prepare the Cinnamon Swirl

In a small bowl, mix together the granulated sugar and cinnamon. This will create your cinnamon-sugar swirl that gives the cake its signature honeybun flavor.

4. Layer the Cake

Pour half of the cake batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly. Then, drizzle the melted butter over the batter, followed by a generous sprinkling of the cinnamon-sugar mixture. Add the rest of the cake batter on top, spreading it out evenly. Using a knife or a skewer, gently swirl the cinnamon-sugar mixture into the batter to create a marbled effect. Be careful not to overmix, as you want to preserve the swirl pattern.

5. Bake the Cake

Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. Every oven is different, so check the cake at the 40-minute mark and adjust the time as needed.

Once the cake is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool completely in the pan.

6. Prepare the Strawberry Cream Icing

While the cake is cooling, make the strawberry cream icing. In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar together until smooth. Add the fresh strawberry puree (or strawberry jam) and vanilla extract, and beat again until fully incorporated.

Next, gradually add the heavy cream, a little at a time, while continuing to beat the mixture. Continue mixing until the icing is smooth, creamy, and thick enough to spread on top of the cake. If the icing seems too thin, add a little more powdered sugar; if it’s too thick, add a tiny splash of milk or more cream to reach the desired consistency.

7. Frost the Cake

Once the cake has completely cooled, spread the strawberry cream icing evenly over the top. You can use a spatula to smooth it out or create a swirl pattern for a bit of extra flair. Garnish with additional fresh strawberries or a sprinkle of cinnamon, if desired.

8. Serve and Enjoy

Slice the cake into squares and serve. The soft, moist texture of the cake paired with the rich, fruity icing makes this dessert irresistible!

Tips for Success

• Use Fresh Strawberries for the Icing: Fresh strawberries make the icing taste light and refreshing. If you use strawberry preserves or jam, make sure it’s a high-quality brand for the best flavor.
• Don’t Overmix the Cake Batter: Overmixing can make the cake dense. Stir until just combined to ensure a light, airy texture.
• Chill the Icing: If you find the strawberry icing is a little too runny to spread easily, you can chill it in the fridge for about 15-20 minutes to firm it up slightly before frosting the cake.
• Add Toppings for Extra Flair: Fresh strawberries, a dusting of powdered sugar, or even a drizzle of caramel or chocolate sauce can elevate this cake further.

Why You’ll Fall in Love with Strawberry Honeybun Cake

• Cinnamon and Strawberry Perfection: The sweet cinnamon swirl inside the cake combined with the creamy strawberry topping creates a perfect blend of flavors that’s impossible to resist.
• Light and Moist: Thanks to the sour cream in the cake, this dessert is incredibly moist and tender, while the icing adds a silky finish.
• Gorgeous to Serve: Not only does this cake taste incredible, but the vibrant pink strawberry icing makes it a beautiful centerpiece for any table.
• Perfect for Any Event: Whether you’re serving it for a birthday, holiday, or just a family get-together, Strawberry Honeybun Cake is sure to be a hit. Its sweet, fruity flavors are a crowd-pleaser for all ages.

Conclusion

Strawberry Honeybun Cake with Strawberry Cream Icing is a luscious, flavorful dessert that combines the best of cinnamon-spiced cake and fresh strawberry cream. It’s easy to make, irresistibly sweet, and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re making it for a special celebration or a sweet treat to enjoy with a cup of coffee, this cake will quickly become one of your favorite go-to desserts.

So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to indulge in the ultimate combination of cake, cinnamon, and strawberries. You’ll be glad you did!