If you’re looking for a delicious dessert that combines the richness of cake with the sweetness of strawberries, look no further than this Strawberry Honeybun Cake with Strawberry Cream Icing. This cake is an indulgent treat that boasts a tender, flavorful cake swirled with cinnamon and fresh strawberries, all topped off with a luscious strawberry cream icing. The combination of flavors is nothing short of delightful—perfectly balancing the sweetness of the strawberries and the warmth of the cinnamon. Ideal for special occasions, family gatherings, or just as an afternoon treat with a cup of coffee, this cake will quickly become a favorite. Whether you’re an experienced baker or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe is simple enough to whip up in no time and offers a show-stopping result. The addition of sour cream to the cake batter ensures a moist, tender crumb, while the cinnamon and strawberry swirl creates a lovely contrast in texture and flavor. With its irresistible icing, this cake is sure to please everyone who tries it.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Irresistible Strawberry Flavor

Fresh chopped strawberries are swirled throughout the cake, creating a burst of natural fruit flavor that perfectly complements the cinnamon-spiced batter.

2. Moist and Tender Cake

The combination of sour cream and vegetable oil keeps the cake moist and tender, ensuring every bite melts in your mouth.

3. Easy to Make

This cake is incredibly simple to prepare with just a few ingredients, making it perfect for bakers of all skill levels.

4. Perfect for Any Occasion

Whether it’s a special occasion, holiday gathering, or a simple afternoon treat, this cake will impress everyone with its beautiful appearance and delicious taste.

5. Decadent Strawberry Cream Icing

The homemade strawberry cream icing is rich and velvety, adding the perfect finishing touch to this already indulgent dessert.

Ingredients

For the Cake:

Yellow cake mix
Eggs
Vegetable oil
Sour cream
Brown sugar
Ground cinnamon
Chopped strawberries

For the Icing:

Powdered sugar
Heavy cream

Variations

Add Nuts: For a crunchy contrast, add chopped pecans or walnuts to the cake batter or sprinkle them on top.
Different Fruit: You can substitute the strawberries for other berries, such as raspberries or blueberries, for a different flavor profile.
Chocolate Lovers: For an extra indulgent treat, add chocolate chips to the batter or drizzle melted chocolate over the icing.
Dairy-Free Version: To make the cake dairy-free, substitute the sour cream with a non-dairy yogurt and use a dairy-free milk alternative for the icing.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Pan

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking pan with cooking spray or butter.

Step 2: Mix the Cake Batter

In a large bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, eggs, vegetable oil, and sour cream. Stir until all the ingredients are well combined and the batter is smooth.

Step 3: Make the Strawberry Mixture

In a separate bowl, mix together the brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and chopped strawberries.

Step 4: Layer the Cake and Strawberry Mixture

Pour half of the cake batter into the prepared pan. Sprinkle half of the strawberry mixture on top. Then, repeat with the remaining cake batter and strawberry mixture.

Step 5: Swirl the Mixture

Use a knife or toothpick to gently swirl the batter and strawberry mixture together to create a marbled effect.

Step 6: Bake the Cake

Bake the cake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 7: Make the Icing

While the cake is baking, prepare the icing by whisking together the powdered sugar and heavy cream in a bowl until smooth and creamy.

Step 8: Drizzle the Icing

Once the cake is done baking, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool slightly. Drizzle the strawberry cream icing over the warm cake.

Step 9: Serve and Enjoy!

Serve the cake once it has cooled slightly and the icing has set. Enjoy every delicious bite!

Tips for Making the Recipe

Don’t Overmix: When making the cake batter, be sure not to overmix the ingredients, as this can result in a dense texture.
Swirl Gently: When swirling the batter with the strawberry mixture, be gentle to ensure the marbling effect without overmixing the layers.
Cool Slightly Before Icing: Let the cake cool for about 10-15 minutes before drizzling the icing to ensure it doesn’t melt too quickly.

How to Serve

This cake is best served at room temperature or slightly warm. Cut into generous squares and serve with a cup of coffee, tea, or a glass of milk for the perfect treat. It’s also great for serving at gatherings and potlucks.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you prefer to keep it for longer, refrigerate the cake, and it will last for up to 5 days.

Freezing

To freeze the cake, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and store it in an airtight container. It will keep for up to 3 months in the freezer. Let it thaw at room temperature before serving.

Reheating

If you prefer to enjoy the cake warm, simply microwave a piece for 15-20 seconds or warm it in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 10 minutes.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different cake mix?

Yes, you can use a spice cake mix or even a homemade cake batter if you prefer.

2. Can I make this cake without sour cream?

You can substitute the sour cream with plain Greek yogurt or buttermilk for a similar texture and flavor.

3. How do I make the icing thicker?

To thicken the icing, add more powdered sugar a little at a time until you reach the desired consistency.

4. Can I use frozen strawberries?

Yes, frozen strawberries can be used, but make sure to thaw and drain them before mixing them with the brown sugar and cinnamon.

5. How can I make this cake gluten-free?

To make the cake gluten-free, substitute the yellow cake mix with a gluten-free cake mix and make sure the icing ingredients are also gluten-free.

6. Can I add more cinnamon for a stronger flavor?

Yes, you can adjust the amount of cinnamon to your preference, but be careful not to overpower the delicate flavor of the strawberries.

7. Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the cake a day in advance. Just store it covered at room temperature and drizzle the icing just before serving.

8. Can I use a different icing?

You can use cream cheese frosting or a simple glaze if you prefer a different type of icing.

9. Is this cake suitable for kids?

Yes, this cake is kid-friendly and perfect for birthday parties or other celebrations.

10. Can I add other fruits to the cake?

You can experiment with other fruits such as raspberries or blueberries to create your own variations of this cake.

Conclusion

This Strawberry Honeybun Cake with Strawberry Cream Icing is a simple yet stunning dessert that combines the warmth of cinnamon, the sweetness of strawberries, and the richness of cream. It’s a treat that everyone will love, from its moist and tender texture to its creamy, decadent icing. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just because, this cake is sure to impress and satisfy any sweet tooth. With its easy preparation and delightful flavor, it will quickly become a go-to recipe in your collection!