Strawberry Honeybun Cake with Strawberry Cream Icing – A Sweet and Irresistible Dessert

If you love moist, flavorful cakes with a touch of nostalgia, this Strawberry Honeybun Cake is the perfect treat. This delicious dessert combines the classic taste of a honeybun with the fruity, sweet essence of strawberries. Whether you’re looking for a show-stopping cake for a special occasion, a quick dessert for family gatherings, or a fun baking project, this recipe is sure to be a hit.

Strawberry desserts are always a favorite, especially when paired with a rich, creamy icing. This cake is made with a strawberry cake mix, which makes the baking process simple while still delivering incredible flavor. The addition of sour cream and whole milk ensures a moist, tender crumb, while vanilla extract enhances the overall taste. The strawberry cream icing adds a luscious, creamy finish that perfectly complements the cake.

If you love easy homemade cakes, bakery-style desserts, or fruit-flavored treats, this recipe is a must-try.

Why You’ll Love This Strawberry Honeybun Cake

This strawberry honeybun cake is packed with flavor and has a soft, moist texture that melts in your mouth. Unlike regular strawberry cakes, this version has a rich, honey-infused flavor that pairs beautifully with the creamy frosting.

Here’s why this recipe is a keeper:

Easy to make – Uses a strawberry cake mix as a base, making it simple for beginners.
Moist and tender – The addition of sour cream and milk keeps the cake soft and rich.
Bursting with strawberry flavor – Both the cake and icing are loaded with real strawberry goodness.
Perfect for any occasion – Great for birthdays, brunches, holidays, or just a fun baking day.
Customizable – You can add fresh strawberries, nuts, or extra layers to make it your own.

Ingredients for Strawberry Honeybun Cake

For the Cake:

1 box strawberry cake mix
1/2 cup vegetable oil
3 large eggs
1 cup sour cream
1/2 cup whole milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Honey Swirl:

1/2 cup brown sugar
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
2 tablespoons honey

For the Strawberry Cream Icing:

1/2 cup butter, softened
4 cups powdered sugar
1/4 cup strawberry puree (or strawberry jam)
2 tablespoons heavy cream
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Choosing the Best Ingredients

For the best results, use high-quality ingredients to enhance the cake’s flavor and texture.

Strawberry Cake Mix – A store-bought mix provides a strong strawberry base, but you can use a homemade strawberry cake recipe if preferred.
Sour Cream – Adds richness and moisture, making the cake extra soft.
Brown Sugar & Honey – The combination of these ingredients creates a warm, caramelized swirl inside the cake.
Strawberry Puree – For the icing, fresh or frozen strawberries blended into a smooth puree give the best natural flavor.

How to Make Strawberry Honeybun Cake

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Mix the Cake Batter

In a large mixing bowl, combine the strawberry cake mix, vegetable oil, eggs, sour cream, milk, and vanilla extract. Beat with an electric mixer on medium speed until smooth and well combined.

Step 3: Create the Honey Swirl

In a small bowl, mix brown sugar, cinnamon, and honey until combined.

Step 4: Assemble the Cake

Pour half of the cake batter into the prepared baking dish. Drizzle the honey swirl mixture over the batter, then use a knife to gently swirl it throughout. Pour the remaining cake batter on top and smooth it out with a spatula.

Step 5: Bake the Cake

Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Remove from the oven and let it cool completely before frosting.

Step 6: Make the Strawberry Cream Icing

In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until light and fluffy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing well after each addition. Pour in the strawberry puree, heavy cream, and vanilla extract, then beat until smooth and creamy. If the icing is too thick, add a little more cream; if too thin, add more powdered sugar.

Step 7: Frost the Cake

Once the cake has cooled, spread the strawberry cream icing evenly over the top.

Step 8: Slice and Enjoy

Cut into squares and serve! This cake pairs perfectly with a cold glass of milk, hot coffee, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Tips for Making the Best Strawberry Honeybun Cake

Use room-temperature ingredients – This helps the batter mix evenly and ensures a smoother cake texture.
Swirl gently – When adding the honey swirl, don’t overmix, or you’ll lose the beautiful marbling effect.
Let the cake cool completely – If the cake is warm, the icing will melt and slide off.
Adjust the sweetness – If you prefer a less sweet cake, reduce the brown sugar or use a lighter frosting.
Add fresh strawberries – For extra flavor, top the cake with sliced fresh strawberries or strawberry compote.

Variations and Add-Ons

Want to put your own twist on this strawberry honeybun cake? Here are some fun ideas:

Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting – Replace the butter in the icing with cream cheese for a tangy, rich flavor.
Nutty Crunch – Sprinkle chopped pecans or almonds over the frosting for added texture.
Chocolate Drizzle – Drizzle melted white or dark chocolate over the top for a fancy finish.
Lemon Twist – Add 1 teaspoon of lemon zest to the batter for a fresh citrus kick.

What to Serve with Strawberry Honeybun Cake

This sweet and creamy cake is delicious on its own, but here are some great pairings:

Coffee or Tea – The slightly tart strawberry flavor complements a hot cup of coffee or tea.
Whipped Cream – A dollop of whipped cream makes each bite even more indulgent.
Fruit Salad – A fresh fruit salad with blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries balances the cake’s sweetness.
Vanilla Ice Cream – A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream adds an extra special touch.

How to Store and Freeze the Cake

If you have leftovers (which is rare because this cake is so good!), here’s how to store it:

Refrigerate – Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Freeze – Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.

Final Thoughts

This Strawberry Honeybun Cake with Strawberry Cream Icing is the ultimate dessert for anyone who loves soft, moist cakes with rich, fruity flavors. It’s easy to make, absolutely delicious, and perfect for any occasion. The combination of sweet honey swirls, rich strawberry cake, and creamy frosting makes every bite unforgettable.

Whether you’re making this for a birthday, holiday, or just because you’re craving something sweet, it’s guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. So grab your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to bake a cake that will have everyone coming back for seconds!