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Strawberry Honeybun Cake with Creamy Strawberry Icing Recipe

Strawberry Honeybun Cake with Creamy Strawberry Icing Recipe

4.9 from 8 reviews

Delight in the moist and flavorful Strawberry Honeybun Cake bursting with fresh strawberries and a warm cinnamon-sugar swirl, topped with a luscious creamy strawberry icing. Perfect for any occasion, this cake combines classic vanilla cake mix enhanced with fresh fruit and a sweet, tangy frosting for an irresistible treat.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Cake:

  • 1 box (15.25 oz) vanilla cake mix
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • ½ cup vegetable oil
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ½ cup brown sugar
  • 1 cup diced strawberries (fresh or frozen, thawed and drained)

For the Strawberry Cream Icing:

  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • 2 tablespoons milk
  • ½ cup strawberry puree (blend fresh strawberries until smooth)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare the Pan: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan thoroughly or line it with parchment paper for an easier cleanup and healthier option.
  2. Make the Cake Batter: In a large bowl, combine vanilla cake mix, eggs, sour cream, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth and lump-free, being careful not to overmix to keep the cake light.
  3. Layer and Assemble: Pour half the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly. Sprinkle half the cinnamon-sugar mixture (½ cup brown sugar mixed with 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon) over the batter. Distribute diced strawberries evenly on top. Pour remaining batter over the strawberries and finish with the rest of the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
  4. Bake the Cake: Bake for 30-35 minutes, inserting a toothpick in the center to check for doneness (should come out clean). Adjust the time for convection ovens if needed.
  5. Prepare the Icing: Mix powdered sugar, milk, strawberry puree, and vanilla extract in a bowl until smooth. Add more milk if a thinner consistency is desired.
  6. Final Assembly: Once the cake has cooled for 10-15 minutes, drizzle or spread the strawberry cream icing on top. Garnish with fresh strawberries or mint leaves for decoration.

Notes

  • Use fresh strawberries for best flavor and texture; if using frozen, thaw and drain thoroughly to avoid extra moisture.
  • For a gluten-free cake, substitute the vanilla cake mix with a gluten-free alternative.
  • Vegans can replace eggs with flaxseed meal or applesauce and use plant-based yogurt instead of sour cream.
  • Consider lining the pan with parchment paper for easier cake release and reduced oil usage.
  • For a tangier icing, add cream cheese to the frosting mixture.
  • Try adding nuts like pecans or walnuts into the cinnamon-sugar layer for added crunch.
  • To reduce calories, swap sour cream with Greek yogurt and use sugar-free powdered sugar alternatives for the icing.

Nutrition

Keywords: Strawberry cake, honeybun cake, cinnamon swirl, strawberry icing, creamy icing, dessert, sweet cake, easy cake recipe