Imagine slicing into a warm, moist strawberry honeybun cake that’s oozing with swirls of cinnamon and strawberry preserves, topped with a creamy pink glaze that melts into every layer. This dessert is sweet, tangy, and beautifully nostalgic—a guaranteed showstopper for any special occasion or lazy Sunday indulgence.

Why You’ll Love This Strawberry Honeybun Cake

There’s a reason this Strawberry Honeybun Cake has taken over Pinterest boards and potlucks alike. It combines the softness of a traditional honeybun cake with the fruity twist of strawberries and the richness of homemade cream icing.

Whether you’re celebrating Valentine’s Day, throwing a birthday party, or simply craving something cozy, this recipe delivers big flavor with minimal effort. The use of a boxed strawberry cake mix saves time without sacrificing taste, while the cinnamon-brown sugar filling creates those classic honeybun vibes.

Need more baking inspiration? Check out this Pinterest board for strawberry desserts or this roundup of Valentine’s Day cake ideas to match the theme of this crowd-pleaser. If you’re curious about what makes a cake truly moist, the moist cake baking tips can help you perfect the texture.

What is a Honeybun Cake?

A honeybun cake is a retro dessert inspired by the flavors of the beloved breakfast pastry: the honey bun. Traditionally made with yellow cake mix, brown sugar, and cinnamon, it mimics the swirl and flavor of a cinnamon roll—only in cake form.

The strawberry variation adds an exciting twist, replacing the typical glaze with a strawberry cream icing and introducing fruity preserves into the batter. This creative take retains the nostalgic swirl and moist crumb while delivering a berry-rich burst in every bite. Want to dig deeper into the history of cake and how it evolved? This Wikipedia article offers a fascinating look at how cakes have changed over the centuries.

Not sure what gives this cake its rich, tender crumb? It’s all thanks to sour cream—a key ingredient you can learn more about here.

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🥣 Ingredients and Preparation

Essential Ingredients Breakdown

Creating the perfect Strawberry Honeybun Cake with Cream Icing starts with gathering the right ingredients. Each component contributes to the cake’s moist texture, rich swirl, and fruity glaze.

🧁 For the Cake:

• 1 box of strawberry cake mix – A time-saver that provides the cake’s vibrant color and berry flavor.
• 3/4 cup vegetable oil – Keeps the cake moist without overpowering the flavor.
• 4 large eggs – Essential for structure and richness.
• 1 cup sour cream – Adds moisture and a slight tang; discover how it enhances baked goods in this Wikipedia article.
• 1/2 cup brown sugar – Deepens the sweetness and creates the iconic honeybun swirl. Learn more about its properties here.
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon – The warm spice that transforms the cake into a nostalgic treat (cinnamon details).
• 1/2 cup strawberry preserves or jam – Adds bursts of real fruit flavor in every bite.

🍓 For the Icing:

• 2 cups powdered sugar – Creates that smooth, classic glaze.
• 1/4 cup strawberry preserves or puree – Brings both color and flavor.
• 2 tablespoons milk – Adjust for consistency.
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract – Enhances sweetness.
• Pinch of salt – Balances the icing and prevents it from being overly sweet.

This combination of ingredients yields a cake that is ultra-moist, fruity, and indulgent, while the icing ties everything together with its creamy, pink sheen. Looking for more dessert ideas? Take a scroll through this dreamy Pinterest gallery of strawberry sweets.

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Equipment Needed

To make this cake with ease, you’ll need just a few standard kitchen tools:

• 1 large mixing bowl
• 1 medium bowl (for the cinnamon-sugar mix)
• 9×13 inch baking dish
• Spatula or spoon
• Whisk or electric mixer
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Toothpick (to test doneness)

Having these tools on hand makes preparation smoother and ensures even baking.

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Prep Tips Before You Start

Before you dive in, make sure your kitchen is ready to bake like a pro:

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Consistent temperature is key to even baking.
• Grease and flour your 9×13 baking dish, or use baking spray with flour included.
• Allow ingredients like eggs and sour cream to come to room temperature. This helps everything mix evenly and prevents curdling.
• Stir your strawberry preserves beforehand to break up any clumps and make spreading easier.

Want more smart tricks for better results? Visit this curated Pinterest collection of baking tips to level up your skills.

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🍰 Step-by-Step Instructions

Now that everything’s prepped, it’s time to bring this Strawberry Honeybun Cake to life. Follow these simple, foolproof steps to achieve bakery-level results right at home.

🔄 Mixing the Cake Batter

1. In a large bowl, combine the strawberry cake mix, vegetable oil, eggs, and sour cream.
   • Use a hand mixer or whisk to beat until the batter is smooth and lump-free.
   • The sour cream gives the batter a creamy consistency, ensuring every bite stays moist even after baking.
2. In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar and cinnamon.
   • This will form your honeybun swirl—a signature part of this cake’s flavor and texture.
3. Pour half of the cake batter into your prepared 9×13 inch pan.
   • Use a spatula to smooth the layer evenly.
4. Add the swirl and jam layer:
   • Spoon strawberry preserves over the batter in several even dollops.
   • Sprinkle the brown sugar and cinnamon mixture on top of the jam layer.
5. Top with the remaining batter and gently spread it out.
   • Avoid pressing too hard to keep the layers distinct.

🔥 Baking the Cake

6. Place the pan in your preheated oven and bake for 35–40 minutes.
   • Use a toothpick inserted in the center to check for doneness.
   • It should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs (not wet batter).
7. While the cake bakes, prepare the icing:
   • In a bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, strawberry preserves or puree, milk, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt.
   • Adjust consistency by adding more milk if too thick.

🍓 Icing and Final Touch

8. Once the cake is baked, let it cool for 10–15 minutes—it should still be warm.
9. Spread the icing generously over the warm cake.
   • This lets it slightly soak in, creating that glazed honeybun effect with a strawberry twist.
   • The icing sets beautifully as it cools, forming a soft crust on top.

Craving a visual walkthrough or cake styling ideas? Explore this Pinterest board for Valentine’s Day cake ideas for decorating inspiration.

And to understand how icing plays a role in cake texture and appearance, check out this breakdown on icing in confectionery.

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Tips, Variations & Storage

Pro Tips for Best Results

• Use high-quality strawberry preserves for the richest flavor. Look for ones with real fruit and minimal added sugar.
• Spread the batter evenly in both layers to keep the jam and cinnamon swirl centered.
• Let the cake cool slightly before icing—warm enough to soak it in, but not hot enough to melt it completely.
• Want a more intense strawberry flavor? Add a few drops of strawberry extract to your icing.

To understand how texture and flavor balance impact your results, check out moist cake baking tips on Pinterest.

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Delicious Variations to Try

Take this base recipe and have fun with it! Here are some creative spins:

• Add cream cheese to the icing for a tangier finish—just 2 oz whipped in will do the trick.
• Fold chopped fresh strawberries into the batter for added bursts of fruit.
• Swap the icing for a vanilla or lemon glaze for a bright citrus twist.
• Turn the recipe into cupcakes by baking in liners for 20–25 minutes and topping each with a swirl of pink icing.

Want more strawberry creations? Here’s a gorgeous Pinterest gallery of strawberry desserts to explore.

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Storage Instructions

• Room temperature: Store covered for up to 2 days.
• Refrigerator: Keeps fresh for up to 5 days. Allow to come to room temp before serving for best texture.
• Freezing: Wrap slices tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.

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Make-Ahead Tips

• Bake the cake a day ahead to allow flavors to deepen.
• Prepare the icing in advance and refrigerate. Let it come to room temp and stir before spreading.

For more background on the ingredients used, check out this overview of strawberries and brown sugar on Wikipedia.

Serving Ideas & Pairings

How to Serve Strawberry Honeybun Cake

• Serve warm for that gooey, comforting texture, or at room temperature for easier slicing.
• Top with whipped cream, fresh sliced strawberries, or a light dusting of powdered sugar.

Beverage Pairings

• Pair with coffee for brunch, or iced tea for an afternoon treat.
• Hosting a dinner party? Serve with rosé wine or a light sparkling Moscato.

When to Serve It

• Valentine’s Day
• Spring brunches
• Birthday parties
• Mother’s Day
• Casual gatherings or picnics

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🧪 Nutrition & Substitutions

Estimated Nutrition Info (Per Slice, Serves 12)

• Calories: 310
• Fat: 14g
• Sugar: 28g
• Carbs: 40g
• Protein: 3g

These numbers are estimates and will vary depending on your ingredients.

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Healthier Ingredient Swaps

Want to lighten it up?

• Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream to cut fat and add protein.
• Try a sugar-free strawberry preserve or a low-carb jam alternative.
• Substitute coconut oil for vegetable oil for a different fat profile.

More about how ingredients work together can be found in this deep dive into cake and icing components.

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❓ FAQs – People Also Ask

Can I use fresh strawberries instead of preserves?

Yes! Chop them finely and toss with a little sugar before layering into the batter. Just be aware they’ll release more moisture than jam.

Can this cake be made from scratch instead of cake mix?

Absolutely. Use your favorite homemade strawberry cake base, and follow the same layering and baking method.

How do I prevent the cake from being too dense?

Make sure not to overmix the batter and use room-temperature ingredients. Sour cream helps lighten the texture.

Is the icing supposed to soak in?

Yes, that’s part of the magic. Pouring icing on a slightly warm cake helps it absorb just enough for added flavor without becoming soggy.

Can I make it gluten-free or dairy-free?

Yes! Use a gluten-free cake mix and sub dairy-free sour cream and milk. The texture will still be soft and rich.

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