Easy Strawberry Honeybun Cake Recipe
Nothing says comfort dessert quite like a warm and sweet honeybun cake, and when you add strawberries into the mix, it becomes absolutely irresistible. This easy strawberry honeybun cake recipe combines the soft, moist texture of a classic honeybun cake with the fresh, fruity sweetness of strawberries. The result is a dessert that feels indulgent yet light, perfect for any occasion. Whether you are baking it for a family gathering, a potluck, or just to treat yourself, this cake will surely impress.
What makes this cake truly special is its simplicity. You don’t need fancy baking skills or complicated steps just a few pantry staples, fresh strawberries, and a love for homemade treats. The natural sweetness of strawberries pairs beautifully with the soft, cinnamon swirled layers of honeybun cake, creating a dessert that tastes like it came straight from a bakery. Serve it warm with a drizzle of glaze or enjoy it chilled with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the ultimate sweet experience.
Why You Need This Recipe
This strawberry honeybun cake is the kind of recipe you’ll want to keep in your collection because it’s easy, versatile, and always a crowd pleaser. Unlike complicated desserts, this cake comes together quickly with ingredients you probably already have on hand. The addition of strawberries takes the classic honeybun cake to a whole new level, adding a fruity twist that feels both refreshing and comforting.
Another reason to love this recipe is how well it fits any occasion. From birthdays and brunches to casual weeknight desserts, this cake never disappoints. It’s moist, flavorful, and has just the right balance of sweetness to pair perfectly with coffee, tea, or even a scoop of ice cream. Plus, it can be made ahead of time and still taste just as delicious, making it ideal for busy schedules.
Ingredients
This simple list ensures you have everything on hand, and I’ve included approximate calorie counts so you can enjoy your strawberry honeybun cake with confidence.
| Ingredient | Quantity | Calories (Approx) |
|---|---|---|
| Yellow cake mix | 1 box (15.25 oz) | 1,600 |
| Eggs | 4 large | 280 |
| Sour cream | 1 cup | 445 |
| Vegetable oil | ¾ cup | 1,440 |
| Ground cinnamon | 2 teaspoons | 12 |
| Brown sugar | ½ cup | 415 |
| Fresh strawberries (diced) | 1 cup | 50 |
| Powdered sugar (for glaze) | 1 cup | 480 |
| Milk | 2–3 tablespoons | 45 |
| Vanilla extract | 1 teaspoon | 12 |
Approximate Calories per Serving (12 slices): ~390
How to Prepare
To make this delicious strawberry honeybun cake, start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a 9 x13 inch baking dish. In a large mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, eggs, sour cream, and vegetable oil until you have a smooth and creamy batter. Pour half of the batter into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly.
In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar and cinnamon, then sprinkle this mixture evenly over the first layer of batter. Scatter the diced fresh strawberries on top for that sweet fruity flavour. Next, pour the remaining cake batter over the strawberries and gently spread it out so everything is covered. Bake for about 35 to 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
While the cake is baking, prepare the glaze by whisking together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Once the cake is finished and slightly cooled, drizzle the glaze over the top. You can serve it warm for a gooey, comforting dessert or let it cool completely for easier slicing and serving.
Pro Tips
For the best results with your strawberry honeybun cake, make sure your ingredients are at room temperature before mixing. This helps the batter blend smoothly and creates a more even texture once baked. Using fresh strawberries is always a great choice, but if they aren’t in season, you can substitute with frozen ones just thaw and pat them dry to prevent excess moisture in the cake.
When adding the cinnamon-sugar layer, don’t skip spreading it evenly across the first half of the batter. This ensures every slice has that signature honeybun swirl of sweetness. For an extra rich glaze, replace the milk with heavy cream, or add a small squeeze of lemon juice to balance the sweetness with a slight tang. Finally, let the cake cool just enough before glazing if it’s too hot, the glaze will melt and disappear; if it’s too cold, it won’t sink in as beautifully.
Perfect Pairings and Toppings
This strawberry honeybun cake is delicious on its own, but pairing it with the right sides or toppings can make it even more irresistible. A simple scoop of vanilla ice cream adds a creamy balance to the warm, cinnamon swirled cake, while a dollop of whipped cream brings a light and fluffy contrast. Fresh strawberry slices on top can enhance the fruity flavour and make the cake look even more inviting.
For beverages, pair this cake with a hot cup of coffee or tea for a cozy treat, or serve it with a chilled glass of milk for a classic combination. If you want to elevate it for special occasions, drizzle a bit of white chocolate or strawberry sauce over the glaze, or sprinkle chopped nuts like pecans or almonds for added crunch. These small touches turn a simple cake into a dessert that feels bakery worthy.
Conclusion
The Easy Strawberry Honeybun Cake Recipe is a delightful fusion of classic comfort and fruity sweetness. With its soft, moist layers, swirls of cinnamon sugar, and bursts of fresh strawberries, this cake is perfect for any occasion whether it’s a family gathering, a holiday treat, or a simple weekend indulgence. Its ease of preparation makes it an ideal choice for both beginner and experienced bakers who want to whip up something impressive without spending hours in the kitchen.
From the warm aroma while baking to the final drizzle of glaze, every step of this recipe brings joy and anticipation. Serve it as a dessert, a sweet snack, or even a breakfast treat with your morning coffee. Once you try this strawberry honeybun cake, it’s bound to become a favorite in your recipe collection.
