🍓🍯 Strawberry Honeybun Cake with Strawberry Cream Icing 🍓🍯
A nostalgic Southern treat reimagined with luscious strawberry charm and honeyed warmth!
🌟 Introduction:
The Strawberry Honeybun Cake is a beautiful marriage between a classic honeybun cake and summery strawberry delight. Combining soft vanilla cake, swirls of cinnamon-honey goodness, and a strawberry cream glaze on top, this dessert brings warmth, fruitiness, and indulgence in every slice. Perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, or Sunday brunch, it satisfies both fruit lovers and sweet tooths alike.
🧺 Ingredients:
For the Cake:
- 1 box (15.25 oz) vanilla cake mix
- 4 large eggs
- ¾ cup sour cream
- ¾ cup vegetable oil
- ¼ cup honey
- ½ cup strawberry preserves or jam
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Honey-Cinnamon Swirl:
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tbsp honey
For the Strawberry Cream Icing:
- 1½ cups powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp strawberry puree (fresh or frozen strawberries blended smooth)
- 1 tbsp milk (more as needed for desired consistency)
- 2 tbsp cream cheese, softened
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
- Pinch of salt
- Optional: 1-2 drops red food coloring for vibrant pink color
🥣 Instructions:
🍰 Cake Formation:
- Preheat the Oven:
Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan. - Prepare Cake Batter:
In a large bowl, mix the vanilla cake mix, eggs, sour cream, oil, honey, vanilla, and strawberry preserves. Beat until smooth and fluffy (about 2 minutes on medium speed). - Make Honey-Cinnamon Swirl:
In a small bowl, combine brown sugar, cinnamon, and honey into a thick paste. - Layer the Cake:
Pour half the cake batter into the prepared pan. Drop spoonfuls of the cinnamon-honey mixture across the batter. Swirl gently with a knife or skewer. Pour the rest of the batter on top and smooth it out. - Bake:
Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Let cool slightly.
🍓 Strawberry Cream Icing Method:
- Blend Icing Base:
In a mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add powdered sugar, strawberry puree, milk, and a pinch of salt. Whisk until silky and spreadable. - Glaze the Cake:
While the cake is warm (not hot), pour or spread the strawberry cream icing on top. Allow it to drizzle slightly down the sides for a decadent finish.
📜 History:
Honeybun cakes emerged in Southern kitchens, inspired by cinnamon-swirled honey buns found in diners and gas stations. Over time, this easy-to-make sheet cake gained popularity for its moist texture and sweet glaze. By adding strawberries, a fruit deeply rooted in spring and early summer traditions, we blend two comfort classics into one irresistible dessert.
🌿 Benefits:
- Strawberries: Rich in antioxidants, vitamin C, and fiber
- Honey: Natural sweetener, anti-inflammatory, and soothing
- Cream cheese: Adds calcium and satisfying creaminess
- Quick & easy: Uses cake mix for convenience with homemade taste
🏗️ Formation Structure:
This cake has:
- A moist vanilla base enhanced with sour cream and honey
- A ribbon of cinnamon sugar baked through the middle
- A fruity icing that soaks into the cake and adds a creamy topping
🧠 Methods Recap:
- Mix and swirl for texture and layered flavor
- Bake and cool for a soft, stable base
- Ice while warm for slight soaking and smooth finish
🧁 Nutrition (per slice, 1 of 12):
- Calories: ~350
- Carbs: ~48g
- Sugar: ~32g
- Fat: ~15g
- Protein: ~3g
- Fiber: ~1g
💞 Lovers of This Dessert:
This cake is beloved by:
- Southern dessert fans
- Strawberry lovers
- People who grew up eating honey buns or toaster pastries
- Anyone who craves creamy, fruity, cinnamon-kissed comfort food
🔚 Conclusion:
The Strawberry Honeybun Cake isn’t just a dessert — it’s a memory wrapped in flavor. Each bite is a harmony of sweet, spiced, creamy, and fruity tones that delight the senses and bring people together. Whether served at a picnic, baby shower, or lazy weekend afternoon, it promises pure joy.
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