Strawberry Honeybun Cake with Strawberry Cream Icing

Introduction

If you’ve ever had a classic honeybun cake, you know how wonderfully sweet, moist, and cinnamon-swirled it can be. Now imagine that nostalgic favorite transformed with a fresh, fruity twist — enter the Strawberry Honeybun Cake with Strawberry Cream Icing. This dessert marries the warm cinnamon-sugar layers of a honeybun cake with the bright, summery sweetness of strawberries, then tops it all with a dreamy strawberry cream icing that’s so luscious it practically melts over each slice. It’s perfect for spring brunches, family gatherings, or anytime you want a cake that feels both comforting and excitingly different.

The beauty of this recipe is in its balance — the cinnamon adds warmth, the strawberry adds brightness, and the cream icing adds a rich, silky finish. Every forkful feels like a cozy hug wrapped in the joy of fresh strawberries. Whether you serve it warm or chilled, you’re going to fall in love with this cake from the very first bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Fresh & Fruity Twist – The strawberries give a honeybun cake a whole new personality.
• Moist and Tender – The cake stays soft thanks to its cinnamon-sugar swirl and fruit.
• Show-Stopping Icing – The strawberry cream icing is both beautiful and delicious.
• Easy to Make – Uses a simple base cake method that even beginners can master.
• Perfect for Any Occasion – Works equally well for casual coffee breaks or as a special dessert.
• Customizable – You can switch fruits or even make it with jam in the off-season.
• Family Favorite – Kids and adults both adore the flavor combo.
• Great Make-Ahead Dessert – The flavor actually deepens after a day.
• Layer of Warm Cinnamon – Adds coziness and depth to every bite.
• Looks as Good as It Tastes – The pink icing and tender crumb are irresistible on a dessert table.

Ingredients

For the Cake

• All-purpose flour
• Granulated sugar
• Baking powder
• Salt
• Ground cinnamon
• Eggs
• Whole milk
• Vegetable oil
• Vanilla extract
• Fresh strawberries, chopped
• Brown sugar

For the Strawberry Cream Icing

• Powdered sugar
• Fresh strawberry puree
• Unsalted butter, softened
• Cream cheese, softened
• Vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare Pan
   Preheat your oven and lightly grease a baking dish or line it with parchment paper. This will help the cake release easily after baking.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients
   In a large bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, salt, and ground cinnamon. Whisk them together until evenly distributed.
3. Whisk the Wet Ingredients
   In another bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla until smooth. This will be your cake’s moisture base.
4. Combine Wet and Dry
   Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined. Overmixing can make the cake dense instead of tender.
5. Fold in Strawberries
   Gently fold in the chopped strawberries so they’re evenly spread throughout the batter. Their juices will lightly flavor the cake as it bakes.
6. Layer with Cinnamon-Sugar
   Pour half the batter into the prepared pan, sprinkle generously with brown sugar and a touch of extra cinnamon, then pour the remaining batter on top.
7. Bake the Cake
   Bake until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The top should be golden, and the kitchen will smell of warm cinnamon and strawberries.
8. Cool Before Icing
   Let the cake cool completely before adding the icing so it doesn’t melt into the crumb.
9. Make the Strawberry Cream Icing
   Beat together the softened butter, cream cheese, powdered sugar, strawberry puree, and vanilla until smooth and fluffy. Adjust thickness by adding more powdered sugar or puree as needed.
10. Ice and Serve
    Spread the strawberry cream icing generously over the cooled cake. Slice, serve, and enjoy the blend of cozy honeybun flavors with fresh berry brightness.

Serving Suggestions

• With Tea or Coffee – Makes for a perfect afternoon treat.
• At Brunch – Serve alongside other fruit-forward dishes for a colorful spread.
• With Fresh Strawberries – Garnish each slice with a few berry halves.
• Drizzle of White Chocolate – Adds a decorative touch and extra sweetness.
• With Whipped Cream – A dollop on the side makes it extra indulgent.

Tips for Success

• Use Fresh Strawberries – They give the best flavor and texture.
• Avoid Overmixing – Keeps your cake light and tender.
• Cool Completely Before Icing – Prevents runny icing.
• Strain the Puree – For a smooth icing, strain out strawberry seeds before mixing.
• Store Properly – Keep in an airtight container to retain moisture.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use frozen strawberries?
Yes, but thaw and drain them well to avoid excess moisture in the batter.

2. Can I make the cake ahead of time?
Absolutely — it’s even better the next day as the flavors meld.

3. What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Keep it covered in the fridge for up to 4 days.

4. Can I substitute the cream cheese in the icing?
You can use mascarpone for a slightly different, richer flavor.

5. Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, just swap in a good gluten-free all-purpose baking blend.

6. Do I have to use the cinnamon layer?
It’s optional, but it gives the cake its signature honeybun flavor.

7. Can I use strawberry jam instead of fresh berries?
Yes, swirl in a few tablespoons for a more concentrated strawberry flavor.

8. Can I double the icing for a thicker layer?
Definitely — just keep the cake well chilled so it holds.

9. Can I bake this in a bundt pan?
Yes, just adjust the baking time and be sure to grease the pan well.

10. How can I make it look extra fancy?
Top with sliced strawberries, edible flowers, or a light dusting of powdered sugar before serving.

Conclusion

Strawberry Honeybun Cake with Strawberry Cream Icing is the kind of dessert that manages to feel nostalgic and fresh all at once. The tender crumb, the swirls of cinnamon sugar, the bursts of juicy strawberry, and the creamy, dreamy icing all come together to create a cake you’ll want to make again and again. Whether you’re sharing it with friends over coffee, bringing it to a potluck, or treating yourself on a quiet afternoon, it’s sure to bring smiles and maybe even a few recipe requests.

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watch how to make Strawberry Honeybun Cake with Strawberry Cream Icing