Strawberry Honeybun Cake with Strawberry Cream Icing

This Strawberry Honeybun Cake with Strawberry Cream Icing is a delightful dessert that captures the essence of summer. With its moist cake layers, a charming cinnamon-strawberry swirl, and a luscious strawberry icing, it’s perfect for birthdays, potlucks, or any celebration. The standout feature of this recipe lies in its flavor balance, making it an irresistible treat for both kids and adults.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, even novice bakers can whip this up without fuss.
• Deliciously Sweet: The combination of strawberries and cinnamon creates a flavor explosion that will satisfy any sweet tooth.
• Versatile Dessert: Perfect for various occasions—from family gatherings to casual get-togethers or just a special treat at home.
• Beautiful Presentation: The marbled effect and creamy icing make this cake visually stunning, sure to impress your guests.
• Leftover Friendly: This cake stays moist and delicious for days, making it perfect for enjoying throughout the week.

Tools and Preparation

To make your baking experience enjoyable and efficient, having the right tools is crucial. These essentials will help ensure your Strawberry Honeybun Cake comes out perfectly.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• 9×13 inch baking pan
• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer (optional)
• Whisk
• Measuring cups
• Knife

Importance of Each Tool

• 9×13 inch baking pan: This specific size ensures your cake bakes evenly, providing the right thickness for the perfect texture.
• Mixing bowls: Having multiple sizes allows you to easily separate ingredients and prepare mixtures without clutter.
• Electric mixer: While optional, using an electric mixer saves time and effort when combining batter to achieve a smooth consistency.

Ingredients

For the Cake

• 1 box yellow cake mix
• 4 large eggs
• 3/4 cup vegetable oil
• 1 cup sour cream

For the Cinnamon-Strawberry Swirl

• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
• 1 cup chopped strawberries

For the Strawberry Cream Icing

• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 1/4 cup heavy cream

How to Make Strawberry Honeybun Cake with Strawberry Cream Icing

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Prepare the Cake Batter

In a large bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, eggs, vegetable oil, and sour cream. Stir until well combined to create a smooth batter.

Step 3: Make the Cinnamon-Strawberry Mixture

In a separate bowl, mix together the brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and chopped strawberries until evenly coated.

Step 4: Layer the Batter and Strawberries

Pour half of the cake batter into the prepared pan. Sprinkle half of the strawberry mixture on top. Repeat with the remaining batter and strawberry mixture.

Step 5: Create Swirls

Use a knife to gently swirl the batter and strawberry mixture together. This will create a beautiful marbled effect in your cake.

Step 6: Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean.

Step 7: Prepare the Icing

While your cake is baking, whisk together the powdered sugar and heavy cream in a bowl until smooth.

Step 8: Ice Your Cake

Once baked, let your cake cool slightly before drizzling the strawberry cream icing on top for added sweetness.

Step 9: Serve & Enjoy!

Slice your Strawberry Honeybun Cake into servings and enjoy this delicious dessert with friends and family!

How to Serve Strawberry Honeybun Cake with Strawberry Cream Icing

This Strawberry Honeybun Cake is a sweet treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether it’s for a family gathering or a casual get-together, these serving suggestions will elevate your dessert experience.

Individual Servings

• Serve slices on dessert plates for easy handling and a classic presentation.
• Add a dollop of whipped cream on the side for extra creaminess.

A La Mode

• Pair each slice with a scoop of vanilla ice cream to balance the sweetness with creamy goodness.
• Try strawberry or lemon sherbet for a fruity twist.

Garnished Plates

• Add fresh strawberries on top of each slice for a colorful and fresh touch.
• Drizzle extra strawberry icing over the cake slices for an appealing look.

Cake Pops

• Transform leftover cake into cake pops by crumbling it, mixing with icing, and shaping into balls.
• Dip in chocolate or white chocolate and sprinkle with crushed nuts or sprinkles.

How to Perfect Strawberry Honeybun Cake with Strawberry Cream Icing

Making the perfect Strawberry Honeybun Cake requires attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure your cake turns out delicious every time.

• Use room temperature ingredients: This helps create a smoother batter and ensures even baking.
• Don’t overmix: Stir just until combined to avoid a dense cake texture.
• Check for doneness: Use a toothpick; if it comes out clean, your cake is ready.
• Let it cool completely: Cooling allows the flavors to settle and makes icing easier to apply.
• Adjust sweetness: Taste the icing and add more powdered sugar if you prefer it sweeter.
• Store properly: Keep leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain freshness.

Best Side Dishes for Strawberry Honeybun Cake with Strawberry Cream Icing

To complement your Strawberry Honeybun Cake, consider these delightful side dishes. They add variety and flavor that pairs well with this sweet dessert.

1. Fresh Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits adds brightness and balances the sweetness of the cake.
2. Vanilla Ice Cream: A classic choice that enhances the overall dessert experience with creaminess.
3. Lemon Sorbet: The tartness of lemon sorbet offers a refreshing contrast to the sweet cake.
4. Pecan Pie Bars: These bars bring nutty flavors that harmonize beautifully with strawberries.
5. Chocolate Chip Cookies: A comforting favorite that pairs well with any sweet treat.
6. Cinnamon Sugar Tortilla Chips: Crispy and lightly sweetened, they provide a fun crunch alongside the cake.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

To ensure your Strawberry Honeybun Cake with Strawberry Cream Icing turns out perfectly, avoid these common mistakes.

• Skipping the Greasing Step: Always grease your baking pan to prevent the cake from sticking. Use butter or cooking spray for easy removal.
• Overmixing the Batter: Mixing too much can lead to a dense cake. Stir until just combined for a lighter texture.
• Not Swirling Properly: Make sure to create a good marbled effect by swirling the batter and strawberry mixture thoroughly. This enhances both flavor and presentation.
• Ignoring Baking Time: Ovens can vary; always check for doneness with a toothpick. Remove the cake when it comes out clean to avoid dryness.
• Using Cold Ingredients: Allow eggs and sour cream to reach room temperature for better blending and a uniform batter.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store the cake in an airtight container.
• It will stay fresh for up to 4 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Strawberry Honeybun Cake with Strawberry Cream Icing

• Wrap slices in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer-safe container.
• The cake can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Strawberry Honeybun Cake with Strawberry Cream Icing

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Warm the cake for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat individual slices for about 20-30 seconds on medium power.
• Stovetop: Place slices in a skillet over low heat, cover, and warm for approximately 5 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Strawberry Honeybun Cake with Strawberry Cream Icing.

Can I use fresh strawberries instead of frozen?

Yes, fresh strawberries work wonderfully in this recipe! Just make sure they are chopped and dry before mixing.

How can I customize my Strawberry Honeybun Cake?

You can add nuts like walnuts or pecans for extra crunch or swap out strawberries for blueberries or raspberries.

What is the best way to store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It keeps well up to four days!

Can I use a different type of icing?

Absolutely! You can try cream cheese frosting or whipped cream as alternatives to strawberry icing.

Is this cake suitable for special occasions?

Definitely! The Strawberry Honeybun Cake is perfect for birthdays, picnics, and other celebrations.

Final Thoughts

This Strawberry Honeybun Cake with Strawberry Cream Icing is not only delicious but also versatile. With its moist texture and fruity flavor, it’s sure to please any crowd. Feel free to customize it with different fruits or toppings based on your taste preferences. Give this delightful dessert a try at your next gathering!