- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a large bowl, mix cake mix, vegetable oil, eggs, sour cream, and milk until smooth.
Step 2: Make the Cinnamon Swirl
- In a small bowl, mix brown sugar and cinnamon.
- Pour half of the cake batter into the baking dish.
- Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the batter.
- Pour the remaining batter on top and spread evenly.
Step 3: Bake the Cake
- Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool for at least 10 minutes before adding the icing.
Step 4: Make the Strawberry Cream Icing
- In a bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, strawberry puree, melted butter, and vanilla extract.
- If needed, add a little milk to reach a pourable consistency.
Step 5: Ice & Serve
- Pour the strawberry cream icing over the warm cake.
- Let it set for 5–10 minutes, then slice and enjoy!
Serving & Storage Tips
- Serve warm or at room temperature.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for 2 days or in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Freeze for up to 2 months, then thaw and warm before serving.
Variants & Customizations
- Extra Fruity – Add ½ cup chopped fresh strawberries into the batter.
- Cream Cheese Icing – Replace the glaze with a strawberry cream cheese frosting.
- Nutty Crunch – Add ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts to the cinnamon swirl.
- Vanilla Version – Use yellow cake mix instead of strawberry for a classic honeybun twist.
FAQ
1. Can I make this cake from scratch?
✔️ Yes! Use a homemade strawberry cake recipe instead of the mix.
2. What’s the best way to get a thick icing?
✔️ Use less liquid in the icing or add more powdered sugar for a thicker glaze.
3. Can I use strawberry jam instead of fresh puree?
✔️ Yes! Use 2 tablespoons jam + 2 tablespoons water for a smooth glaze.
4. How do I make this into cupcakes?
✔️ Pour the batter into lined muffin tins and bake at 350°F for 18–22 minutes.
5. Can I use frozen strawberries for the icing?
✔️ Yes! Just thaw and blend before using.
Final Thoughts
This Strawberry Honeybun Cake is a soft, sweet, and cinnamon-infused dessert with a creamy strawberry icing that makes it irresistibly delicious! Whether for brunch, dessert, or a special treat, this cake is easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser.