Strawberry Honeybun Cake brings a bright and fruity spin to the beloved classic honeybun dessert. This soft and tender cake starts with a strawberry-flavored base, layered with a rich brown sugar cinnamon swirl that melts beautifully as it bakes. Once cooled, it’s finished with a silky strawberry glaze that seeps into every bite. The sweet strawberry flavor paired with warm cinnamon creates a comforting yet vibrant treat that works perfectly for brunch, celebrations, or an everyday dessert. Simple to prepare and stunning to serve, this cake delivers irresistible flavor and texture in every slice.
Ingredients for Strawberry Honeybun Cake
What You’ll Need
- 1 box strawberry cake mix
- 1 cup sour cream
- 4 large eggs
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Cinnamon Swirl Layer
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
Strawberry Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons strawberry jam
- 1–2 tablespoons milk (as needed)
The sour cream makes this Strawberry Honeybun Cake extra moist. The brown sugar cinnamon swirl creates that signature honeybun flavor. Meanwhile, the strawberry jam glaze enhances the fruity base.
If you enjoy rich, layered desserts like our Pan de Elote, this cake brings similar comfort with a berry-forward twist.
How to Make Strawberry Honeybun Cake
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
Step 2: Make the Batter
In a large bowl, combine strawberry cake mix, sour cream, eggs, oil, water, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.
Step 3: Prepare Cinnamon Swirl
In a small bowl, mix brown sugar and cinnamon.
Step 4: Layer the Cake
Pour half of the batter into the pan. Sprinkle cinnamon mixture evenly over it. Add remaining batter on top and spread gently.
Step 5: Bake
Bake for 35–40 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow to cool in the pan.
Step 6: Prepare Glaze
Whisk powdered sugar and strawberry jam. Add milk gradually until glaze reaches desired consistency.
Step 7: Glaze and Serve
Drizzle glaze evenly over cooled cake. Slice and enjoy.
Serving, Variations, and Storage
How to Serve Strawberry Honeybun Cake
Serve this cake slightly warm for ultimate softness. It pairs beautifully with:
- Fresh strawberries
- Whipped cream
- Vanilla ice cream
- A hot cup of coffee
The cinnamon swirl adds warmth, while the glaze keeps every bite moist and flavorful.
Flavor Variations
- Add 1/2 teaspoon almond extract for extra depth.
- Fold white chocolate chips into batter.
- Add diced fresh strawberries to the swirl layer.
- Drizzle with cream cheese glaze instead of jam glaze.
Storage Tips
- Store covered at room temperature for 2 days.
- Refrigerate up to 5 days.
- Freeze slices wrapped tightly for up to 2 months.
FAQs About Strawberry Honeybun Cake
What is a honeybun made of?
A honeybun typically consists of sweet dough rolled with cinnamon sugar, baked or fried, and topped with glaze.
Do strawberry and honey go well together?
Yes. Strawberries pair beautifully with honey because the natural sweetness complements their slight tartness.
Are there strawberry honey buns?
Yes. Many bakeries offer strawberry-flavored honey buns or glazed versions similar to this cake.
How many calories are in 1 honeybun?
A traditional honeybun contains around 300–500 calories depending on size and glaze.
A Strawberry Twist on a Classic Honeybun
Growing up, honeybuns were the ultimate treat. Grandma would warm them slightly and serve them with café de olla on cool afternoons. They were soft, sweet, and full of cinnamon. Years later, I wanted to recreate that cozy flavor — but in cake form.
That’s how this Strawberry Honeybun Cake was born.
Instead of traditional vanilla cake, we use strawberry cake mix for a fruity twist. The cinnamon swirl melts into the batter while baking, creating ribbons of warm spice throughout the cake. Then comes the glossy strawberry glaze that seeps gently into the top, adding sweetness and a bakery-style finish.
This Strawberry Honeybun Cake feels nostalgic yet fresh. It’s perfect for brunch tables, baby showers, holidays, or just because your family deserves something sweet. If you love comforting cakes like our Strawberry Crunch Tres Leches Mini Cakes, this one delivers that same strawberry magic with a cinnamon surprise.
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Strawberry Honeybun Cake – Moist, Swirled & Irresistible
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Description
Moist strawberry honeybun cake with a warm cinnamon swirl and smooth strawberry glaze. Perfect for brunch or dessert.
Ingredients
1 box strawberry cake mix
1 cup sour cream
4 large eggs
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1/2 cup water
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup brown sugar
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
1 cup powdered sugar
2 tablespoons strawberry jam
1–2 tablespoons milk
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F and grease 9×13 pan.
2. Mix cake mix, sour cream, eggs, oil, water, sugar, and vanilla until smooth.
3. Combine brown sugar and cinnamon.
4. Layer half batter, add cinnamon mixture, top with remaining batter.
5. Bake 35-40 minutes.
6. Whisk glaze ingredients.
7. Drizzle glaze over cooled cake and serve.
Notes
Add milk gradually for glaze consistency.
Store covered at room temperature.
Great for brunch or dessert.