Get ready to enjoy a tasty twist on the classic honeybun cake. This Strawberry Honeybun Cake recipe is moist and filled with strawberry flavor. It also has a cinnamon-sugar swirl and a creamy strawberry icing. This homemade treat is perfect for any occasion or when you just want something sweet.
Key Takeaways
- Combines a strawberry-flavored cake with a cinnamon-sugar swirl and strawberry cream icing
- Uses simple ingredients, including a cake mix base, for an easy-to-make homemade dessert
- Suitable for various occasions, from special events to casual gatherings
- Moist and flavorful texture with a delightful balance of sweetness
- Garnished with a strawberry cream icing for a visually appealing and delicious presentation
Introduction to this Delightful Strawberry Dessert
Take your dessert game to the next level with the strawberry honeybun cake. It’s a twist on the classic red velvet cake, with a cinnamon-sugar swirl and fresh strawberry puree. This dessert is a perfect mix of flavors and textures that will impress anyone.
Origins of the Honeybun Cake
The honeybun cake is a favorite in the South, inspired by the red velvet cake. It combines the essence of honeybuns with the vibrant colors and taste of strawberries. This dessert is a unique and exciting take on a classic.
Why This Recipe Stands Out
The strawberry honeybun cake is known for its stunning looks and perfect flavor balance. The cinnamon-sugar swirl adds warmth and texture, while the strawberry cream icing is refreshing. Together, they make a dessert that looks amazing and tastes even better.
Perfect Occasions for Serving
- Birthdays and other special celebrations
- Holiday gatherings
- Brunch or afternoon tea parties
- Potlucks and community events
The strawberry honeybun cake is perfect for any occasion. It’s visually appealing and loved by all, making it a hit at any event. It’s sure to impress your guests and leave a lasting memory.
“The combination of the cinnamon-sugar swirl and the fresh strawberry puree in this cake is simply divine. It’s a must-try for anyone who loves a delightful and unique dessert.”
Essential Ingredients and Equipment
To make the Strawberry Honeybun Cake, you need a few key ingredients and tools. The cake mix is the base, mixed with sour cream, vegetable oil, and eggs. Fresh strawberries add sweetness, while vanilla, brown sugar, and cinnamon add flavor.
For the cream cheese icing, you’ll need confectioners’ sugar, milk, and vanilla extract. You’ll need a 9×13-inch baking pan, mixing bowls, an electric mixer, and a food processor. The food processor is for pureeing the strawberries.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Yellow Cake Mix | 1 box (15.25 oz) |
| Sour Cream | 1 cup (8 oz) |
| Vegetable Oil | 3/4 cup |
| Eggs | 4 large |
| Vanilla Extract | 2 tsp |
| Brown Sugar | 1 cup (packed) |
| Ground Cinnamon | 2 tsp |
| Ground Nutmeg | 1/4 tsp |
| Fresh Strawberries | 1 cup, puréed |
| Confectioners’ Sugar | 1 1/2 cups |
| Milk | 4 tbsp |
With these ingredients and tools, you’re ready to bake the perfect Strawberry Honeybun Cake. Let’s get started!
Base Cake Preparation Steps
The foundation of the delectable Strawberry Honeybun Cake starts with preparing the cake batter. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan to make sure the cake batter comes out easily after baking.
Mixing the Cake Batter
In a large mixing bowl, mix together the cake mix, vegetable oil, sour cream, large eggs, pureed fresh strawberries, and vanilla extract. Use a hand mixer or a stand mixer on medium speed. Blend until the cake batter is smooth and well-combined. Be careful not to overmix.
Creating the Perfect Texture
To get the signature moist texture of the Strawberry Honeybun Cake, mix the batter just until it’s fully incorporated. Avoid overmixing. This can make the cake dense and tough.
Temperature and Time Considerations
After preparing the cake batter, pour half of it into the prepared baking pan. Sprinkle cinnamon-sugar mixture on top, then add the remaining batter. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. This means the cake is fully cooked. Let the cake cool completely before frosting.
“The key to a perfectly moist and flavorful Strawberry Honeybun Cake lies in the careful preparation of the cake batter and the attention to baking temperature and time.”
The Secret Cinnamon-Sugar Swirl Layer
The secret cinnamon-sugar swirl layer takes the classic honeybun cake to new heights. It’s made with a simple mix of brown sugar and cinnamon. This mix changes the cake’s texture and taste, making it irresistible.
To make the perfect swirl, start by mixing 2/3 cup of light brown sugar, 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar, and 1 tablespoon of ground cinnamon in a bowl. Mix until it’s smooth and fragrant.
After making the cake batter, pour half of it into a greased pan. Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mix over it. Then, add the rest of the batter and smooth it out. Use a knife to swirl the mix into the cake, creating a marbled look.
The result is a stunning cake with a beautiful swirl and enhanced flavor. The cinnamon-sugar mixture adds a warm aroma and a crunchy texture. This cake swirl technique is a simple way to add a special touch to the dessert.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Light Brown Sugar | 2/3 cup |
| Granulated Sugar | 2 tablespoons |
| Ground Cinnamon | 1 tablespoon |
Strawberry Honeybun Cake with Strawberry Cream Icing
The star of this Strawberry Honeybun Cake is the strawberry cream cheese icing. It’s creamy and fruity, matching the cake’s tender, cinnamon layers. Together, they create a perfect mix of tastes.
Making the Signature Icing
To make the strawberry cream cheese icing, start by mixing softened cream cheese and butter until smooth. Then, add powdered sugar slowly, mixing until it’s just right.
After that, mix in strawberry puree and a teaspoon of vanilla. This blend of tangy cream cheese, sweet sugar, and strawberry makes the icing creamy and fruity.
Achieving the Perfect Consistency
The icing should be thick but still spreadable. If it’s too thick, add a bit of milk or cream. If it’s too thin, add more powdered sugar.
You can also make a strawberry glaze. Mix strawberry jam, whipped honey with lemon zest, lemon juice, and sugar. This glaze adds a beautiful look and more strawberry and lemon flavors.
Whether you choose icing or glaze, aim for a sweet, creamy, and fruity taste. This will enhance the rich, cinnamon cake layers of the Strawberry Honeybun Cake.
Professional Tips for Perfect Results
Baking a Strawberry Honeybun Cake with Strawberry Cream Icing needs focus and expert tips. These tips will help improve the cake’s texture, taste, and look. You’ll make this dessert even more special.
For a deeper vanilla taste, choose high-quality vanilla extract over essence. Chilling the cake before cutting makes it easier to slice without crumbling. Also, blending the strawberry puree well ensures it’s smooth and free of lumps.
Adding melted white chocolate on top of the iced cake adds a creamy sweetness. This pairs well with the tart berries. Using an ice cream scoop or offset spatula helps spread the batter evenly. This makes your cake look like it was made by a pro.
| Baking Tip | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Use high-quality vanilla extract | Enhances the overall flavor profile |
| Chill the cake before slicing | Ensures clean, defined cuts |
| Blend the strawberry puree thoroughly | Achieves a smooth, velvety texture |
| Drizzle with melted white chocolate | Adds a layer of creamy sweetness |
| Use an ice cream scoop or offset spatula | Helps to evenly distribute the batter |
By following these baking tips, you can make your Strawberry Honeybun Cake even better. It will have a great texture and taste. Plus, it will look amazing.
Storage and Serving Recommendations
Keeping your Strawberry Honeybun Cake fresh and flavorful is key. Store leftovers in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Before serving, let the cake come to room temperature. This enhances the flavors and textures.
Proper Storage Methods
Here are some tips to keep your cake fresh:
- Refrigerate leftover cake in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- For longer-term storage, wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and freeze in a bag or container. This keeps the cake fresh for up to a month.
- When you’re ready to serve frozen slices, thaw them at room temperature for 30 minutes to an hour.
Best Serving Temperature
Serving the cake at room temperature is best. It brings out the flavors and textures. If it’s been chilled, let it sit at room temperature for 20-30 minutes. This ensures the perfect balance of sweetness and moistness.
Shelf Life Guidelines
Your Strawberry Honeybun Cake can last for several days with proper storage. Here’s a quick guide:
- Room temperature: up to 2 days
- Refrigerated: up to 4 days
- Frozen: up to 1 month (thaw at room temperature before serving)
By following these tips, your cake will stay fresh and delicious. It will be ready to impress your guests whenever they want.
Nutritional Information and Dietary Notes
The Strawberry Honeybun Cake with Strawberry Cream Icing is a sweet treat. But, it’s key to know the calorie content, nutritional facts, and dietary considerations before you dive in. Each serving, which is 16, has 371 calories, 52 grams of carbs, and 18 grams of fat.
If you’re watching your dietary intake, this cake isn’t for you. It has dairy and eggs, so it’s not vegan or dairy-free. Also, with 57 grams of sugar per serving, it’s best to enjoy it sparingly as part of a healthy lifestyle.
| Nutritional Facts (per serving) | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 371 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 52 g |
| Protein | 4 g |
| Fat | 18 g |
| Saturated Fat | 8 g |
| Cholesterol | 74 mg |
| Sodium | 343 mg |
| Fiber | 0.2 g |
| Sugar | 57 g |
Despite the calorie content and nutritional facts, this Strawberry Honeybun Cake is worth it in small doses. Just remember to keep an eye on your dietary considerations and how much you eat.
Decoration and Presentation Ideas
Make your Strawberry Honeybun Cake look amazing with some decoration and presentation tips. Top the cake with fresh strawberry slices or whole berries for a beautiful contrast. Add edible flowers for a touch of elegance and a natural look.
Drizzle melted white chocolate or sprinkle colorful sprinkles on the cake. These simple steps can turn your Strawberry Honeybun Cake into a stunning centerpiece for any event.
Garnishing Techniques
- Place fresh strawberry slices around the cake’s edges for a vibrant look.
- Put whole fresh strawberries on top, either neatly or randomly for a natural feel.
- Use edible flowers like rose petals or lavender for a romantic touch.
- Drizzle melted white chocolate in patterns for depth and interest.
- Dust the cake with powdered sugar or cocoa powder for a classic finish.
Special Occasion Styling
For a special event, add a personal touch to your Strawberry Honeybun Cake. Use themed decorations or a custom cake topper. A monogram, message, or figurine can make the cake unique and memorable.
Match the cake’s decoration with the event’s colors or theme. This detail will highlight your Strawberry Honeybun Cake as the event’s star.
Recipe Variations and Substitutions
The Strawberry Honeybun Cake with Strawberry Cream Icing is a tasty treat. But, you can make it your own by trying different things. Use raspberry or blueberry purees for a new taste. Or, use low-fat cream cheese and Greek yogurt for a lighter icing.
Want to make it from scratch? Swap the cake mix for homemade yellow cake batter. Mix 2 1/2 cups of flour, 2 1/4 cups of sugar, 2 teaspoons of baking powder, and 1 teaspoon of salt. Add 1/3 cup of melted butter, 3 eggs, 1 cup of sour cream, 2 teaspoons of cinnamon, and 1 cup of brown sugar. This makes a moist and tasty cake.
Got gluten sensitivities? Use a gluten-free cake mix and make sure all ingredients are gluten-free. This way, you can still enjoy the honeybun cake without worrying about your diet.
FAQ
What is the Strawberry Honeybun Cake?
The Strawberry Honeybun Cake is a twist on the classic red velvet cake. It has a cinnamon-sugar swirl and fresh strawberry puree. This dessert is perfect for birthdays, holidays, or any special event because of its unique flavors and textures.
What are the key ingredients in this recipe?
The main ingredients are red velvet cake mix, vegetable oil, sour cream, eggs, and fresh strawberries. You also need vanilla extract, brown sugar, cinnamon, cream cheese, butter, and powdered sugar.
How long does it take to prepare and bake the Strawberry Honeybun Cake?
It takes about 45 minutes to prepare and bake. The cake is easy to make because it uses a cake mix base.
How do you create the cinnamon-sugar swirl in the cake?
To make the swirl, layer half the batter in the pan. Sprinkle brown sugar and cinnamon on top, then add the rest of the batter. Use a knife to swirl the batter for a marbled look.
How do you make the strawberry cream icing?
To make the icing, beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Then, add powdered sugar slowly. Mix in strawberry puree and vanilla extract for the strawberry cream icing.
How should the Strawberry Honeybun Cake be stored and served?
Store leftover cake in the fridge for 3-4 days. For the best taste, serve at room temperature. If making ahead, bake the cake and store it at room temperature. Then, prepare the frosting on the day you serve it.
What are some variations and substitutions for this recipe?
Try using raspberry or blueberry puree instead of strawberries. For a lighter version, use low-fat cream cheese and Greek yogurt. You can also make it from scratch by substituting all-purpose flour and leavening agents. For gluten-free, use a gluten-free cake mix and ensure all ingredients are gluten-free.