Name: Strawberry Honey Bun Cake Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 box Strawberry Cake Mix (15.25 ounces); 4 Large Eggs; 8 ounces Cream Cheese, softened; 2/3 cup Vegetable Oil; 1 cup Brown Sugar; 2 teaspoons Ground Cinnamon; 2 cups Confectioners Sugar; 1/4 cup Milk; 1 teaspoon Strawberry Extract; Red Food Coloring, a few drops

Jump to Recipe· 4.3 from 35 reviews

If you are on the lookout for a dessert that blends the sweet juiciness of strawberries with the warm, comforting notes of cinnamon and honey-like sweetness, then this Strawberry Honey Bun Cake Recipe is your perfect match. With a tender strawberry-infused cake, a luscious cinnamon-sugar twist inside, and a creamy, pink-tinted cream cheese glaze drizzled on top, it’s the kind of treat that feels like a big, cozy hug from the inside out. Whether you’re serving it for a weekend brunch or a special occasion, this cake will quickly become a beloved favorite that everyone asks for again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a flat lay of baking ingredients arranged neatly on a white marbled surface. There is a white bowl filled with white powdered sugar at the top left and another white bowl filled with light brown sugar at the top right. Below them, slightly to the left, are four whole white eggs nestled in a light green egg holder with a speckled pattern. In the center is a small white square dish containing a brown powder, likely cinnamon. Near the middle right is a foil-wrapped block of cream cheese. Below the eggs is a red and white box of strawberry cake mix with a photo of a pink cake slice on it. To the right of the eggs, there is a small clear measuring cup filled with white liquid, probably milk, and next to it is a small clear cup with a yellow liquid, likely oil. Two small bottles of red food coloring and strawberry extract are placed near the bottom right corner. The scene has bright, soft natural lighting. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of the Strawberry Honey Bun Cake Recipe is in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a key role in creating the perfect balance of flavors and textures — from the moist strawberry cake base to the rich cinnamon swirl and smooth glaze on top. Here’s what you’ll need to make this dreamy dessert:

Strawberry Cake Mix (1 box, 15.25 ounces): The star ingredient that brings all the juicy strawberry flavor, making the cake tender and flavorful.
Large Eggs (4): Adds structure and richness, ensuring your cake is fluffy and perfectly set.
Cream Cheese (8 ounces): Infuses the batter with creaminess, elevating the cake’s texture and taste.
Vegetable Oil (2/3 cup): Keeps the cake moist without overpowering the delicate strawberry flavor.
Brown Sugar (1 cup): Creates a deep caramel sweetness for the cinnamon swirl inside the cake.
Ground Cinnamon (2 teaspoons): Adds warm spice that perfectly complements the sweet strawberry base.
Confectioners Sugar (2 cups): Essential for making a smooth, sweet icing that balances the cake’s flavors.
Milk (1/4 cup): Thins the icing to the perfect drizzle consistency for a beautiful finish.
Strawberry Extract (1 teaspoon): Amplifies the strawberry essence in the glaze for that extra pop of flavor.
Red Food Coloring: A few drops transform the icing into a playful pink, making the cake even more inviting.

How to Make Strawberry Honey Bun Cake Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Then, generously spray a 9×13-inch baking pan with non-stick cooking spray to ensure your cake releases easily after baking. This step is key for that perfect lift and easy serving later on.

Step 2: Mix the Cake Batter

In a large bowl, combine the strawberry cake mix, softened cream cheese, eggs, and vegetable oil. Stir everything together until the batter is smooth and free of lumps. The cream cheese helps create a rich, tender crumb that makes this cake stand out.

Step 3: Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar Swirl

In a smaller bowl, mix the brown sugar with the ground cinnamon. This simple but powerful combo forms the delicious ribbon of flavor that gives the honey bun cake its signature twist.

Step 4: Layer the Batter and Cinnamon Mixture

Pour half of your strawberry cake batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly. Next, sprinkle the brown sugar and cinnamon mixture evenly over the batter. This layering is what builds that irresistible swirl inside. Finally, pour the remaining batter over the top, gently smoothing it out to enclose the cinnamon-sugar layer.

Step 5: Bake Until Golden

Bake the cake in your preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes. To test for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean, your cake is perfectly baked. The aroma at this point is simply heavenly and will fill your kitchen with sweet strawberry and cinnamon notes.

Step 6: Make the Strawberry Glaze

While the cake is still warm, whisk together the confectioners sugar, milk, strawberry extract, and a few drops of red food coloring until you have a smooth, pink glaze. Pour this luscious icing evenly over the cake. It’s this finishing touch that adds a creamy sweetness and a pretty pop of color, making your dessert irresistible.

Step 7: Cool and Enjoy

Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan so the glaze sets properly. Once cooled, slice into generous squares and get ready to delight everyone with your homemade Strawberry Honey Bun Cake Recipe.

How to Serve Strawberry Honey Bun Cake Recipe

The image shows a square slice of cake on a white plate placed on a white marbled surface. The cake has three visible layers: the top layer is smooth and light pink frosting, the middle layer is a moist, light pink cake with some darker brown swirls or spots, and the bottom layer is similar to the middle but slightly darker with some browning. A piece of the cake, showing the pink cake texture with brown streaks, is lifted on a fork in front of the slice. In the background, there is another slice of the same cake on a white plate and a clear glass cup filled with dark coffee. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

For an extra-special touch, garnish your cake slices with fresh strawberry slices or a light dusting of confectioners sugar. You can also add a dollop of whipped cream to complement the creamy glaze and add some texture contrast. These little touches make the presentation as delicious as the taste.

Side Dishes

This Strawberry Honey Bun Cake Recipe pairs beautifully with a hot cup of coffee or tea, perfect for a cozy afternoon treat. For a more festive occasion, serve alongside vanilla ice cream or a fresh fruit salad to bring out the strawberry flavors even more.

Creative Ways to Present

Want to impress your guests? Try cutting the cake into bite-size squares and serving on decorative toothpicks as mini dessert bites. Or create a layered trifle with alternating cake chunks, whipped cream, and fresh strawberries. Either way, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying your cake, wrap any leftovers tightly in plastic wrap or store them in an airtight container. Kept at room temperature, the cake will stay moist and delicious for up to two days. For longer freshness, refrigerate the cake, where it will last about a week.

Freezing

If you want to save some for later, this Strawberry Honey Bun Cake Recipe freezes beautifully. Be sure to wrap slices individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. Frozen cake pieces can be kept for up to three months, perfect for future cravings.

Reheating

To bring your cake back to life after refrigeration or freezing, simply warm slices in the microwave for 15 to 20 seconds. This quick reheat softens the cake and refreshes the glaze’s creaminess, making it taste like it was just baked.

FAQs

Can I use homemade strawberry cake mix instead of boxed?

Absolutely! If you have a favorite homemade strawberry cake recipe, feel free to use it as a base. Just make sure the texture is similar to the boxed mix so the cinnamon swirl layer bakes evenly.

What if I don’t have strawberry extract?

If you’re out of strawberry extract, a splash of vanilla extract can work as a substitute. It won’t enhance the strawberry flavor as much, but it will still add a lovely sweetness to the glaze.

Is it possible to make this cake gluten-free?

Yes! Use a gluten-free strawberry cake mix and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free as well. This way, you can enjoy the Strawberry Honey Bun Cake Recipe without worrying about gluten sensitivities.

How thick should I layer the cinnamon sugar swirl?

A thin, even layer spread over half the batter is perfect. You don’t want it too thick or it might overpower the cake, but enough to get those delicious, cinnamon ribbons in each bite.

Can I make this cake in smaller pans?

You can, but keep an eye on baking time as smaller pans will cook faster. A 9×9-inch pan will work nicely, but reduce baking time by about 10 minutes and test with a toothpick frequently to avoid overbaking.

Final Thoughts

This Strawberry Honey Bun Cake Recipe is a delightful, homemade treasure that’s guaranteed to brighten any day. With its perfect blend of flavors and simple preparation, it’s an absolute joy to make and share. Give it a try and watch it quickly become your go-to dessert for all occasions – you won’t regret it!