Strawberry Honeybun Cake: A Moist, Swirled Cake With Sweet Strawberry Flavor

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Strawberry Honeybun Cake is a delightful twist on the classic honeybun cake, combining soft, tender cake layers with a sweet strawberry swirl and a simple glaze that soaks into every bite. It is the kind of dessert that feels nostalgic yet fresh, making it perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, or casual weekend baking. The strawberry flavor adds brightness and balance, preventing the cake from feeling overly rich while still delivering indulgent comfort.

What makes this cake especially appealing is how easy it is to prepare. Using simple pantry ingredients and a straightforward method, you can create a cake that looks impressive without requiring advanced baking skills. I tested this recipe with both fresh and freeze-dried strawberry flavoring, and the strawberry cake mix consistently produced the most reliable color and flavor. Moist, sweet, and beautifully swirled, this cake is always a crowd-pleaser and disappears quickly once sliced.

Print

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

Strawberry cake mix forms the base of the cake, delivering consistent strawberry flavor, color, and a tender crumb.

Eggs provide structure and stability, helping the cake rise evenly while remaining moist.

Vegetable oil adds richness and ensures the cake stays soft even after refrigeration.

Sour cream contributes moisture and a slight tang, balancing the sweetness of the cake and improving texture.

Granulated sugar enhances sweetness and helps create the signature honeybun-style swirl.

Ground cinnamon adds warmth and depth, complementing the strawberry flavor without overpowering it.

Brown sugar brings a subtle caramel note to the swirl, adding richness and contrast.

Powdered sugar is used for the glaze, creating a smooth, sweet finish that seeps into the warm cake.

Milk helps thin the glaze to a pourable consistency.

Vanilla extract rounds out the flavors and adds warmth to the glaze.

Directions

Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F) and generously grease a rectangular baking dish.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the strawberry cake mix, eggs, vegetable oil, and sour cream. Mix until smooth and fully combined, taking care not to overmix.

In a separate bowl, stir together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon to create the swirl mixture.

Pour half of the cake batter into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly. Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the batter. Carefully spoon the remaining batter on top and gently spread it to cover the swirl layer.

Use a knife to lightly swirl the batter, creating a marbled effect without fully blending the layers.

Bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out mostly clean.

While the cake is baking, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Pour the glaze over the warm cake, allowing it to soak in before slicing.

Equipment needed :

Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling

Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:

Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.

Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.

large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.

Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.

Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.

Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.

Full-Size Blender – is a powerful kitchen appliance for making smoothies, soups, and sauces in large batches.

 3-in-1 Air Fryer – This versatile 3-in-1 air fryer offers Air Fry for healthier meals with less oil, Bake for bakery-quality desserts and treats, and Reheat to bring leftovers back to life with crispy, flavorful results.

Servings and timing

This cake serves 12 to 15 people. Preparation takes about 15 minutes, with a baking time of approximately 45 minutes. Allow additional time for cooling before serving.

Storage/reheating

Store Strawberry Honeybun Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days or in the refrigerator for up to five days. Serve at room temperature for the best texture. Reheating is not necessary, but brief warming enhances the glaze.

Variations and Customizations

This cake is easy to adapt for different preferences. For extra strawberry flavor, add finely chopped fresh strawberries to the batter. You can also substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream with similar results.

If you prefer a lighter sweetness, reduce the glaze slightly or drizzle it only over individual slices. For a festive presentation, add a sprinkle of powdered sugar or pink sanding sugar on top.

You can also experiment with cake mix flavors. Vanilla or white cake paired with strawberry preserves creates a different but equally delicious variation. These options allow you to customize the cake while keeping its signature honeybun-style swirl.

Nutrition and Dietary Info

Strawberry Honeybun Cake is a dessert best enjoyed in moderation. It contains dairy, eggs, and gluten but can be adapted using dairy-free substitutes or gluten-free cake mix if needed.

Expert Tips & Customizations

Swirl Control
Avoid over-swirling to keep defined layers.

Moisture Boost
Sour cream is key to a soft, tender crumb.

Glaze Timing
Pour glaze while the cake is warm for best absorption.

Make-Ahead Friendly
This cake tastes even better the next day.

FAQs

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes, it stores well and improves in flavor overnight.

Can I use fresh strawberries?

Yes, but chop them finely and pat dry first.

Is this cake overly sweet?

No, the strawberry flavor balances the sweetness.

Can I freeze this cake?

Yes, freeze without glaze for best results.

What pan size works best?

A standard rectangular baking dish is ideal.

Can I use a different cake mix?

Yes, vanilla or white cake mix works well.

How do I keep the cake moist?

Do not overbake and store it properly covered.

Can I add nuts?

Yes, chopped pecans or walnuts add texture.

Should the cake be refrigerated?

Refrigeration is optional but extends freshness.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, use a larger pan and adjust baking time.

Conclusion

Strawberry Honeybun Cake is a soft, moist, and beautifully swirled dessert that combines ease with irresistible flavor. Its sweet strawberry notes, warm cinnamon swirl, and simple glaze make it a standout treat for any occasion. Whether served at a gathering or enjoyed with a cup of coffee, this cake is a dependable recipe that brings comfort and joy with every slice.

Hungry for more?  Visit our website for full recipes and follow us on Pinterest for daily foodie inspo you’ll love to pin!