Description
Strawberry honeybun cake delights dessert enthusiasts with its luscious layers of sweet strawberry flavor and creamy icing. Homemade comfort meets elegant simplicity in this irresistible Southern-style treat you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 box (15.25 ounces / 432 grams) vanilla cake mix
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup diced strawberries
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
Sugar and Sweeteners:
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 cups powdered sugar
Flavor Enhancers and Spices:
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup strawberry puree
- 2 tablespoons milk
Instructions
- Prepare the baking environment by heating the oven to 350F (175C). Coat a 9×13 inch pan with grease and flour, or line with parchment paper for effortless removal.
- Create the cake base by blending vanilla cake mix, eggs, sour cream, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract in a large bowl. Mix thoroughly using a hand or stand mixer until the mixture achieves a smooth, creamy consistency, approximately 2 minutes.
- Develop the cake’s flavor profile by combining brown sugar and ground cinnamon in a separate bowl. Layer half the batter into the prepared pan, ensuring even distribution. Sprinkle half the cinnamon-sugar mixture over the batter, then scatter diced strawberries across the surface.
- Complete the batter layering by carefully spreading the remaining cake mixture over the strawberries. Top with the final portion of cinnamon-sugar mixture, creating a delectable swirl effect.
- Bake the cake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should emerge clean. The cake should display a golden-brown hue and have a springy texture when lightly touched.
- Craft the strawberry cream icing by whisking powdered sugar, milk, strawberry puree, and vanilla extract until smooth. Adjust consistency by adding milk sparingly if the mixture appears too thick.
- After removing the cake from the oven, allow it to cool for 10-15 minutes. Generously drizzle the strawberry cream icing over the warm cake, ensuring maximum flavor absorption. Spread the icing evenly for complete coverage if desired.
- Finish by letting the cake cool completely before slicing. Enhance the presentation with fresh strawberries or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra luxurious touch.
Notes
- Customize the cake mix by choosing different flavors like yellow or white cake mix for varied taste profiles.
- Swap out fresh strawberries with frozen ones, but ensure they’re thawed and patted dry to prevent excess moisture in the cake.
- Enhance dairy-free options by using coconut oil instead of vegetable oil and almond milk in the icing for lactose-intolerant individuals.
- Create a gluten-free version by selecting a gluten-free cake mix and ensuring all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 267 kcal
- Sugar: 29 g
- Sodium: 155 mg
- Fat: 11 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 39 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 37 mg