I was craving something sweet and soft so I made this strawberry honey bun cake recipe. It’s moist with a gooey cinnamon swirl and that strawberry glaze on top just makes it extra special.
I baked this one for a small family get-together and everyone kept asking for seconds! The best part? You don’t need to be a baking pro — with a few simple ingredients, you can have a cake that tastes just like it came from a bakery.
Perfect for breakfast, coffee breaks, or just because you deserve a little sweet treat. Honestly, one bite, and you’ll see why this cake has become a favorite in my kitchen!
Why You’ll Love This Strawberry Honey Bun Cake
- This strawberry honey bun cake has that cozy homemade vibe we all love. Soft sweet and full of strawberry goodness.
- The best part? You don’t need to be some baking expert. Grab a cake mix a few basics, and you’re good to go.
- It is quick easy and honestly feels like something straight out of a bakery. I still get surprised how simple it is.
- That strawberry glaze on top? Honestly, it makes the cake feel extra fancy, and once you try it, you’ll want it on repeat.
- It goes just as well with a cup of coffee in the morning as it does on the table for birthdays or family dinners.
- If you’ve ever loved coffee cakes, this strawberry twist is gonna win you over big time.
- And if you’re into strawberry desserts, you’ve got to try my Strawberry Cream Cheese Pound Cake. It’s just as simple and pairs perfectly with this honey bun cake.
Ingredients You Will Need for Strawberry Honey Bun Cake
For the Cake:
- 1 box of Strawberry cake mix
- 1 cup sour cream
- 4 large eggs
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- ½ cup water
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Cinnamon Sugar Swirl:
- 1 cup light brown sugar
- 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
For the Strawberry Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp strawberry preserves or jam
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Strawberry Honey Bun Cake
Preheat and Prepare Your Pan for the Cake
Start by preheating your oven to the temperature listed on the box. While it is warming up grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with butter or use a non-stick baking spray (I personally love using it—it saves so much mess). If you want to change things up you can even bake this as a strawberry cinnamon bundt cake in a 10-cup bundt pan for that pretty swirl look. This simple prep step makes sure your strawberry honey bun cake doesn’t stick and bakes evenly every single time.
Make the Moist Strawberry Cake Batter
Take a large bowl and pour in the strawberry cake mix. Add 1 cup of sour cream for that soft texture, ¾ cup of vegetable oil, and 4 eggs. Stir or beat the mixture with an electric better until it turns into a smooth, lump-free batter—this will be the base of your strawberry honey bun cake.
Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar Swirl Filling
- Grab a small mixing bowl and toss in 1 cup light brown sugar and 1 tbsp ground cinnamon.
- Mix it with a wooden spoon or silicone spatula. Don’t stress about being perfect just stir it until it looks even.
- This little mix may look simple but it is the magic that gives your cake that gooey cinnamon-y center you’ll totally fall in love with.
- While the cake is baking the cinnamon and sugar melt right into the layers and wow every bite turns out soft sweet and super cozy.
- Honestly it reminds me of the honey buns I used to sneak from the bakery as a kid warm comforting and just a little indulgent.
- I always keep ground cinnamon in my pantry. I toss it into almost every dessert I bake because it just makes everything taste so much better.
Layer the Batter and Cinnamon Filling Like a Bakery Cake
- First, pour half of the strawberry cake batter into your baking pan and spread it out evenly.
- Spread the cinnamon sugar mix over that batter layer.
- Then, make the next layer of batter on top and gently spread it so it covers the cinnamon layer completely.
- When you layer this Strawberry Honey Bun Cake step by step, each slice turns out so beautiful. You can see the soft and lovely cinnamon swirl inside—just like a bakery-style treat!”
Bake the Strawberry Honey Bun Cake to Perfection
- Carefully pop your pan into the oven and bake it for about 40 minutes. I usually set a timer and check around 35 minutes just to be safe.
- To see if it’s done stick a toothpick in the center if it comes out clean you are golden.
- Honestly while it bakes your kitchen smells amazing like a cozy little bakery with sweet strawberry and cinnamon filling the air I always end up sneaking a taste of the batter because the smell is just too tempting.
Make and Pour the Sweet Strawberry Glaze
- While the cake is baking get started on the glaze
- Add 1 cup of powdered sugar 2 tablespoons of milk and ½ teaspoon of vanilla extract into a small bowl
- Stir it all together until it turns smooth and creamy
- This simple glaze is the perfect finishing touch for your strawberry glaze cake and honestly it makes it look and taste like something from a bakery. You can also try my Strawberry Bread with Glaze for another super easy and delicious strawberry dessert.
Serving Ideas for Strawberry Honey Bun Cake with Glaze
- I love serving this strawberry honey bun cake slightly chilled. The glaze sets perfectly and every bite is soft and sweet. The first time I made this cake for a family gathering everyone kept asking for seconds. Honestly seeing their faces light up was the best part.
- If you want to get a little fancy add a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side. The first time I tried this combo, I almost ate the whole slice myself before anyone noticed. It’s that good.
- Sometimes I sprinkle a few extra chopped nuts or a little shredded coconut on top for that extra crunch and island vibes. My little niece even helped me sprinkle it last time and she thought she was a pastry chef.
- You can also drizzle a bit of honey or maple syrup over each slice for an extra layer of sweetness. I promise your family and friends will love it.
- And trust me taking a photo of that gooey cinnamon swirl before everyone digs in is totally worth it. While you’re at it check out my Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies for another super easy and delicious strawberry dessert. That day I realized that simple ingredients can create the most memorable desserts.
Expert Tips for the Best Strawberry Honey Bun Cake
- A good glaze can take your strawberry honeybun cake from simple to stunning. Trust me I’ve baked this cake so many times and the right glaze always makes it look and taste like a bakery treat.
- Start with sifted powdered sugar. I always sift my powdered sugar for a smooth glaze with no lumps. This trick gives your easy strawberry honey bun cake a perfect shiny finish every time.
- Add liquid slowly. Whether you’re using milk, cream, or a little strawberry juice, add it gradually. This helps you get a glaze that’s pourable but not too runny. I learned this the first time I made my strawberry honey bun cake with cinnamon and added too much liquid at once.
- Boost the flavor. A few drops of strawberry extract or a splash of vanilla gives your glaze extra depth. It really enhances the flavor of your strawberry honeybun cake and makes it taste extra special.
- Let the cake cool before glazing. Don’t pour glaze on a hot cake. Wait until your easy strawberry honey bun cake is at room temperature so the glaze sits nicely on top without melting away.
- Give it time to set. Once you drizzle the glaze, let it rest for a few minutes. This creates a shiny, sweet layer that looks amazing when you slice the strawberry honey bun cake. Honestly watching the glaze settle is one of my favorite parts of baking.
If you enjoy fruity desserts, you might also love trying this delicious White Chocolate Raspberry Cake for another sweet treat.
Ingredient Variations & Substitutions for Strawberry Honey Bun Cake
- Strawberry cake mix – If you don’t have strawberry cake mix you can use vanilla or yellow cake mix and add a bit of fresh strawberry puree or strawberry jam to get that strawberry flavor.
- Sour cream – If you are out of sour cream Greek yogurt or plain yogurt works perfectly. It keeps the cake moist and soft.
- Vegetable oil – You can substitute with canola oil melted coconut oil or even melted butter. I personally stick to vegetable oil for a super soft texture.
- Strawberry preserves or jam (for glaze) – If you don’t have strawberry jam try raspberry or mixed berry jam. The flavor might change a bit but it will still be super tasty.
- Brown sugar for cinnamon swirl – If you don’t have brown sugar mix white sugar with 1 tsp molasses. The gooey swirl stays perfect.
- Vanilla extract – If you are out of vanilla extract a few drops of almond extract or maple extract can work. It might taste a little different but it’s still absolutely delicious.
It might taste a little different but it’s still absolutely delicious. While you’re at it check out my Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake Recipe for another easy and tasty strawberry dessert.
How to Store Strawberry Honeybun Cake
- Let your easy strawberry honey bun cake cool completely. I usually wrap it in plastic wrap or keep it in an airtight container to stay soft.
- You can leave it on the counter for 2-3 days or in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- For longer storage, wrap it well in plastic wrap and foil and freeze for up to 2 months. Let it thaw in the fridge overnight then pour the strawberry glaze on top before serving.
- The cake stays moist soft and full of cinnamon swirl flavor every time.
Strawberry Honey Bun Cake Nutrition Facts (Per Slice)
Calories 467 kcal || Total Fat 4.3g || Carbohydrates 66g || Protein 4.5g
Note: Nutritionix only lists the total calorie amount for this Strawberry Honeybun cake
Frequently Asked Questions About Strawberry Honey Bun Cake
Can I use strawberry jam instead of preserves?
Yes, both jam and preserves work well for this recipe.
How do I keep the cake moist?
Sour cream and oil in the batter keep the cake soft and moist. Don’t overbeat cake batter and don’t overbake it.
How do you make a strawberry honeybun cake step by step?
I’ve baked this cake countless times, and honestly it’s super easy. Start by mixing your strawberry cake mix with sour cream, eggs and vegetable oil. Layer half the batter in a greased pan. Add your cinnamon sugar swirl. Then top with the remaining batter. Bake for 40 minutes. Cool and drizzle the strawberry glaze. Each step is simple even for beginners.
What is the best way to make an easy strawberry honey bun cake?
Honestly the easiest way I’ve found is to grab a boxed strawberry cake mix. Add a few simple things like sour cream and eggs. It keeps the cake super soft and moist. The cinnamon swirl gives it that classic honeybun flavor everyone loves
How do I get a cinnamon swirl in my strawberry honey bun cake?
I always mix brown sugar and ground cinnamon for the swirl. Pour half the batter. Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar evenly. Then cover with the remaining batter. Bake and you’ll get that gooey cinnamon center in every slice. Just like a bakery-style strawberry honey bun cake with cinnamon.
Can I use fresh strawberries instead of cake mix for strawberry honeybun cake?
Yes absolutely. You can use a vanilla or yellow cake mix and fold in fresh strawberry puree or chopped strawberries. It gives a more natural fruity flavor. I do this sometimes when strawberries are in season. It makes the cake taste fresh and vibrant.
How long does it take to bake a strawberry honeybun cake?
It usually takes 40 to 45 minutes depending on your oven. I always check with a toothpick in the center. It should come out clean. Baking time can vary slightly if you’re using a bundt pan or a loaf pan.
Can I make a strawberry honey bun cake ahead of time?
Yes you can bake it a day before. Keep it in a sealed container on the counter. Honestly the flavors settle and taste even better the next day. I often make it for parties a day ahead.
What can I use instead of sour cream in strawberry honeybun cake?
Greek yogurt or plain yogurt works perfectly. It keeps your easy strawberry honey bun cake moist and soft. I’ve used this many times when I ran out of sour cream and it turns out just as delicious.
How do I glaze a strawberry honey bun cake perfectly?
Cool the cake first so the glaze doesn’t melt. Mix powdered sugar with milk and a little vanilla. Drizzle slowly and let it sit for a few minutes. This creates that shiny sweet layer. I always add a tiny bit of strawberry preserves for extra fruity flavor.
Can I freeze strawberry honeybun cake?
Yes cover it well with plastic wrap and foil and freeze for up to 2 months. Let it thaw in the fridge overnight and then add the glaze before serving. I’ve done this many times for family gatherings and it tastes just like fresh.
Is there a gluten-free version of strawberry honeybun cake?
Yes use a gluten-free strawberry cake mix or make your own gluten-free batter. The texture may be slightly denser but it’s still soft sweet and absolutely delicious.
Strawberry Honey Bun Cake Recipe – Final Thoughts
This strawberry honey bun cake recipe is the perfect easy dessert soft sweet and full of cinnamon swirl flavor If you love fruity cakes with a cozy homemade feel this easy strawberry honey bun cake recipe is a must try Bake it this weekend and share your creation in the comments or tag me on social media I would love to see your versions and hear what you think about this strawberry glaze cake Trust me your friends and family will thank you.
Strawberry Honeybun Cake Recipe
Ingredients
For the Cake
- 1 Box strawberry cake mix
- ¾ cup sour cream
- ¾ cup vegetable oil
- 4 Large eggs
- ¼ cup milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Cinnamon Swirl Filling
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
For the Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 tbsp milk
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
- Prepare the cinnamon filling: In a small bowl, mix brown sugar and cinnamon. Set aside.
- Make the cake batter: In a large bowl, mix the cake mix, sour cream, oil, eggs, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Layer the cake: Pour half of the cake batter into the pan and spread it evenly. Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture on top. Pour the remaining batter over and spread gently.
- Bake for about 40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Your kitchen will smell amazing!
- Prepare the glaze: In a small bowl, whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth.
- Add the glaze: Once the cake is slightly cooled, drizzle the glaze over the top. Let it set before slicing.
Notes
- Don’t skip the sour cream – It keeps the cake extra soft and moist.
- Use room temperature eggs – This helps the batter mix more evenly.
- For a stronger swirl, Add a light swirl with a knife after layering the cinnamon sugar before pouring the rest of the batter.
- Let the cake cool slightly before glazing – If it’s too hot, the glaze will melt too much and disappear into the cake.
- Want to make it extra special? Add sliced fresh strawberries on top before serving, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side.
