Irresistible Strawberry Honeybun Red Cake Recipe for Sweet Lovers

Sweet strawberry honeybun red cake sparkles with vibrant colors and irresistible charm.

Crimson layers beckon with a playful twist on classic desserts.

Soft crumbs melt deliciously, promising pure delight in every slice.

Baking enthusiasts will adore this unique confection that blends fruity notes and comforting warmth.

Delicate strawberry essence weaves through each tender bite, creating magic on your plate.

Gathering ingredients becomes an exciting culinary adventure waiting to unfold.

You can transform simple components into an extraordinary dessert that will make everyone smile.

Store Honeybun Cake with Love

• Seal cake in an airtight container and store in refrigerator for up to 5 days. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent drying out.
• Wrap completely cooled cake (without icing) in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before frosting.
• Cut cake into portions, wrap each slice separately in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe bag. Store up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature for 30-45 minutes.
• Warm individual slices in microwave for 15-20 seconds on medium power. For best texture, let slice sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before serving to restore moisture.

FAQs

• What makes the cinnamon sugar layer special in this cake?

The cinnamon sugar layer adds a delightful swirl of warmth and sweetness, creating a honeybun-like texture and flavor throughout the cake.

• Can I use fresh or frozen strawberries for the puree?

You can use either fresh or frozen strawberries. If using frozen, thaw them completely and drain excess liquid before pureeing to ensure the right consistency.

• How do I know if the cake is fully baked?

Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, the cake is ready. Avoid overbaking to keep the cake moist.

Strawberry Honeybun Red Cake: Pink Perfection

• Swirl with Simplicity: Easily create a stunning marbled effect by gently running a knife through the batter, transforming an ordinary cake into a visually impressive dessert without requiring advanced baking skills.
• Quick Family Pleaser: Utilizes a cake mix base with added ingredients, making it a fast and foolproof recipe that delivers delicious results perfect for family gatherings or spontaneous sweet cravings.
• Versatile Celebration Treat: Adaptable for multiple occasions like birthdays, potlucks, or weekend gatherings, this strawberry-infused cake offers a crowd-pleasing blend of classic red velvet and fruity flavors that everyone will enjoy.
• Decadent Customization: Top the cake with optional fresh strawberry slices or colorful sprinkles, allowing personal creativity and adding an extra layer of excitement to the dessert presentation.

Ingredients for Strawberry Honeybun Cake

• Red Velvet Cake Mix: A convenient base that provides rich color and flavor for the cake.
• Vegetable Oil: Ensures moisture and tenderness in the cake texture.
• Sour Cream: Adds richness and helps create a soft, tender crumb.
• Eggs: Provides structure and helps bind the cake ingredients together.
• Strawberry Puree: Enhances the strawberry flavor and adds natural sweetness.
• Vanilla Extract: Contributes depth and complementary flavor to the cake.

• Brown Sugar, Ground Cinnamon: Creates a warm, sweet swirl that adds complexity and texture to the cake.

• Cream Cheese, Butter: Forms the creamy, tangy base of the icing.
• Powdered Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps achieve the right icing consistency.
• Strawberry Puree: Adds fresh strawberry flavor and a light pink color to the icing.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile of the icing.

• Fresh Strawberry Slices, Sprinkles: Adds visual appeal and extra decoration to the finished cake.

Bake Strawberry Red Cake Easily

Step 1: Fire Up the Oven

Crank the oven to 350F (175C).

Grab your 9×13-inch baking pan and give it a quick spray with cooking oil, then dust it with a light coating of flour to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Whip Together the Cake Base

• Red velvet cake mix
• Vegetable oil
• Sour cream
• Eggs
• Strawberry puree
• Vanilla extract

Blend everything until the mixture looks silky and smooth.

Step 3: Craft the Cinnamon Magic

In a small bowl, combine brown sugar with ground cinnamon, creating a sweet and spicy mixture.

Step 4: Create Delicious Layers

Pour half the cake batter into the prepared pan.

Sprinkle half the cinnamon-sugar mixture over the batter.

Add the remaining batter and top with the rest of the cinnamon-sugar blend.

Step 5: Swirl with Artistry

Take a knife and gently drag it through the batter, creating beautiful marbled patterns.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Slide the pan into the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes.

Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should come out clean.

Let the cake cool completely.

Step 7: Whip Up Creamy Frosting

In a mixing bowl, beat softened cream cheese and butter until they’re super smooth.

Gradually add powdered sugar, mixing until creamy.

Fold in strawberry puree and vanilla extract.

Step 8: Frost with Flair

Spread the strawberry cream cheese icing evenly across the cooled cake.

For extra pizzazz, scatter fresh strawberry slices or sprinkles on top.

Step 9: Slice and Celebrate

Cut into generous slices and enjoy this decadent strawberry honeybun red cake!

Pro Tips for Strawberry Honeybun Cake

• Use homemade red velvet cake batter for a more authentic flavor and control over ingredients.
• Drag a toothpick or skewer gently through the batter to create elegant, consistent marbled patterns without overmixing.
• Add freeze-dried strawberry powder to the cake batter for intense, concentrated strawberry taste without extra moisture.
• Refrigerate the cake for 30 minutes before slicing to ensure neat, clean edges and prevent icing from smearing.
• Let cream cheese and butter reach room temperature before making icing to ensure smooth, lump-free consistency.

Switch Up Strawberry Cake Flavors

• Gluten-Free Delight: Replace red velvet cake mix with a gluten-free cake mix and ensure all ingredients are gluten-free certified.
• Vegan Version: Swap eggs with flax eggs, use vegan cream cheese alternative, and select plant-based butter substitute for icing.
• Low-Sugar Option: Utilize sugar-free cake mix, replace brown sugar with monk fruit sweetener, and use low-fat cream cheese for reduced calorie count.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Substitute dairy cream cheese with coconut cream cheese, use almond milk instead of sour cream, and select dairy-free margarine for icing preparation.

Serve Red Cake for Any Occasion

• Sweet Slice Sidekick: Pair this decadent cake with a cold glass of milk or creamy vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert experience.
• Berry Bliss Companion: Serve alongside fresh strawberries or a light strawberry coulis to enhance the fruity flavor profile of the cake.
• Brunch Brilliance: Slice into smaller squares and include on a weekend brunch dessert platter with other pastries for a stunning presentation.
• Coffee Corner Treat: Enjoy a slice with a steaming cappuccino or rich espresso to balance the cake's sweetness and add a gourmet touch.

Strawberry Honeybun Red Cake Recipe

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4.6 from 32 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Sweet strawberry honeybun red cake whisks classic Southern dessert traditions into a delightful fusion of fruity freshness and nostalgic comfort. Creamy layers and luscious strawberry glaze invite bakers to savor each delectable slice with pure Southern charm.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 box red velvet cake mix
• 1 cup vegetable oil
• 1 cup sour cream
• 4 large eggs
• 1 cup pureed fresh strawberries

Flavor Enhancers:

• 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Icing Ingredients:

• 8 ounces (226 grams) cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 1/4 cup strawberry puree (fresh or frozen, blended)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and thoroughly coat a 9×13-inch baking pan with grease and flour to prevent sticking.
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together red velvet cake mix, vegetable oil, sour cream, eggs, strawberry puree, and vanilla extract until the batter becomes uniformly smooth and vibrant.
3. Create the signature cinnamon-sugar layer by combining brown sugar with ground cinnamon in a separate small bowl.
4. Carefully distribute half of the cake batter into the prepared pan, then generously sprinkle half of the cinnamon-sugar mixture across the surface.
5. Pour the remaining cake batter over the first layer and top with the rest of the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
6. Using a knife, gently create a marbled effect by swirling the batter and sugar layers without overmixing.
7. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, checking doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should come out clean.
8. Remove from oven and allow the cake to cool completely at room temperature, which helps set the texture.
9. Prepare the strawberry cream cheese icing by beating softened cream cheese and butter until creamy and well-combined.
10. Gradually incorporate powdered sugar into the cream cheese mixture, mixing until smooth and free of lumps.
11. Fold in strawberry puree and vanilla extract, blending until the icing reaches a consistent, spreadable consistency.
12. Once the cake has cooled, evenly spread the strawberry cream cheese icing across the entire surface.
13. Optional: Garnish with fresh strawberry slices or decorative sprinkles for added visual appeal.
14. Slice into squares and serve this decadent strawberry honeybun red cake to eager guests.

Notes

• Enhance the strawberry flavor by using fresh, ripe strawberries at peak ripeness for the puree, ensuring a more vibrant and intense taste.
• Adjust the cinnamon-sugar ratio to personal preference, creating a custom swirl that balances sweetness and warmth.
• For a gluten-free version, substitute the cake mix with a gluten-free red velvet mix and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free certified.
• Prevent the cake from drying out by not overbaking; check doneness early and remove from the oven when a toothpick comes out with just a few moist crumbs.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 390 kcal
• Sugar: 38 g
• Sodium: 210 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 44 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 55 mg