Strawberry Honey Bun Cake – The Best Swirled Strawberry Dessert

Strawberry honey bun cake isn’t just a mouthful to say it’s a full-on flavor experience. This delightful dessert combines the rich, swirled layers of a classic honey bun with the fruity sweetness of strawberries. If you’re craving a nostalgic treat with a fruity twist, this cake delivers. Whether you’re making it for brunch, potlucks, or a laid-back weekend bake, the strawberry honey bun cake is the kind of recipe that’ll have people asking for seconds (and the recipe).

In this article, you’ll discover what makes this cake so irresistible, how to bake it step-by-step, and smart tips to elevate your results. We’ll also answer popular baking questions, share creative variations like strawberry poke cake, and walk through how to store and serve it perfectly.

Table of Contents

What Is a Strawberry Honey Bun Cake?

What Makes This Cake Unique?

At its core, a strawberry honey bun cake is a fun hybrid of two well-loved desserts: the dense, sweet layers of a honey bun and the fruit-forward brightness of strawberry cake. This cake layers strawberry-flavored batter with a cinnamon-sugar swirl, then tops it with a sticky strawberry glaze. It’s not your average strawberry cake—and it’s far from a traditional honey bun.

The uniqueness lies in the contrasting textures and flavors. The cinnamon swirl melts into the sponge while baking, creating ribbons of gooey, brown-sugary goodness. The strawberry base adds a punch of color and tartness, balancing the cake’s sweetness. And that strawberry glaze? It ties the whole thing together in the best way.

A Sweet Mashup of Traditions

Honey bun cakes hail from the Southern United States, inspired by store-bought breakfast pastries. They’re usually made with yellow cake mix and layered with cinnamon sugar. What sets the strawberry version apart is its vibrant hue and berry-infused twist.

Using a strawberry cake mix, this recipe adds depth with vanilla extract, sour cream for moisture, and a rich glaze made with real strawberry jam. It’s Southern comfort food meets summertime berry delight.

Essential Strawberry Honey Bun Cake Ingredients

Creating the perfect strawberry honey bun cake starts with knowing exactly what goes into it—and why. The secret to its flavor and texture lies in the balance of moist cake ingredients, a rich cinnamon swirl, and a sweet strawberry glaze.

The Base Ingredients Breakdown

The foundation of the cake is a boxed strawberry cake mix, which gives the cake its bold color and berry flavor without needing to puree fresh strawberries. It’s a smart shortcut that still delivers rich taste and great texture.

Here’s what you’ll need for the base:

• 1 box strawberry cake mix – For color and flavor.
• 1 cup sour cream – Adds moisture and richness.
• 4 large eggs – Provides structure and helps bind.
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil – Keeps the crumb soft.
• 1/2 cup water – Helps hydrate the mix.
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar – Enhances sweetness.
• 1 tsp vanilla extract – Adds depth and aroma.

Why sour cream? It’s a key ingredient in many moist cakes. It gives the batter extra fat, which results in a denser crumb—perfect for holding the gooey cinnamon center.

Understanding the Cinnamon Swirl

What makes a honey bun cake so indulgent is the sugary swirl that runs through its center. In this case, the pairing of brown sugar and cinnamon adds a warming contrast to the fruity base.

Cinnamon Swirl Ingredients:

• 1 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

This layer sits between two layers of batter. As the cake bakes, the cinnamon mixture melts into the sponge, giving you a sticky, flavorful bite in every slice.

Crafting the Strawberry Glaze

The strawberry glaze is the final sweet touch—and one that takes this dessert from good to amazing. Made with real strawberry jam, it creates a soft pink drizzle that complements the golden brown cake underneath.

Strawberry Glaze Ingredients:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons strawberry jam
• 1-2 tablespoons milk (adjust for drizzling consistency)

Step-by-Step Strawberry Honey Bun Cake

Ready to bring this beauty to life? Making a strawberry honey bun cake at home is surprisingly easy, even if you’re not a pro baker. Below is a foolproof step-by-step guide that ensures a moist crumb, gooey cinnamon layers, and a glossy glaze finish.

Preparing the Batter

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a 9×13-inch baking pan. This size ensures the cake bakes evenly and holds the cinnamon swirl without collapsing in the middle.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the following:

• 1 box strawberry cake mix
• 1 cup sour cream
• 4 large eggs
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 1/2 cup water
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Mix everything until smooth and well-blended. You don’t need a stand mixer—just a sturdy whisk or hand mixer will do. Be careful not to overmix; you want the batter to stay fluffy, not dense.

Layering the Swirl

In a separate small bowl, mix:

• 1 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

Now it’s time to layer:

1. Pour half of the batter into your greased pan. Spread it evenly with a spatula.
2. Sprinkle the entire cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly across the surface.
3. Pour the remaining batter over the top and smooth it out.

This layering technique creates the iconic swirl that makes a honey bun cake so irresistible.

Baking Tips for Moist Perfection

Bake in the preheated oven for 35 to 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The edges should be slightly golden, and the center should spring back when lightly pressed.

Pro Tip: If you’re baking in a glass pan, you may need to reduce baking time slightly to avoid overbrowning the edges.

Can You Add Real Strawberries to Cake Mix?

Many bakers wonder: can you take your boxed cake mix to the next level by adding real fruit? The short answer is yes—but you’ve got to do it the right way to avoid a soggy or dense cake.

Fresh Strawberries vs. Jam: What Works Best?

When it comes to flavor, fresh strawberries definitely offer a natural tartness and bright color. But tossing fresh fruit into a boxed cake mix without adjusting the moisture can lead to uneven baking or sunken spots. That’s why this strawberry honey bun cake uses strawberry jam in the glaze—it gives you that rich fruit flavor without risking the texture.

If you’re determined to go fresh:

• Chop the strawberries into small pieces.
• Pat them dry with a paper towel to reduce excess water.
• Toss them in a teaspoon of flour before folding them into the batter. This keeps them from sinking to the bottom.

Jam or preserves, on the other hand, blend more evenly and are great for swirl fillings or glaze. In this recipe, we use 2 tablespoons of strawberry jam in the glaze to amplify the berry flavor without overwhelming the cake’s structure.

Tips for Incorporating Real Fruit

If you’re going the real fruit route, keep these tips in mind:

• Limit to ½ cup chopped strawberries per cake mix to avoid excess moisture.
• Add strawberries after mixing your batter—fold them in gently.
• Reduce other liquids (like water or oil) slightly if using very juicy berries.

Fresh fruit can be amazing in cakes, but in a layered dessert like this, it’s often better to let the cake mix and glaze handle the strawberry flavor and save the real fruit as a garnish on top or a side.

What is a Strawberry Honey Bun Cake, Really?

To understand the magic of a strawberry honey bun cake, it helps to know where the original idea comes from. This cake didn’t just appear out of nowhere—it’s a Southern favorite with deep roots and a rich history of comfort baking.

Southern Roots of Honey Bun Cakes

The traditional honey bun cake is a spin-off of the classic breakfast pastry: the honey bun. You’ve probably seen those sticky, coiled, cinnamon-packed pastries in convenience stores or lunchboxes—especially under the Little Debbie label.

Homemade honey bun cakes are typically made using yellow cake mix, a brown sugar and cinnamon swirl, and a sweet vanilla glaze on top. They’re baked in sheet pans and often served as breakfast, dessert, or an anytime treat. The result? A moist, cinnamon-kissed cake with nostalgic flavor in every bite.

So yes, to answer one of the FAQs: Is a honey bun a Little Debbie cake? Absolutely. But this homemade version takes it several steps beyond the packaged snack.

How the Strawberry Version Elevates It

The strawberry honey bun cake builds on this classic base—but gives it a bold and fruity twist. Instead of yellow cake, it uses strawberry cake mix, and replaces the vanilla glaze with a strawberry jam glaze that melts into the top for a glossy, berry-rich finish.

Here’s why it works:

• The cinnamon swirl contrasts with the fruity batter in a way that’s unexpected but addictive.
• The strawberry glaze brings brightness that cuts through the richness.
• And visually? The pink and golden layers make this a real showstopper.

This version is perfect for spring gatherings, brunches, baby showers, or simply upgrading your usual weeknight dessert.

Exploring the Flavor Profile

What makes the strawberry honey bun cake such a hit? It’s all about balance—moist texture, fruity brightness, warm spice, and sticky sweetness, all layered into one slice. From the first bite to the last, this cake offers a complex flavor journey that keeps you coming back for more.

Texture and Taste: What to Expect

This cake isn’t your typical strawberry dessert. Thanks to the addition of sour cream and eggs, the sponge turns out moist and tender, yet holds up beautifully under the swirl and glaze. It’s not overly fluffy, but that’s a good thing—this cake has some heft, the kind that soaks up glaze like a champ.

Flavor-wise:

• The strawberry cake mix gives a punch of berry flavor that’s sweet but not cloying.
• The cinnamon-sugar swirl cuts through the fruitiness with a cozy warmth that surprises you—in a good way.
• And finally, the glaze made from powdered sugar, strawberry jam, and milk coats the top in a sticky-sweet layer that finishes every bite with a burst of flavor.

Imagine a cinnamon roll colliding with strawberry shortcake. That’s this cake.

Why the Glaze Makes It Irresistible

You might think you can skip the glaze but trust us, you shouldn’t. It’s not just a topping; it’s a finishing layer of flavor and texture.

Here’s why the glaze matters:

• It keeps the top moist even after cooling.
• It intensifies the strawberry flavor without needing fresh berries.
• It adds a gorgeous, glossy finish that makes your cake presentation-worthy.

Want a more tart bite? Try using a strawberry-rhubarb jam in place of plain strawberry jam in the glaze. It gives a sharp, tangy edge that balances the cake’s richness.

Creative Variations and Add-Ons

Once you’ve mastered the base recipe for strawberry honey bun cake, the possibilities for creative variations are endless. Whether you want to add richness, create contrast, or make it even more visually stunning, there’s room to experiment without losing what makes the cake special.

Strawberry Cream Cheese Swirl Version

One popular variation is to add a cream cheese swirl alongside the cinnamon layer. This adds a tangy richness that balances the sweetness and creates a cheesecake-like surprise in every bite.

How to make it:

• Mix 1 block (8 oz) of softened cream cheese with 1/4 cup sugar and 1 egg.
• After pouring in your first layer of batter and the cinnamon-sugar mix, spoon the cream cheese mixture over it in dollops.
• Swirl lightly with a knife before adding the top layer of batter.

The result? A moist, decadent cake that’s half honey bun, half strawberry cheesecake.

Turning It Into a Strawberry Poke Cake

Ever heard of a strawberry poke cake? This fun twist takes your honey bun cake and infuses it with even more strawberry flavor.

Here’s how:

• Once the cake is baked and slightly cooled, use the end of a wooden spoon to poke holes across the top.
• Warm up 1/2 cup strawberry jam until pourable, then drizzle it into the holes.
• Let it soak in before applying the glaze.

This creates pockets of intense strawberry flavor inside the sponge, giving every forkful a juicy surprise.

Bonus Ideas:

• Top the cake with fresh strawberries or sliced almonds for a crunchy contrast.
• Add white chocolate chips to the batter for an extra decadent touch.
• Swap the glaze for a lemon-strawberry drizzle for a tangy twist.

Serving and Storage Tips Strawberry Honey Bun Cake

Once your strawberry honey bun cake is baked, glazed, and ready to slice, you might be wondering how to serve it perfectly or how to keep leftovers tasting fresh. Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.

Best Ways to Slice and Present

This cake is dense and layered, which means a little goes a long way. Use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between slices to keep your cake pieces neat.

Serving tips:

• Slice into even squares or rectangles for easy plating.
• Drizzle with extra glaze or a light dusting of powdered sugar before serving.
• Top with fresh strawberry slices or mint leaves for added color and flavor.

This cake is ideal served slightly warm or at room temperature. It pairs beautifully with a cup of coffee, milk, or even a sweet sparkling rosé for a grown-up twist.

Storage, Freezing, and Reheating Guide

Good news—this cake stores well and reheats like a dream.

How to Store:

• Room temperature: Keep in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
• Refrigerator: Store in the fridge for up to 5 days. Just be sure it’s tightly sealed to prevent drying out.

How to Freeze:

• Let the cake cool completely.
• Cut into individual portions.
• Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag.
• Freeze for up to 2 months.

To enjoy again, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds.

Reheating Tips:

• Microwave individual slices on a low setting to gently warm without drying them out.
• Add a fresh spoonful of glaze or a dab of strawberry jam before serving to revive that sticky sweetness.

FAQs Strawberry Honey Bun Cake

Conclusion Strawberry Honey Bun Cake

The strawberry honey bun cake is more than just a pretty bake—it’s a rich, comforting, fruit-forward twist on a nostalgic classic. With the moisture of sour cream, the surprise of cinnamon swirl, and a glossy strawberry glaze to top it off, this cake delivers big flavor with minimal fuss.

Whether you’re whipping it up for a spring brunch, family get-together, or just to treat yourself on a weekend, it’s guaranteed to bring smiles. Plus, it stores well and adapts easily into variations like poke cakes or cream cheese versions.

So grab that box of strawberry cake mix, a spoonful of jam, and get swirling!

Discover more great bakes like our Easy Cottage Cheese Bagels for your next cozy kitchen moment.

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