Description
Strawberry Cinnamon Honeybun Cake
Treat yourself to this Strawberry Honeybun Cake with a delightful cinnamon kick and smooth strawberry cream icing. It’s an easy-to-make dessert that’ll steal the spotlight at any gathering!
Ingredients:
1 box vanilla cake mix
3 large eggs
1 cup sour cream
½ cup vegetable oil
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 tsp ground cinnamon
½ cup brown sugar
1 cup diced strawberries
For the Icing:
2 cups powdered sugar
2 tbsp milk
½ cup strawberry puree
1 tsp vanilla extract
Directions:
Prepare and bake the cake.
Mix up the strawberry icing and drizzle over the cake.
Pro Tip: Add extra brown sugar to the cake for an added caramel touch!
#CinnamonLovers #StrawberryDessert
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan. In a large bowl, combine the vanilla cake mix, eggs, sour cream, vegetable oil, and 1 tsp vanilla extract. Beat with an electric mixer on medium speed for 2 minutes until smooth and well combined.
2. In a small separate bowl, mix the ground cinnamon and brown sugar. Pour half of the cake batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly. Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over this layer. Gently spoon the remaining batter over the top, carefully spreading to cover the cinnamon layer. Use a knife to gently swirl the layers together.
3. Fold the diced strawberries into the batter in the pan, distributing them evenly. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
4. While the cake cools, make the icing. In a medium bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, strawberry puree, and vanilla extract until you achieve a smooth, drizzle-able consistency. Add more milk, one teaspoon at a time, if the icing is too thick.
5. Once the cake is completely cool, drizzle the strawberry icing generously over the top. Let the icing set for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this cake slightly warm or at room temperature. For an extra special touch, top each slice with a dollop of freshly whipped cream and a few fresh strawberry slices. It pairs wonderfully with a cup of coffee for breakfast or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert.
How-to Summary
Mix cake batter, layer with a cinnamon-sugar swirl, fold in diced strawberries, and bake. Once cooled, top with a simple icing made from powdered sugar and strawberry puree for a sweet, fruity finish.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh strawberries instead of a puree for the icing? Yes, but you must puree them first. Simply blend about 3/4 cup of fresh strawberries until smooth, then measure out the 1/2 cup needed for the recipe.
Can I make this cake ahead of time? Absolutely. Bake the cake a day in advance, but wait to add the icing until just before serving to prevent it from soaking in.
What can I substitute for sour cream? Plain, full-fat Greek yogurt is an excellent 1:1 substitute that will maintain the cake’s moisture and tender crumb.
Why did my cinnamon-sugar layer sink to the bottom? This happens if the batter is too thin or not layered properly. Ensure your batter is thick and spread the top layer gently to fully encapsulate the cinnamon layer.
How should I store leftovers? Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid over-mixing the batter after adding the dry ingredients, as this can lead to a tough cake. Do not add the icing to a warm cake, as it will melt and become absorbed instead of forming a beautiful glaze. Ensure your strawberries for the cake are diced small; large pieces can sink during baking. Finally, do not skip the step of swirling the cinnamon layer, as this is key to distributing the flavor throughout every bite.
Conclusion
This Strawberry Cinnamon Honeybun Cake is the perfect fusion of comforting spice and bright, fruity flavor. Its simple preparation, using a convenient cake mix base, belies its impressive and delicious result. By following this enhanced guide, you can avoid common pitfalls and create a stunning, crowd-pleasing dessert that’s sure to become a requested favorite.
