If you’re looking for the ultimate strawberry honey bun cake recipe, you’ve come to the right place. This soft, moist cake combines the nostalgic flavors of a classic honey bun with sweet strawberry cake, a cinnamon sugar swirl, and a rich strawberry glaze. Every bite is packed with fruity flavor and comforting cinnamon goodness.

Whether you’re baking for birthdays, holidays, potlucks, or simply craving an easy homemade dessert, this strawberry honey bun cake is guaranteed to become a family favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Strawberry Honey Bun Cake Recipe

• Easy recipe using a boxed strawberry cake mix
• Moist and tender texture
• Delicious cinnamon brown sugar swirl
• Sweet homemade strawberry glaze
• Perfect for parties, brunch, or dessert
• Ready in under one hour

What Is Strawberry Honey Bun Cake?

A strawberry honey bun cake is a fun twist on the classic Southern honey bun cake. Instead of using yellow cake, this version starts with strawberry cake mix, creating a vibrant pink cake with incredible berry flavor.

A layer of cinnamon brown sugar is baked into the center, giving the cake the signature honey bun taste. Once baked, it’s topped with a smooth strawberry glaze that soaks into the warm cake for extra moisture.

Ingredients

For the Cake

• 1 box strawberry cake mix (15.25 oz)
• 4 large eggs
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• ⅔ cup vegetable oil

Cinnamon Swirl

• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

Strawberry Glaze

• 2 cups powdered sugar
• ¼ cup milk
• 1 teaspoon strawberry extract
• Pink or red food coloring (optional)

Kitchen Equipment

• 9×13-inch baking pan
• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer
• Measuring cups
• Rubber spatula
• Cooling rack

How to Make Strawberry Honey Bun Cake

Step 1: Prepare the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.

Step 2: Mix the Cake Batter

In a large mixing bowl, combine:

• Strawberry cake mix
• Eggs
• Softened cream cheese
• Vegetable oil

Beat until smooth and creamy.

Step 3: Make the Cinnamon Sugar Mixture

In a small bowl, stir together the brown sugar and cinnamon until evenly combined.

Step 4: Assemble the Cake

Spread half of the batter evenly into the prepared pan.

Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture over the batter.

Carefully spread the remaining batter over the top.

Avoid mixing the layers together.

Step 5: Bake

Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Allow the cake to cool for about 10 minutes.

Step 6: Make the Strawberry Glaze

Whisk together:

• Powdered sugar
• Milk
• Strawberry extract

Add a drop or two of food coloring if desired for a brighter pink glaze.

Pour the glaze over the warm cake.

Let it cool completely before slicing.

Tips for the Best Strawberry Honey Bun Cake Recipe

Use Room Temperature Cream Cheese

It blends much more smoothly into the batter.

Don’t Overmix

Mix only until the ingredients are combined to keep the cake soft.

Spread the Batter Carefully

The batter is thick. An offset spatula makes spreading easier.

Glaze While Warm

Adding the glaze to a warm cake allows it to soak in slightly for extra moisture.

Let the Cake Cool

Cooling helps the glaze set before slicing.

Delicious Variations

Strawberry Cream Cheese Honey Bun Cake

Add small cubes of sweetened cream cheese between the batter layers.

Fresh Strawberry Version

Fold diced fresh strawberries into the batter before baking.

Strawberry Lemon Honey Bun Cake

Add lemon zest to the glaze for a bright citrus flavor.

Chocolate Strawberry Honey Bun Cake

Sprinkle mini chocolate chips into the batter for an indulgent twist.

What to Serve With Strawberry Honey Bun Cake

This cake tastes wonderful with:

• Fresh strawberries
• Vanilla ice cream
• Whipped cream
• Hot coffee
• Sweet tea
• Cold milk

Storage Instructions

Refrigerator

Store covered for up to 4 days.

Freezer

Wrap individual slices tightly and freeze for up to 3 months.

Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

Make-Ahead Tips

• Bake the cake one day ahead.
• Add the glaze after reheating slightly or just before serving for the freshest taste.
• Freeze unglazed if making far in advance.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Using cold cream cheese
• Overbaking the cake
• Mixing the cinnamon layer into the batter
• Applying glaze to a completely cold cake
• Skipping pan greasing

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use fresh strawberries?

Yes. Fresh diced strawberries add extra flavor, but avoid adding too many or the cake may become overly moist.

Can I use sour cream instead of cream cheese?

Yes. Sour cream creates a soft, moist texture while adding slight tanginess.

Can I make this cake from scratch?

Absolutely. Replace the boxed mix with your favorite homemade strawberry cake recipe.

Does this cake need refrigeration?

Yes. Because it contains cream cheese, refrigerate leftovers.

Can I freeze strawberry honey bun cake?

Yes. Wrap tightly and freeze for up to three months.

Nutritional Information (Approximate Per Serving)

• Calories: 500
• Carbohydrates: 70g
• Protein: 5g
• Fat: 23g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Sugar: 56g
• Sodium: 340mg

Final Thoughts

This strawberry honey bun cake recipe is the perfect combination of fruity sweetness, warm cinnamon spice, and rich glaze. It’s incredibly easy to prepare, wonderfully moist, and always a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re baking for a family gathering, holiday celebration, or weekend dessert, this colorful cake delivers bakery-style flavor with minimal effort.

Once you make this recipe, you’ll want to keep it on repeat all year long.