This Strawberry Honeybun Cake is a delightful upgrade to a beloved classic. With swirls of cinnamon sugar, a moist strawberry-flavored base, and a luscious strawberry cream icing drizzled on top, this cake is perfect for any occasion. It’s sweet, tender, and full of nostalgic flavor—ideal for brunch, potlucks, or simply as a treat to share with loved ones.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Moist & Flavorful: A tender strawberry cake swirled with cinnamon sugar.
Beautifully Balanced: Sweet strawberry icing adds the perfect finishing touch.
Crowd-Pleaser: Great for gatherings, bake sales, or family desserts.
Easy to Make: Simple ingredients come together quickly.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 1 box strawberry cake mix (15.25 oz)
- 4 large eggs
- ¾ cup plain Greek yogurt or sour cream
- ½ cup unsweetened applesauce (or vegetable oil)
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
For the Strawberry Cream Icing:
- 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp strawberry puree (or strawberry jam thinned with a little water)
- 2 tbsp low-fat cream cheese, softened
- 1–2 tbsp milk (as needed for consistency)
Instructions
1. Preheat and Prepare
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Mix the Cake Batter
In a large bowl, whisk together the cake mix, eggs, Greek yogurt (or sour cream), and applesauce until smooth.
3. Add the Cinnamon-Sugar Swirl
Pour half of the batter into the prepared dish. In a small bowl, mix granulated sugar and cinnamon. Sprinkle evenly over the batter, then top with the remaining cake batter. Gently swirl with a knife to create ribbons.
4. Bake
Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool slightly before icing.
5. Prepare the Icing
In a medium bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, strawberry puree, cream cheese, and enough milk to reach a drizzle consistency.
6. Finish and Serve
Spread or drizzle icing over the warm cake. Slice into squares and serve.

Nutritional Information
Calories: 245
Carbohydrates: 42g
Fat: 6g
Protein: 4g
Fiber: 1g
Tips for Success
- Use Strawberry Jam: If fresh strawberries aren’t available, strawberry jam thinned with a bit of water makes a great substitute.
- Serve Warm: The cake is especially delicious when the icing melts slightly over the top.
- Add Toppings: Fresh sliced strawberries or a dollop of whipped cream make this dessert extra special.
- Make Ahead: Bake the cake a day ahead and add icing just before serving.
Why This Recipe Works
The combination of a moist strawberry base with a cinnamon-sugar swirl adds depth of flavor, while the strawberry cream icing ties it all together with a fresh, fruity sweetness. It’s simple, reliable, and guaranteed to impress.
Strawberry Honeybun Cake with Strawberry Cream Icing is a sweet, comforting dessert that transforms a classic into something even more delightful. Easy to prepare and loved by all ages, this cake is perfect for both special occasions and everyday indulgence.
Strawberry Honeybun Cake with Strawberry Cream Icing – A Sweet Twist on a Classic
12
servings15
minutes40
minutes245
kcal55
minutesThis Strawberry Honeybun Cake is a delightful upgrade to a beloved classic. With swirls of cinnamon sugar, a moist strawberry-flavored base, and a luscious strawberry cream icing drizzled on top, this cake is perfect for any occasion. It’s sweet, tender, and full of nostalgic flavor—ideal for brunch, potlucks, or simply as a treat to share with loved ones.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
1 box strawberry cake mix (15.25 oz)
4 large eggs
¾ cup plain Greek yogurt or sour cream
½ cup unsweetened applesauce (or vegetable oil)
½ cup granulated sugar
2 tsp ground cinnamon
For the Strawberry Cream Icing:
1 ½ cups powdered sugar
2 tbsp strawberry puree (or strawberry jam thinned with a little water)
2 tbsp low-fat cream cheese, softened
1–2 tbsp milk (as needed for consistency)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. - Mix the Cake Batter
In a large bowl, whisk together the cake mix, eggs, Greek yogurt (or sour cream), and applesauce until smooth. - Add the Cinnamon-Sugar Swirl
Pour half of the batter into the prepared dish. In a small bowl, mix granulated sugar and cinnamon. Sprinkle evenly over the batter, then top with the remaining cake batter. Gently swirl with a knife to create ribbons. - Bake
Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool slightly before icing. - Prepare the Icing
In a medium bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, strawberry puree, cream cheese, and enough milk to reach a drizzle consistency. - Finish and Serve
Spread or drizzle icing over the warm cake. Slice into squares and serve.
Notes
- Use Strawberry Jam: If fresh strawberries aren’t available, strawberry jam thinned with a bit of water makes a great substitute.
Serve Warm: The cake is especially delicious when the icing melts slightly over the top.
Add Toppings: Fresh sliced strawberries or a dollop of whipped cream make this dessert extra special.
Make Ahead: Bake the cake a day ahead and add icing just before serving.