Strawberry Honeybun Cake

Introduction:

This Strawberry Honeybun Cake is a delightful twist on the classic honey bun, adding layers of strawberry flavor for an irresistible treat. The cake is made by enhancing a strawberry-flavored cake mix with butter and cream cheese, creating a moist and rich base. A strawberry cinnamon sugar filling adds a deliciously sweet and spiced middle layer, while a pink strawberry glaze finishes the cake with a vibrant, glossy top. Perfect for special occasions or as a sweet indulgence, this cake is easy to make and sure to impress.

Ingredients:

For the Cake:

• 1 box (15.25 oz) Strawberry Cake Mix
• 8 oz Cream Cheese, softened
• ½ cup Butter, softened
• ¼ cup Vegetable Oil
• 4 large Eggs

For the Strawberry Cinnamon Sugar Filling:

• ⅔ cup White Sugar
• 1-2 tsp Ground Cinnamon
• 1 oz Freeze-Dried Strawberries, crushed into a fine powder

For the Strawberry Icing:

• 2 cups Powdered Sugar
• ¼ cup Strawberry Glaze or Topping
• 2-3 tbsp Water
• A touch of Honey (optional)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Filling:
   • Crush the freeze-dried strawberries into a fine powder using a motor and pestle.
   • Mix the powdered strawberries with sugar and ground cinnamon. Set aside.
2. Make the Cake Batter:
   • Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
   • In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth.
   • Add the cake mix, eggs, and vegetable oil to the mixture. Beat with a hand mixer on low-medium speed for about 2 minutes until well combined.
3. Layer the Cake:
   • Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with butter or oil.
   • Spread half of the cake batter into the greased baking pan.
   • Sprinkle the strawberry cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over the batter.
   • Top with the remaining cake batter, spreading it evenly.
   • Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean with a slight crumb.
4. Prepare the Strawberry Icing:
   • In a small bowl, mix together the powdered sugar, strawberry glaze or topping, and water. Stir until smooth, adding more water if needed to reach the desired consistency.
5. Glaze the Cake:
   • Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool for 5-10 minutes.
   • Using a toothpick, poke holes all over the cake.
   • Drizzle the strawberry icing over the hot cake, smoothing it out evenly. Reserve some icing for drizzling when serving if desired.
   • Allow the cake to cool slightly before serving.

Conclusion:

This Strawberry Honeybun Cake is a scrumptious and visually appealing dessert that combines the best of both worlds: the classic flavor of a honey bun and the fresh taste of strawberries. Easy to prepare and perfect for sharing, this cake will be a hit at any gathering. Serve it warm, topped with a little extra icing and fresh strawberries for an extra touch of indulgence. Enjoy!