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Are you looking for a delicious and delightful dessert to surprise your family and friends? Look no further! The Strawberry Honeybun Cake with Strawberry Cream Icing is a perfect treat for any occasion. This cake is not just beautifully topped with a creamy strawberry icing; it also bursts with fresh strawberry flavor in every bite. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, hosting a picnic, or simply craving something sweet, this cake will surely impress everyone at the table.

Why you’ll love this recipe

One of the best things about this Strawberry Honeybun Cake is how easy it is to make. You don’t need to be a professional baker to whip up this stunning dessert. The combination of moist cake, sweet strawberries, and creamy icing comes together effortlessly. Plus, it fills your kitchen with a delightful aroma as it bakes!

This cake is wonderfully versatile. It can be served at birthday parties, holiday gatherings, or even as a simple dessert for a cozy family dinner. Something about the vibrant color and rich flavor makes it feel special, yet it remains accessible enough for everyday enjoyment.

So, let’s get started on making this delightful cake!

How to prepare Strawberry Honeybun Cake

Preparing the Strawberry Honeybun Cake with Strawberry Cream Icing is a straightforward process. All you need are some basic ingredients, a bit of time, and love for baking. This guide will help you through each step, ensuring that you create a cake that you and your loved ones will cherish.

Ingredients:

• 1 box of vanilla cake mix
• 1 cup of strawberry puree (made from fresh or frozen strawberries)
• 1 cup of water
• 1/2 cup of vegetable oil
• 3 large eggs
• 1 cup of granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon of salt
• 1 cup of chopped fresh strawberries for garnish

For the Strawberry Cream Icing:

• 1/2 cup of unsalted butter, softened
• 4 cups of powdered sugar
• 1/4 cup of strawberry puree
• 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
• A pinch of salt
• Fresh strawberries for decoration

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. Prepare the batter: In a large mixing bowl, combine the vanilla cake mix, strawberry puree, water, vegetable oil, and eggs. Mix well using a hand mixer or whisk until the batter is smooth.

3. Add the sugar and flavor: Stir in the granulated sugar, vanilla extract, baking powder, and salt. Mix until everything is combined.

4. Prepare the baking pan: Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan. This step helps to prevent the cake from sticking.

5. Pour the batter: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan. Spread it evenly.

6. Bake the cake: Place the cake in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

7. Cool down: Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.

8. Make the icing: In another bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add in the powdered sugar, mixing well. Then, add the strawberry puree, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Mix until smooth and fluffy.

9. Frost the cake: Once the cake has completely cooled, spread the strawberry cream icing generously on top. Decorate with fresh strawberries as desired.

10. Slice and serve: Cut into slices and serve. Enjoy the fantastic combination of flavors!

How to serve Strawberry Honeybun Cake

Serving the Strawberry Honeybun Cake is truly a joy. You can present the cake right from the baking pan for a casual gathering, or you may choose to transfer it to a decorative cake stand for more formal occasions.

To make the presentation even prettier, consider placing whole fresh strawberries around the cake or on individual plates. A dollop of extra strawberry cream icing on top of each slice can add a beautiful finishing touch. This cake pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream on the side.

How to store Strawberry Honeybun Cake

If you happen to have leftovers (which might be unlikely!), storing them properly is essential to keeping the cake fresh.

• Room Temperature: If you plan to eat the cake within a couple of days, you can cover it with plastic wrap or foil and keep it at room temperature.

• Refrigerator: For longer storage, place the cake in the fridge. It will stay fresh for about 4 to 5 days. Just be sure to cover it well to prevent it from drying out.

• Freezer: If you want to keep it for a longer time, you can freeze the cake. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil or place it in an airtight container. It can be frozen for up to three months. When you want to enjoy it again, thaw it in the fridge overnight.

Preparation tips for Strawberry Honeybun Cake

1. Use Fresh Strawberries: Fresh strawberries will give you the best flavor, but if they aren’t in season, frozen strawberries will work too. Just thaw them and drain any excess liquid before using.

2. Experiment with Icing: If you want more strawberry flavor in your icing, add more strawberry puree. However, keep in mind that too much liquid may affect the icing’s consistency.

3. Don’t Overmix: When combining your ingredients, mix until just combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake rather than a light and fluffy one.

4. Check for Doneness: Each oven is different. Check your cake a few minutes before the suggested baking time to ensure it is not overbaked.

Variation

While the classic Strawberry Honeybun Cake is delicious on its own, you can experiment with different flavors:

• Chocolate: Add cocoa powder to your cake mix or incorporate chocolate chips for a rich chocolate-strawberry twist.
• Vanilla Bean: Use vanilla bean paste instead of vanilla extract for a deeper flavor in the cake and the icing.
• Lemon Strawberry Cake: Add some lemon zest to the batter for a citrusy kick that pairs well with strawberries.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use a different frosting?

Yes! While the strawberry cream icing is delightful, you can use other frostings. Cream cheese frosting or whipped cream can be great alternatives.

2. Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the cake a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Frost it just before serving to maintain the freshness of the icing.

3. Can I use a different type of cake mix?

Yes! If you prefer, you can use a different flavor of cake mix, such as lemon or even strawberry-flavored cake mix for an extra punch of flavor.

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This Strawberry Honeybun Cake with Strawberry Cream Icing is a fantastic addition to your dessert repertoire. Its vibrant flavor, beautiful appearance, and ease of preparation make it ideal for family gatherings, parties, or a cozy night in. Bake it, share it with loved ones, and enjoy the smiles it brings!