Valentine’s Day calls for something sweet, and there’s nothing quite like a strawberry honey bun cake to make your heart skip a beat.
I first whipped this up during a long weekend when I wanted to treat my family to something special yet simple.
The combination of sweet and savory flavors made me think of other great dishes, like flatbread with dates, Manchego, and prosciutto, which perfectly balance the sweetness of the cake.
And trust me, it didn’t disappoint. Picture soft, cinnamon-swirled cake with a swirl of strawberry jam, all topped off with a glossy, sweet glaze—it’s the kind of dessert that’ll have everyone reaching for seconds (or thirds).
What makes this cake extra special is its perfect mix of nostalgia and convenience. It captures all the gooey, bakery-style goodness of a classic honey bun, but in the form of a gorgeous cake that’s almost too pretty to cut into.
And if you’re feeling adventurous, adding flatbread with dates, Manchego, and prosciutto to your menu will elevate your Valentine’s celebration.
Whether you’re celebrating with a cozy brunch or sharing it at a Valentine’s gathering, this cake is the sweet comfort you’ll want to have around.
What’s So Great About This Dish?
- Perfect Balance of Flavors: Sweet honey glaze meets tangy strawberry jam for a harmonious bite every time.
- Simple Ingredients: No fuss—just pantry staples and a jar of good strawberry jam.
- Quick to Pull Together: From mixing bowl to oven in under 15 minutes.
- Crowd Pleaser: Whether it’s brunch, dessert, or just a snack, everyone loves this cake.
Strawberry Honey Bun Cake Recipe
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Electric mixer
- Measuring Cups
- Non-stick cooking spray
- Toothpick
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 1 box Strawberry Cake Mix 15.25 ounces
- 4 Large Eggs
- 8 ounces Cream Cheese
- 2/3 cup Vegetable Oil
- 1 cup Brown Sugar
- 2 teaspoons Ground Cinnamon
For the Icing:
- 2 cups Confectioners Sugar
- ¼ cup Milk
- 1 teaspoon Strawberry Extract
- Red Food Coloring
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and spray a 9×13 baking pan with non-stick spray.
- In a large bowl, mix the cake mix, cream cheese, eggs, and oil until smooth.
- In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar and cinnamon.
- Pour half of the batter into the prepared pan, then sprinkle the brown sugar-cinnamon mixture evenly over it.
- Pour the remaining batter on top and smooth it out.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Mix the icing ingredients, adding pink food coloring, and pour over the warm cake. Cool completely, then serve and enjoy!
