Strawberry Crunch Honey Bun Cheesecake
This Strawberry Crunch Honey Bun Cheesecake is a rich and creamy strawberry cheesecake made with real honey buns, strawberry preserves, a cinnamon brown sugar swirl, and a buttery strawberry crunch topping. The cheesecake is finished with a sweet vanilla glaze and strawberry crunch for the perfect combination of strawberry, cinnamon, and honey bun flavor.
Perfect for birthdays, holidays, cookouts, potlucks, and family gatherings, this easy strawberry cheesecake is a fun twist on classic Honey Bun Cheesecake and Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
Made with real honey buns
Creamy strawberry cheesecake filling
Cinnamon brown sugar swirl
Buttery Golden Oreo strawberry crunch
Sweet vanilla honey bun glaze
Perfect for parties and holidays
Easy to make ahead
Beautiful pink strawberry dessert
Recipe Summary
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 55–65 minutes
Cooling Time: 1 hour
Chill Time: 4 hours
Servings: 12 slices
Ingredients
For the Crust
2 cups Golden Oreo crumbs
½ cup unsalted butter, melted
For the Cinnamon Swirl
½ cup brown sugar
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
For the Strawberry Cheesecake Filling
24 ounces cream cheese, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
¾ cup sour cream
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 large eggs
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
⅓ cup strawberry preserves
For the Honey Bun Layer
4–5 iced honey buns
For the Strawberry Crunch Topping
18 Golden Oreo cookies
1 cup freeze-dried strawberries
3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
For the Vanilla Glaze
1 cup powdered sugar
2 tablespoons milk
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional Toppings
Fresh strawberries
Strawberry sauce
Whipped cream
How to Make Strawberry Crunch Honey Bun Cheesecake
Step 1: Prepare the Crust
Preheat the oven to 325°F.
Grease a 9-inch springform pan.
Combine the Golden Oreo crumbs with the melted butter. Mix until the crumbs are evenly coated.
Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the springform pan.
Bake for 8 minutes. Remove from the oven and set aside to cool.
Step 2: Make the Cinnamon Swirl
Combine the brown sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter in a small bowl.
Stir until a thick cinnamon mixture forms. Set aside.
Step 3: Make the Strawberry Cheesecake Filling
Add the softened cream cheese to a large mixing bowl and beat until smooth.
Add the sugar and mix until creamy.
Mix in the sour cream, vanilla extract, and strawberry preserves.
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing on low speed after each addition.
Add the flour and mix just until combined.
Step 4: Assemble the Cheesecake
Pour half of the strawberry cheesecake filling over the prepared crust.
Arrange the whole honey buns over the cheesecake filling, placing them close together to create a honey bun layer.
Drizzle half of the cinnamon mixture over the honey buns.
Pour the remaining cheesecake filling over the top and spread evenly.
Spoon the remaining cinnamon mixture over the cheesecake.
Use a knife to gently swirl the cinnamon mixture through the top of the filling.
Step 5: Bake
Bake the cheesecake for 55–65 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center still has a slight jiggle.
Turn off the oven and crack the oven door.
Allow the cheesecake to cool inside the oven for 1 hour.
Remove from the oven and allow it to cool completely.
Step 6: Chill
Cover the cheesecake and refrigerate for at least 4 hours.
For the best texture and cleanest slices, refrigerate overnight.
How to Make Strawberry Crunch Topping
Add the Golden Oreos and freeze-dried strawberries to a food processor.
Pulse until you have coarse crumbs.
Transfer the crumbs to a bowl and stir in the melted butter.
Don't crush the mixture too finely. Leaving some larger cookie and strawberry pieces gives the topping its signature crunchy texture.
Add the Glaze and Strawberry Crunch
Whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Remove the chilled cheesecake from the springform pan.
Drizzle the vanilla glaze over the top of the cheesecake.
Immediately sprinkle the strawberry crunch mixture generously over the glaze.
Gently press the crumbs into the top so they stick.
Finish with fresh strawberries, strawberry sauce, or whipped cream if desired.
What Is Strawberry Crunch?
Strawberry crunch is a sweet strawberry and vanilla cookie topping commonly used on cakes, cheesecakes, cupcakes, and other desserts.
This homemade strawberry crunch is made with Golden Oreos, freeze-dried strawberries, and melted butter. The Golden Oreos provide the vanilla cookie flavor while the strawberries add fruity flavor and pink color.
It's especially good on cheesecake because the crunchy cookie topping contrasts with the smooth, creamy filling.
Tips for the Best Strawberry Crunch Honey Bun Cheesecake
Use softened cream cheese. Room-temperature cream cheese creates a smoother cheesecake filling without lumps.
Use thick strawberry preserves. They add strawberry flavor without introducing too much liquid into the cheesecake.
Don't overmix the eggs. Once the eggs are added, mix on low speed just until combined.
Keep the honey buns whole. Arrange them directly inside the cheesecake to create a distinct honey bun layer in every slice.
Don't overbake the cheesecake. The center should still jiggle slightly when you remove it from the oven.
Chill before adding the topping. Make sure the cheesecake is completely cold before adding the glaze and strawberry crunch.
Can I Use Strawberry Honey Buns?
Yes. Strawberry honey buns are an excellent choice if you can find them and will give the cheesecake even more strawberry flavor.
Regular iced honey buns also work well. The strawberry preserves and strawberry crunch provide plenty of strawberry flavor, so you don't have to use a flavored honey bun.
Can I Make Strawberry Crunch Honey Bun Cheesecake Ahead of Time?
Yes. This cheesecake is best prepared at least one day before serving.
Bake and chill the cheesecake overnight, then add the vanilla glaze and strawberry crunch topping the following day.
Fresh strawberries should be added shortly before serving.
Storage
Store Strawberry Crunch Honey Bun Cheesecake covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Individual slices can also be frozen for up to 2 months. Wrap each slice tightly and place it in a freezer-safe container.
Thaw frozen cheesecake overnight in the refrigerator.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Strawberry Crunch Honey Bun Cheesecake?
Strawberry Crunch Honey Bun Cheesecake combines creamy strawberry cheesecake with whole honey buns, cinnamon swirl, vanilla glaze, and a crunchy strawberry cookie topping.
What is strawberry crunch made of?
This strawberry crunch topping is made with Golden Oreos, freeze-dried strawberries, and melted butter.
Can I use strawberry gelatin for strawberry crunch?
Yes. Strawberry gelatin powder can be combined with crushed Golden Oreos and melted butter for another easy version of strawberry crunch.
Can I use regular honey buns?
Yes. Regular iced or glazed honey buns work perfectly in this cheesecake.
Can I use strawberry jam instead of strawberry preserves?
Yes. Use a thick strawberry jam so it doesn't add too much moisture to the cheesecake filling.
How long does Honey Bun Cheesecake need to chill?
Refrigerate the cheesecake for at least 4 hours. Overnight chilling is recommended for the best texture and easiest slicing.
Final Thoughts
Strawberry Crunch Honey Bun Cheesecake combines creamy strawberry cheesecake, cinnamon-swirled honey buns, and a buttery strawberry cookie crunch in one dessert.
The whole honey buns create a soft cinnamon pastry layer inside the cheesecake, while strawberry preserves add flavor to the filling. A vanilla glaze and homemade strawberry crunch finish the top for a sweet, creamy, and crunchy strawberry dessert.
More Cheesecake Recipes
If you love fun cheesecake flavors, try more of our easy cheesecake recipes, including more creative desserts for holidays, birthdays, and family gatherings.