If you are on the hunt for a dessert that bursts with juicy, sweet strawberries and a decadent, creamy swirl, the Strawberry Earthquake Cake Recipe is your new best friend. This delightful cake combines the vibrant flavors of fresh strawberries and smooth cream cheese in a way that creates a gorgeous, gooey center with an irresistible texture that keeps everyone coming back for more. Perfect for family gatherings or a special treat, this recipe is easy to throw together but delivers show-stopping results that will make your kitchen the sweetest spot in town.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple but crucial, each ingredient in this Strawberry Earthquake Cake Recipe plays a special role in building layers of flavor, texture, and visual appeal. From the light and fluffy strawberry cake base to the luscious cream cheese swirl, every element brings something delicious to the table.
- Strawberry cake mix: The foundation of this dessert, providing a bright, fruity flavor and tender crumb.
- Eggs, oil, and water: These classic mix-ins are essential for moistness and perfect cake rise, following package directions.
- Cream cheese (softened): Adds a tangy richness that melts beautifully during baking, creating that signature swirl.
- Unsalted butter (melted): Helps the cream cheese mixture become silky and spread the lusciousness evenly.
- Powdered sugar: Sweetens and smooths the cream cheese filling without graininess.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances all the flavors and adds warmth.
- Chopped fresh strawberries: Juicy bursts of freshness in every bite and the star of the show for strawberry lovers.
- White chocolate chips: A sweet, creamy contrast that melts slightly into the cake’s pockets.
- Shredded sweetened coconut (optional): Offers a delightful texture and subtle tropical twist.
- Nonstick spray: To ensure your cake releases easily without damage.
How to Make Strawberry Earthquake Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Batter
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish thoroughly with nonstick spray to prevent sticking and help with a clean slice. Then, prepare your strawberry cake mix according to the package instructions—this usually includes adding eggs, oil, and water. Pour your batter evenly into the prepared dish, setting the stage for a moist and flavorful cake foundation.
Step 2: Mix the Cream Cheese Swirl
In a separate bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, melted butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until you achieve a smooth, creamy consistency. This luscious mixture is what creates the “earthquake” effect, so don’t skip beating it until silky!
Step 3: Add the Cream Cheese and Toppings
Using a spoon, drop spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture randomly over the cake batter—do not spread it out. This allows the cream cheese to sink, swirl, and create pockets of creamy goodness during baking. Next, scatter the chopped fresh strawberries, white chocolate chips, and shredded coconut over the top for a colorful and tasty finish.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Place your dish in the oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes. Keep an eye on the edges—they should look set while the center remains slightly jiggly, signaling the perfect gooey texture that’s so beloved. The cream cheese will sink and swirl beautifully, giving the cake its unique “earthquake” appearance.
Step 5: Let it Cool and Slice
Once baked, allow your cake to cool completely. This step helps the gooey center to firm up just enough for clean slices without losing its luscious charm. Then slice it up and get ready to impress!
How to Serve Strawberry Earthquake Cake Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate the presentation, consider topping each slice with a fresh strawberry or a dollop of whipped cream. A light dusting of powdered sugar adds a charming, elegant touch that makes your dessert look as delightful as it tastes.
Side Dishes
This cake pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of warm chocolate sauce. Fresh berries or a simple mixed green salad with a citrus vinaigrette can balance the richness for a lovely dessert course.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to serve Strawberry Earthquake Cake Recipe in style, try layering slices in a trifle dish with whipped cream and additional chopped strawberries for a stunning visual and mouthwatering effect. Alternatively, present individual portions in glass cups for a chic, single-serve dessert option.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3 days and maintain its gooey texture while staying fresh and flavorful.
Freezing
If you want to freeze this cake, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil to prevent freezer burn. You can freeze it for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
Reheating
To enjoy leftovers warm, microwave individual slices for about 20 seconds or reheat in a low oven until warmed through. This revives the gooey texture and fresh flavors perfectly.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw and drain them thoroughly before adding to avoid excess moisture, which could affect the cake’s texture.
Why does the center of the cake stay gooey?
The gooey center is part of the charm of the Strawberry Earthquake Cake Recipe. The cream cheese mixture sinks into the batter during baking, creating luscious, slightly soft pockets that make every bite sensational.
Can I substitute the cake mix with a homemade strawberry cake batter?
Yes, you can use a homemade strawberry cake batter if you prefer! Just ensure it’s a moist, sturdy batter that can hold up to the cream cheese swirl and toppings.
Is the coconut necessary?
Not at all. The coconut adds a lovely texture and a hint of tropical flavor, but if you’re not a fan or prefer to skip it, the cake is delicious on its own without it.
How do I get the signature “earthquake” effect?
The key is dropping spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture over the cake batter without spreading it, then topping with strawberries and chips. During baking, the cream cheese sinks and swirls naturally, giving you that beautiful “earthquake” look.
Final Thoughts
You really can’t go wrong with the Strawberry Earthquake Cake Recipe. With its perfect blend of fruity sweetness, creamy tang, and gooey texture, it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s surprisingly simple to make. Whether it’s for a holiday, party, or a weekend indulgence, this cake is sure to become a beloved staple in your dessert lineup. So grab your mixing bowls, fresh strawberries, and get ready to bake up some magic!
Print
Strawberry Earthquake Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Strawberry Earthquake Cake is a luscious dessert that combines a moist strawberry cake base with creamy swirls of sweetened cream cheese, fresh strawberries, white chocolate chips, and optional shredded coconut. Baked together, the cream cheese mixture sinks and swirls down into the cake, creating a gooey, eye-catching ‘earthquake’ appearance that’s both visually stunning and deliciously rich.
Ingredients
Strawberry Cake
- 1 box strawberry cake mix (plus ingredients listed on box – usually eggs, oil, and water)
- Nonstick spray for greasing
Cream Cheese Mixture
- 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Toppings
- 1 1/2 cups chopped fresh strawberries
- 1/2 cup white chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup shredded sweetened coconut (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray to ensure the cake won’t stick.
- Make the cake batter: Prepare the strawberry cake mix according to the package instructions, usually combining the mix with eggs, oil, and water. Pour the batter evenly into the prepared baking dish.
- Prepare cream cheese mixture: In a separate bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, melted butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Assemble the cake: Drop spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture over the strawberry cake batter without spreading it out. Then sprinkle the chopped strawberries, white chocolate chips, and shredded sweetened coconut (if using) evenly over the top.
- Bake the cake: Bake in the preheated oven for 40 to 45 minutes. The edges should be set while the center remains slightly jiggly, which is typical for this cake.
- Cool and serve: Allow the cake to cool completely before slicing. The cream cheese mixture will have sunk and swirled through the cake, creating the signature ‘earthquake’ look.
Notes
- If fresh strawberries are unavailable, frozen strawberries may be used. Just ensure they are thawed and well-drained to avoid excess moisture.
- The center of the cake will appear gooey and slightly jiggly, which is normal and part of the cake’s unique texture.
- For a richer flavor, substitute milk for water when preparing the cake mix.
