Strawberry Earthquake Cake Recipe You Will Love

Who doesn’t love a dessert that’s as fun to make as it is to eat? This Strawberry Earthquake Cake is the perfect blend of sweet, tangy, and irresistibly gooey goodness. With its swirled cream cheese filling, bursts of strawberry flavor, and a delightfully moist texture, this cake is a showstopper for any occasion.

Imagine cutting into a cake where the rich cream cheese melts into a soft strawberry base, creating a decadent treat that looks just as incredible as it tastes. Whether you’re baking for a family gathering, a holiday, or simply craving something indulgent, this easy dessert will quickly become a favorite.

Ready to whip up a simple homemade cake that delivers bakery-quality results? Let’s get started!

Why You’ll Love This Strawberry Earthquake Cake:

This Strawberry Earthquake Cake isn’t just any ordinary dessert—it’s a gooey, creamy, and delightfully messy treat that’s as fun to make as it is to eat! Here’s why you’ll fall in love with this recipe:

• Incredibly Easy to Make – No complicated steps or fancy techniques, just mix, layer, and bake.
• Rich, Creamy, and Moist – The swirled cream cheese filling adds a luscious texture that perfectly complements the strawberry cake base.
• Perfect for Any Occasion – Whether it’s a birthday, potluck, or just a weekend treat, this cake is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
• Customizable Flavors – You can tweak the recipe with white chocolate chips, fresh strawberries, or even a drizzle of glaze to make it your own.
• Bakery-Quality at Home – Get that fancy, gourmet-style dessert right from your oven with minimal effort.

Ingredients You’ll Need:

Before we dive into baking, let’s gather everything you need to make this Strawberry Earthquake Cake. If you don’t have a specific ingredient, don’t worry—I’ve included some easy swaps to keep the recipe flexible!

For the Cake Base:

• 1 box strawberry cake mix : This is the foundation of the cake. If you don’t have strawberry mix, use vanilla or white cake mix and add a few drops of strawberry extract.
• 1 cup milk : Helps keep the cake moist. Swap with almond or oat milk for a dairy-free option.
• 3 large eggs : Adds structure and richness. Room temperature eggs work best.
• ½ cup vegetable oil : Keeps the cake soft and tender. Melted butter works as an alternative.

For the Gooey Cream Cheese Swirl:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened – The key to that rich, creamy texture. Use full-fat for the best results.
• ½ cup powdered sugar – Sweetens the cream cheese filling without making it too heavy.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Enhances the flavor with a warm, sweet note.

For the Extra Deliciousness:

• 1 cup white chocolate chips – Adds creamy bursts of sweetness. You can swap with dark or milk chocolate if preferred.
• ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional) – Adds crunch and a nutty contrast. Leave them out for a nut-free cake.
• ½ cup shredded coconut (optional) – Gives the cake an extra layer of texture and tropical flavor.

Substitutions and Variations:

• Dairy-Free? Use plant-based milk and dairy-free cream cheese.
• Nut-Free? Simply skip the nuts, and the cake will still be delicious.
• Want More Berries? Add fresh or freeze-dried strawberries for extra fruity bursts.

 How to Make Strawberry Earthquake Cake :

Making a Strawberry Earthquake Cake is as fun as it sounds! Follow these simple steps to create a dessert that’s bursting with flavor and texture. Let’s dive in:

1. Preheat and Prep:
   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
   • Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and dust it lightly with flour to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare the Cake Batter:
   • In a large mixing bowl, combine your cake mix, eggs, oil, and water. Mix until smooth and lump-free.
   • Transfer the batter to the greased baking dish, using a spatula to spread it into an even layer across the bottom.
3. Create the Cream Cheese Layer:
   • In a separate bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter until creamy.
   • Slowly incorporate the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, blending until the mixture is silky and well combined.
4. Add the Strawberry Filling:
   • Spoon strawberry pie filling or homemade strawberry compote over the cream cheese layer. Use a knife or skewer to gently swirl the strawberry filling into the cream cheese and batter. Don’t overmix—you want those beautiful, marbled layers!
5. Bake to Perfection:
   • Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the center is set.
   • A toothpick inserted into the cake portion should come out clean (avoid testing the cream cheese or strawberry layers).
6. Cool and Serve:
   • Allow the cake to cool for at least 20 minutes before slicing. This helps the layers set and makes serving easier.
   • Dust with powdered sugar or top with fresh strawberries for a finishing touch.

Pro Tip: For an extra indulgent treat, serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream!

         Pro Tips and Variations:

Making the perfect Strawberry Cake is easy, but here are a few tips and tricks to take it to the next level and personalize it to your taste!

Pro Tips:

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: For the best texture, bring your eggs and cream cheese to room temperature before mixing. This ensures they blend smoothly and evenly into the batter, creating a fluffy and gooey cake.
• Don’t Overmix the Batter: Mix the cake batter just until the ingredients are combined. Overmixing can make the cake dense, and we want that light and moist texture that pulls apart easily!
• Perfectly Swirl the Cream Cheese: For those marbled layers, don’t swirl too aggressively. Gently create the “earthquake” effect with a butter knife to keep the layers distinct and not fully blended into the cake. This keeps the cream cheese filling deliciously gooey throughout.
• Bake and Check the Center: Each oven is different, so start checking your cake around the 35-minute mark. The center should be soft and slightly set, not liquid. If a toothpick inserted near the edges comes out clean but a few crumbs stick to it, it’s ready!

Variations to Try:

• Berry Blend: While strawberries are the star here, you can add other berries like blueberries or raspberries for a unique twist. Just fold them gently into the batter before baking for an extra burst of flavor.
• Nut-Free Version: If you prefer a nut-free option, simply skip the chopped pecans or walnuts. The cake will still be wonderfully rich and satisfying without them.
• Chocolate Lovers Twist: For an even more indulgent treat, consider swapping the white chocolate chips for dark chocolate or even adding a chocolate ganache drizzle after baking.
• Vegan Options: To make a vegan version, swap out the eggs and use a plant-based milk like almond or oat milk. Use a dairy-free cream cheese and plant-based butter to keep it cruelty-free without compromising taste.

What Other Variations Can I Make:

The beauty of Strawberry Earthquake Cake  lies in its versatility! While the classic version is a crowd-pleaser, you can easily tweak the recipe to suit your taste or experiment with new flavors. Here are some delicious variations to try:

• Chocolate Lover’s Twist: Swap the strawberry filling for a rich chocolate ganache or sprinkle chocolate chips between the layers. You can even add a cocoa powder to the cake batter for a double chocolate experience.
• Tropical Vibes: Replace strawberries with diced pineapple, mango, or shredded coconut for a sunny, tropical twist. Pair it with a coconut cream cheese frosting for an extra layer of flavor.
• Berry Medley: Mix and match your favorite berries! Blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries can be used alongside or instead of strawberries for a vibrant, fruity explosion.
• Nutty Delight: Add a crunchy texture by sprinkling chopped pecans, walnuts, or almonds over the cream cheese layer before baking.
• Seasonal Specials: Adapt the recipe to the season! Use pumpkin puree and spices in the fall or fresh peaches in the summer for a seasonal twist.

    Conclusion:

Strawberry Earthquake Cake is more than just a dessert; it’s a show-stopping treat     that’s as fun to make as it is to eat. With its gooey cream cheese swirls, sweet strawberry filling, and moist cake base, it’s guaranteed to impress at any gathering. Plus, its simplicity makes it perfect for bakers of all skill levels.

Whether you stick to the classic recipe or try one of the variations, this cake is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. Don’t forget to share your creations with friends and family—they’ll be asking for the recipe after the first bite!

So, preheat that oven, grab your ingredients, and let’s bake a cake that’s as unforgettable as it is delicious. Happy baking!

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Print Recipe

Strawberry Earthquake Cake

Fall in love with Strawberry Earthquake Cake! A decadent dessert featuring cream cheese swirls, strawberry filling, and a moist cake base.

Prep Time15 minutes mins

Cook Time40 minutes mins

Total Time55 minutes mins

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Keyword: Dessert Cake, Strawberry Cake, Strawberry Earthquake Cake

Servings: 12 servings

Calories: 350kcal

Author: fastzestyrecipes.com

Ingredients

For the Cake Base:

• 1 box strawberry cake mix
• 1 cup milk
• 3 large eggs
• ½ cup vegetable oil

For the Gooey Cream Cheese Swirl:

• 8 oz cream cheese softened
• ½ cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Extra Deliciousness:

• 1 cup white chocolate chips
• ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts optional
• ½ cup shredded coconut optional

Instructions

• Preheat and Prep:
• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and dust it lightly with flour to prevent sticking.
• Prepare the Cake Batter:
• In a large mixing bowl, combine your cake mix, eggs, oil, and water. Mix until smooth and lump-free.
• Transfer the batter to the greased baking dish, using a spatula to spread it into an even layer across the bottom.
• Create the Cream Cheese Layer:
• In a separate bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter until creamy.
• Slowly incorporate the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, blending until the mixture is silky and well combined.
• Add the Strawberry Filling:
• Spoon strawberry pie filling or homemade strawberry compote over the cream cheese layer. Use a knife or skewer to gently swirl the strawberry filling into the cream cheese and batter. Don’t overmix—you want those beautiful, marbled layers!
• Bake to Perfection:
• Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the center is set.
• A toothpick inserted into the cake portion should come out clean (avoid testing the cream cheese or strawberry layers).
• Cool and Serve:
• Allow the cake to cool for at least 20 minutes before slicing. This helps the layers set and makes serving easier.
• Dust with powdered sugar or top with fresh strawberries for a finishing touch.

Pro Tip:

• For an extra indulgent treat, serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream!

Notes

Nutrition Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: 350 kcal
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Carbohydrates: 46g
• Sugar: 35g
• Protein: 3g
• Fiber: 1g
• Cholesterol: 50mg
• Sodium: 220mg

FAQs About Strawberry Earthquake Cake: