Strawberry Earthquake Cake is one of those unforgettable desserts that surprises you with every slice. True to its name, this cake forms beautiful cracks and swirls as it bakes, creating a marbled effect of strawberry cake and creamy cheesecake filling. The combination of sweet strawberries, rich cream cheese, and pockets of indulgent texture makes it both visually striking and irresistibly delicious.
The first time I baked this cake, I was fascinated by how effortlessly it came together. There is no need for perfect layering or precise decorating—the magic happens naturally in the oven. As the cake rises and shifts, the cream cheese layer creates dramatic ripples throughout. The result is a moist, slightly gooey cake with bursts of strawberry flavor in every bite. Whether served at family gatherings, potlucks, or simply as a weekend treat, this dessert always draws attention and requests for seconds.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This cake is easy to prepare, requires simple pantry ingredients, and delivers bakery-quality results without complicated techniques. The cream cheese swirl adds richness while the strawberry base keeps the flavor light and fruity. It is a perfect balance of creamy and sweet.
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Strawberry Earthquake Cake: A Lusciously Swirled Dessert You’ll Love
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 12 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Strawberry Earthquake Cake is a rich, gooey dessert made with strawberry cake mix, sweetened cream cheese, coconut, and white chocolate chips. As it bakes, the layers shift and crack to create a deliciously messy “earthquake” effect with pockets of creamy filling.
Ingredients
- 1 box strawberry cake mix (15.25 oz)
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
- 1 cup white chocolate chips
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Sprinkle shredded coconut evenly over the bottom of the prepared dish, then sprinkle white chocolate chips on top.
- In a large bowl, mix the strawberry cake mix, eggs, oil, and water until well combined.
- Pour the cake batter evenly over the coconut and white chocolate layer. Do not stir.
- In another bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Add melted butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix until creamy and well combined.
- Spoon the cream cheese mixture over the cake batter in dollops. Gently swirl with a knife for a marbled effect.
- If using fresh strawberries, sprinkle them lightly over the top.
- Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until the center is set but still slightly gooey.
- Allow the cake to cool before slicing. The cake will crack and sink slightly as it cools, creating the “earthquake” appearance.
Notes
- Do not overbake; the center should remain slightly gooey for the best texture.
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- You can substitute chopped strawberries with strawberry pie filling for a richer flavor.
- Serve with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream if desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Strawberry Cake Mix
The cake mix serves as the base, providing vibrant strawberry flavor and a soft, tender crumb. It simplifies preparation while ensuring consistent results.
Eggs
Eggs add structure and stability to the cake while contributing moisture and richness.
Vegetable Oil
Oil keeps the cake moist and soft, preventing dryness even after baking.
Water
Water helps activate the cake mix ingredients and ensures a smooth batter.
Cream Cheese
Cream cheese forms the luscious swirl layer, creating a tangy contrast to the sweet strawberry cake.
Unsalted Butter
Butter enriches the cream cheese mixture, enhancing flavor and creaminess.
Powdered Sugar
Powdered sugar sweetens the cream cheese layer and helps achieve a smooth texture.
Fresh Strawberries
Fresh strawberries add bursts of natural fruit flavor and a slight tartness that balances the sweetness.
White Chocolate Chips
White chocolate chips melt slightly during baking, creating pockets of creamy sweetness throughout the cake.
Sweetened Shredded Coconut
Coconut adds texture and subtle sweetness, contributing to the “earthquake” effect as the cake bakes.
Directions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Prepare the strawberry cake batter according to package instructions by combining cake mix, eggs, oil, and water. Mix until smooth.
Pour the batter evenly into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle shredded coconut and white chocolate chips evenly over the batter. Distribute chopped fresh strawberries across the surface.
In a separate bowl, beat softened cream cheese and melted butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and mix until creamy and well combined. Drop spoonfuls of this cream cheese mixture over the cake batter. Do not spread it evenly; uneven distribution creates the signature “earthquake” appearance.
Bake for approximately 40–45 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center remains slightly soft. The top will appear cracked and swirled. Allow the cake to cool before slicing to help it set properly.
Equipment needed :
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
Full-Size Blender – is a powerful kitchen appliance for making smoothies, soups, and sauces in large batches.
3-in-1 Air Fryer – This versatile 3-in-1 air fryer offers Air Fry for healthier meals with less oil, Bake for bakery-quality desserts and treats, and Reheat to bring leftovers back to life with crispy, flavorful results.
Servings and timing
This recipe yields approximately 12 servings. Preparation time is about 15 minutes, and baking time is 40–45 minutes, bringing the total time to roughly 1 hour.
Storage/reheating
Store leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days due to the cream cheese layer. For best flavor, allow slices to sit at room temperature for 15–20 minutes before serving. Reheat gently in the microwave for 10–15 seconds if desired.
Variations and Customizations
Strawberry Earthquake Cake is highly adaptable. If you prefer a more intense strawberry flavor, add a teaspoon of strawberry extract to the batter. I once folded a few tablespoons of strawberry preserves into the cake mix, and the fruity depth was even more pronounced.
For a chocolate-strawberry combination, substitute half of the white chocolate chips with semi-sweet chocolate chips. The contrast between chocolate and strawberry creates a richer dessert experience.
You can replace fresh strawberries with frozen ones, though they should be thawed and drained thoroughly to avoid excess moisture. For a tropical twist, add crushed pineapple (well drained) along with the coconut.
If you prefer less sweetness, reduce the powdered sugar slightly in the cream cheese mixture. Alternatively, use reduced-fat cream cheese for a lighter option while maintaining creaminess.
To enhance presentation, drizzle melted white chocolate over the cooled cake or garnish with additional fresh strawberries. The cake can also be served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.
With its forgiving preparation style and endless customization options, this dessert can easily become a staple for celebrations or casual gatherings.
Nutrition and Dietary Info
Below is an approximate nutritional breakdown per serving (based on 12 servings):
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 430 kcal |
| Protein | 5 g |
| Carbohydrates | 58 g |
| Fat | 20 g |
| Saturated Fat | 11 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sugar | 42 g |
| Sodium | 320 mg |
Values are estimates and may vary depending on ingredient brands and portion sizes.
Expert Tips & Customizations
Do Not Overmix
Mix the cake batter just until smooth to keep the texture light.
Room Temperature Cream Cheese
Ensure cream cheese is softened to prevent lumps in the swirl layer.
Cool Before Cutting
Allow the cake to cool for clean slices and proper setting.
Enhance Color Naturally
Add a few finely chopped fresh strawberries into the cream cheese layer for a vibrant swirl.
Serve Slightly Warm
A gently warmed slice enhances the creamy texture and flavor.
FAQs
Why is it called an earthquake cake?
The cream cheese layer creates cracks and swirls during baking, giving the cake a cracked, “earthquake” appearance.
Can I use homemade strawberry cake batter?
Yes, homemade strawberry cake works perfectly if you prefer not to use a mix.
Can I freeze Strawberry Earthquake Cake?
Yes, wrap tightly and freeze for up to two months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
Can I omit the coconut?
Yes, the coconut can be left out without affecting the overall structure.
How do I know when the cake is done?
The edges should be set while the center remains slightly soft but not liquid.
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes, it can be prepared a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator.
Conclusion
Strawberry Earthquake Cake offers a delightful balance of fruity sweetness and creamy richness, all wrapped in a visually striking dessert. Its effortless preparation and impressive presentation make it a perfect choice for gatherings, celebrations, or simple indulgence. With its customizable ingredients and forgiving method, this cake is sure to become a favorite in your baking collection.
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