Strawberry Earthquake Cake Recipe

Sweet Strawberry Earthquake Cake Recipe That Shakes Up Dessert!

Sweet strawberry earthquake cake bursts with unexpected layers of deliciousness that crumble and shift like delicate geological magic.

Creamy cheese mingles with vibrant fruit in a dessert that defies traditional bakery expectations.

Soft vanilla cake forms the foundation for this playful treat that looks messy yet tastes magnificent.

Strawberries dance through each slice, creating surprising pockets of intense flavor and texture.

Rich cream cheese swirls create dramatic marbled patterns across the surface, making you want to dive right in.

Unexpected crackles and waves emerge during baking, mimicking a delectable dessert earthquake.

Prepare to be amazed by this simple yet extraordinary cake that promises to delight your taste buds with every single bite.

Strawberry Earthquake Cake That’s Bursting with Texture

  • Combines the richness of cheesecake with the sweetness of strawberry cake, creating a dessert that delights both kids and adults at gatherings, parties, or family dinners.
  • Swap fresh strawberries for frozen, experiment with different cake mix flavors, or add extra toppings like chopped nuts or additional chocolate chips to make the recipe uniquely yours.
  • No complicated techniques required- just mix, pour, swirl, and bake, making this recipe perfect for beginner bakers or anyone wanting a delicious dessert without complex steps.

What Goes into a Strawberry Earthquake Cake

Cake Ingredients:
  • Strawberry Cake Mix: Basic foundation for the cake with strawberry flavor.
  • Eggs: Provides structure and richness to the cake.
  • Water: Helps combine cake mix ingredients smoothly.
  • Vegetable Oil: Adds moisture and tenderness to the cake.
Cheesecake Swirl Ingredients:
  • Cream Cheese, Butter: Creamy base for the swirl mixture, soft texture is key.
  • Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and helps stabilize the cheesecake mixture.
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds warm, classic flavor to the swirl.
  • Kosher Salt: Enhances overall flavor balance.
  • Fresh Strawberries: Provides bursts of fresh fruit flavor and texture.
Topping Ingredients:
  • White Chocolate Chips: Adds sweetness and decorative element to the cake surface.

Directions for Making Strawberry Earthquake Cake

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Fire up your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Generously coat a 9×13-inch baking pan with cooking spray or butter.

Step 2: Mix Cake Base

Grab a spacious mixing bowl and combine:
  • Strawberry cake mix
  • Eggs
  • Water
  • Vegetable oil

Whisk everything together until the batter looks silky smooth and free of lumps.

Step 3: Craft Creamy Cheesecake Swirl

In another bowl, whip up the cheesecake mixture:
  • Softened cream cheese
  • Melted butter
  • Powdered sugar
  • Vanilla extract
  • Kosher salt

Beat until velvety and uniform. Gently fold in freshly diced strawberries.

Step 4: Create Marbled Magic

Pour cake batter into prepared pan. Dollop cheesecake mixture across the surface. Use a knife to create gorgeous swirls, blending two batters into a mesmerizing pattern.

Step 5: Sprinkle Chocolate Surprise

Scatter white chocolate chips across the top, ensuring even distribution.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Slide pan into preheated oven. Bake for 50-55 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean when inserted in the center.

Step 7: Cool and Serve

Let cake rest until it reaches room temperature. Slice and enjoy this heavenly dessert that promises to shake up your taste buds!

Baking Tips for a Gooey Earthquake Cake

  • Maximize Strawberry Flavor: Chop fresh strawberries finely to distribute their sweet taste evenly throughout the cheesecake swirl, ensuring bursts of fruity goodness in every bite.
  • Prevent Soggy Bottom: Pat diced strawberries dry with paper towels before folding into the cheesecake mixture to prevent excess moisture from making the cake dense or wet.
  • Customize Cake Mix: Substitute strawberry cake mix with white or vanilla mix for a different flavor profile, keeping the strawberry chunks in the cheesecake layer for a subtle fruity twist.
  • Adjust Sweetness Level: Reduce powdered sugar in the cheesecake mixture if using very ripe, sweet strawberries to maintain a balanced dessert that's not overly sugary.
  • Store with Care: Cover the cooled cake loosely with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 3 days, bringing to room temperature before serving to preserve its soft, moist texture.

Store and Serve Strawberry Earthquake Cake Correctly

  • Store leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Cover with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to maintain moisture and prevent absorption of other food odors.
  • Wrap individual slices or the entire cake tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
  • Warm individual slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds, or place in a preheated oven at 300F (150C) for 5-7 minutes. Add a small pat of butter or drizzle of strawberry sauce to refresh the cake's moisture.
  • Enjoy the cake chilled or at room temperature. For optimal taste and texture, let the cake sit for 10-15 minutes after removing from the refrigerator before serving.

Pairing Suggestions for Strawberry Earthquake Cake

  • Complement the strawberry cake's sweetness with a light, fruity rosé that echoes the cake's berry notes and cuts through its richness.
  • Create a refreshing contrast by adding a cool, palate-cleansing mint sorbet that balances the cake's dense, creamy texture.
  • Enhance the dessert's flavor profile by topping with a delicate vanilla bean whipped cream that adds subtle depth and lightness to each bite.
  • Elevate the dessert experience with a champagne cocktail featuring a hint of strawberry liqueur, which amplifies the cake's fruity essence.

Ideas to Change Up Your Strawberry Earthquake Cake

  • Gluten-Free Strawberry Delight: Replace the strawberry cake mix with a gluten-free cake mix and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free.
  • Vegan Berry Bliss: Swap eggs with flax eggs, use vegan butter, dairy-free cream cheese, and plant-based white chocolate chips for a completely plant-based version.
  • Low-Sugar Berry Treat: Substitute powdered sugar with a sugar-free alternative like stevia or monk fruit sweetener, and use sugar-free white chocolate chips.
  • Dairy-Free Strawberry Dream: Use coconut cream cheese, dairy-free butter, and dairy-free white chocolate chips to create a lactose-free cake option.
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Strawberry Earthquake Cake Recipe

Strawberry Earthquake Cake Recipe


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4.6 from 18 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Sinful strawberry earthquake cake erupts with creamy layers of sweet chaos, melding rich cream cheese and fresh berries into a dessert masterpiece. Chocolate cake crumbles and strawberry swirls create a delightful landscape you’ll crave with every indulgent bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Cake Ingredients:

  • 1 box (15.25 ounces / 432 grams) strawberry cake mix
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 cup (240 milliliters) water
  • ½ cup (113 grams / 4 ounces) vegetable oil

Cheesecake Swirl Ingredients:

  • 8 ounces (226 grams) cream cheese, softened
  • ½ cup (113 grams / 4 ounces) unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 ½ cups (312.5 grams) powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 cup (166 grams) diced fresh strawberries

Topping Ingredients:

  • 2 cups (364 grams) white chocolate chips

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350F (175C) and thoroughly coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray, ensuring complete coverage to prevent sticking.
  2. In a spacious mixing bowl, whisk together the strawberry cake mix, eggs, water, and vegetable oil until the batter achieves a silky, uniform consistency with no visible lumps.
  3. Transfer the cake batter into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly to create a smooth surface.
  4. In a separate mixing bowl, cream the softened cream cheese until fluffy, then incorporate melted butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and kosher salt, blending until the mixture becomes completely smooth and well-integrated.
  5. Gently fold the diced fresh strawberries into the cream cheese mixture, distributing them evenly without crushing the fruit.
  6. Using a large spoon, strategically drop dollops of the cream cheese mixture across the cake batter’s surface, ensuring random distribution.
  7. With a kitchen knife, create elegant swirls by dragging the blade through the batter and cream cheese mixture, generating a marbled visual effect without overmixing.
  8. Sprinkle white chocolate chips uniformly across the cake’s surface, covering the entire area for balanced flavor and texture.
  9. Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 50-55 minutes, rotating midway to ensure even cooking and checking for doneness with a toothpick inserted into the center.
  10. Remove from the oven and allow the cake to cool completely at room temperature before cutting into servings, which helps the cake set and enhances its structural integrity.

Notes

  • Swap cake mix for gluten-free options to accommodate dietary restrictions easily.
  • Chill cream cheese at room temperature beforehand for smoother, lump-free cheesecake swirl.
  • Dice strawberries small and pat dry to prevent excess moisture from making the cake soggy.
  • Avoid over-swirling the cheesecake mixture to maintain distinct marble patterns and prevent blending completely.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 50 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 320
  • Sugar: 31 g
  • Sodium: 250 mg
  • Fat: 16 g
  • Saturated Fat: 9 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 43 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 50 mg
Daves Miller

Daves Miller

Contributing Chef & Culinary Educator

Expertise

  • American Southern cuisine with a modern twist.
  • Instruction in culinary fundamentals and advanced techniques.
  • Development of recipes that highlight seasonal and local produce.​
  • Mastery of artisanal bread and pastry techniques, from laminated doughs to decorative sugar artistry.

Education

Sullivan University, Louisville, Kentucky

  • Degree: Associate of Science Degree in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Specialized in cooking techniques and culinary sciences, hands‑on externships, professional kitchen lab training, and career preparation for restaurants, entrepreneurship, and global culinary opportunities.

White Mountains Community College, Berlin, New Hampshire

  • Program: Baking and Pastry Arts degree
  • Focus: Specialized in comprehensive baking and pastry arts, including bread making, artisan breads, cake decorating and design, chocolates, confections, and decorative centerpieces; product development and baking theory; and career preparation for baker and pastry chef roles in many places.

Daves is the friendly face guiding you through flavorful, fuss-free recipes at Picture Perfect Meals. 

He studied culinary arts at Sullivan University and embraced Baking and Pastry Arts at White Mountains Community College. Daves specializes in comforting meals with vibrant flavors, highlighting fresh, seasonal ingredients.

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