Strawberry Earthquake Cake (Printer-friendly)
Gooey strawberry cake with cream cheese swirls and fresh berries
# What you'll need:
→ Cake Base
01 - 1 box (15.25 oz) strawberry cake mix
02 - 3 large eggs
03 - 1/2 cup vegetable oil
04 - 1 cup water
→ Cream Cheese Layer
05 - 8 oz cream cheese, softened
06 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
07 - 2 cups powdered sugar
08 - 1 tsp vanilla extract
→ Add-ins & Toppings
09 - 1 1/2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and diced
10 - 1 cup white chocolate chips
11 - 1/2 cup sweetened shredded coconut (optional)
# Method:
01 - Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease a 9x13-inch baking pan thoroughly.
02 - In a large bowl, combine strawberry cake mix, eggs, vegetable oil, and water. Mix according to package directions until well blended. Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pan.
03 - In a separate bowl, beat together softened cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
04 - Drop spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture evenly over the surface of the cake batter.
05 - Scatter diced strawberries and white chocolate chips over the top. Sprinkle with shredded coconut if using.
06 - Using a knife, gently swirl the cream cheese mixture into the cake batter to create a marbled effect. Do not overmix.
07 - Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the cake is mostly set but still slightly gooey in the center. Do not overbake—the texture should remain molten.
08 - Allow the cake to cool in the pan for at least 30 minutes before slicing and serving.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- The contrast between tart fresh strawberries and sweet cream cheese swirls creates this incredible balance that keeps everyone coming back for seconds.
- It looks fancy and complicated but comes together with almost zero effort, making you look like a baking genius to friends and family.
02 -
- Removing the cake from the oven while it still seems slightly underdone is crucial because it continues cooking and sets up as it cools.
- Letting it cool completely in the pan before slicing is non-negotiable or the pieces will fall apart into a delicious but messy puddle.
03 -
- Room temperature ingredients blend together seamlessly and prevent the cream cheese from seizing up when you mix it.
- Grease the pan thoroughly and even line it with parchment paper for easy removal if you plan to serve it on a platter.