Easy Strawberry Earthquake Cake Recipe: The Ultimate Gooey Dessert

Why You’ll Love This Strawberry Earthquake Cake

This irresistible Strawberry Earthquake Cake combines the convenience of boxed cake mix with fresh strawberries and a decadent cream cheese swirl for a dessert that’s both simple to make and impressive to serve. Perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, or whenever your sweet tooth strikes!

The cake gets its name from the unique “earthquake” effect that happens during baking – as the dense cream cheese mixture sinks and the cake rises, it creates beautiful cracks and swirls throughout. Every bite delivers the perfect balance of moist strawberry cake, creamy cheesecake filling, and bursts of fresh berry flavor.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Cake Base:

• 1 box strawberry cake mix (15.25 oz)
• Eggs, oil, and water (as called for on the cake mix box)
• 1 cup fresh strawberries, chopped

<h3 class="wp-block-heading">For the Cream Cheese Swirl:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened to room temperature
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1 t
  easpoon vanilla extract

For the Top:

• 1 cup white chocolate chips (or mini marshmallows for extra gooeyness)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparation

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. rong>Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.

Making the Cake

1. Prepare the strawberry cake batter according to package directions.
2. Pour the prepared batter into your greased baking dish, spreading it evenly.

<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Creating the Cream Cheese Swirl

1. In a medium bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, melted butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
2. Drop spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture over the cake batter.
3. Using a knife, gently swirl the cream cheese mixture into the cake batter. Don’t overmix – those distinct swirls create the beautiful earthquake effect!

<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Adding the Toppings

1. Sprinkle the chopped fresh strawberries evenly across the surface.
2. Scatter the white chocolate chips (or mini marshmallows) on top.

Baking

1. Bake for 35-40 minutes until the edges are set but the center is still slightly jiggly.
2. rong>Cool for at least 15 minutes before serving.

Serving Suggestions

Enjoy your Strawberry Earthquake Cake warm for maximum gooeyness or chilled for a more set texture. For an extra-special treat, serve with:

• A scoop of vanilla ice cream
• Fre
  sh whipped cream
• Additional sliced strawberries
• A drizzle of white chocolate sauce

<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Storage Tips

• Room temperature: Store covered for up to 2 days
• Refrigerator: Keep in an airtight container for up to 5 days
• Freezer: Wrap individual slices tightly and freeze for up to 3 months

<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Recipe FAQs

Can I use frozen strawberries? Yes! Thaw and drain them well before adding to prevent excess moisture.

Can I make this with a different flavor cake mix? Absolutely! Try vanilla or white cake mix for a lighter base that lets the strawberries shine.

Why is it called an “earthquake” cake? The name comes from the cracked, uneven surface that forms as the ingredients settle during baking.

ong>Can I make this ahead of time? Yes! This cake actually tastes even better the next day when the flavors have had time to meld.

Enjoy this simple yet impressive dessert that’s sure to become a family favorite!

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Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 40 minutes | Total Time: 55 minutes + cooling
Servings: 12-16 slices
Calories: Approximately 320 per slice