Strawberry Earthquake Cake Recipe

The Luscious Strawberry Earthquake Cake Recipe That Shakes Taste Buds

Sweet strawberry earthquake cake rumbles with unexpected deliciousness, creating flavor tremors that shake up traditional dessert expectations.

Layers of creamy cheese and fruity goodness collapse into a delightful landscape of taste.

Soft strawberries nestled throughout promise a delectable surprise in every bite.

Crumbly cake pieces intermingle with smooth cream cheese, generating textural excitement.

Unexpected swirls and pockets of strawberry sauce make this treat a true culinary adventure.

Wild and unpredictable, this dessert breaks all the standard cake rules.

You will crave every single decadent mouthful of this stunning confection.

Strawberry Earthquake Cake Love

  • Burst with Fruity Delight: Chopped strawberries infuse the cake with a vibrant, sweet flavor that makes every bite refreshingly delicious.
  • Create Stunning Presentation: The signature earthquake effect produces a gorgeous marbled top with cream cheese swirls and cracked texture that looks professionally crafted.
  • Perfect Party Pleaser: This dessert serves a crowd with its generous 12-serving size, making it ideal for potlucks, family gatherings, and celebrations.
  • Simple Baking Adventure: Minimal ingredients and straightforward steps mean bakers of all skill levels can successfully create this impressive strawberry cake without stress.

Ingredients For Strawberry Earthquake Cake

Cake Base:
  • White Cake Mix: A convenient base for creating a moist and fluffy foundation for the strawberry dessert.
  • Fresh Strawberries: Sweet and juicy berries that add natural fruity flavor and moisture to the cake.
Cream Cheese Topping:
  • Cream Cheese: Provides a rich and tangy layer that creates signature earthquake cake pockets.
  • Butter: Adds richness and helps create a smooth cream cheese mixture.
  • Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and helps stabilize the cream cheese topping.
  • Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor with its warm and aromatic profile.
Garnish:
  • Coconut Flakes, White Chocolate Chips: Add delightful texture and extra sweetness to the cake's surface, creating a beautiful and tasty finish.

How To Make Strawberry Earthquake Cake

Step 1: Mix Cake Base

Grab a boxed white cake mix and follow the package instructions. Gently fold fresh chopped strawberries into the batter. Pour the vibrant mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.

Step 2: Whip Creamy Topping

In a mixing bowl, blend cream cheese, softened butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until silky smooth. Use a hand mixer to ensure no lumps remain.

Step 3: Layer Decadent Swirls

Dollop generous spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture across the cake batter. Use a knife to create beautiful swirling patterns throughout the surface.

Step 4: Sprinkle Delightful Crunch

Scatter over the top:
  • White chocolate chips
  • Shredded coconut flakes

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Place the cake in a preheated oven at 350°F. Bake for 40-45 minutes until the edges turn golden brown and the center sets completely.

Step 6: Cool and Reveal

Let the cake cool for at least 30 minutes. The top will naturally crack, creating stunning earthquake-like patterns with pockets of creamy filling and fruity bursts.

Enjoy your deliciously unpredictable dessert!

Tips For Strawberry Earthquake Cake

  • Fold Gently: Mix strawberries into cake batter with a light touch to prevent breaking fruit and maintain texture.
  • Cream Cheese Magic: Ensure cream cheese and butter are at room temperature for smoother, lump-free topping mixture.
  • Baking Precision: Check cake doneness by inserting a toothpick near center – it should come out with minimal moist crumbs.
  • Cooling Technique: Let cake rest for at least 30 minutes before cutting to allow cream cheese layers to set properly.
  • Flavor Boost: Use fresh, ripe strawberries for maximum sweetness and consider adding a hint of almond extract for depth.

Variations For Strawberry Earthquake Cake

  • Gluten-Free Strawberry Earthquake Cake: Replace standard cake mix with gluten-free cake mix and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free.
  • Vegan Berry Crumble Cake: Substitute dairy ingredients with coconut cream, vegan butter, plant-based cream cheese alternative, and use egg replacement in cake mix.
  • Low-Sugar Strawberry Earthquake Cake: Use sugar-free cake mix, replace powdered sugar with stevia or monk fruit sweetener, and choose sugar-free white chocolate chips.
  • Chocolate Strawberry Earthquake Cake: Swap white cake mix for chocolate cake mix, use dark chocolate chips instead of white chocolate, and add cocoa powder to cream cheese mixture for deeper chocolate flavor.

Pairing Ideas For Strawberry Earthquake Cake

  • Savor Creamy Vanilla Companion: Pair with a smooth, cold vanilla bean ice cream to complement the cake's rich, tangy cream cheese swirls.
  • Sip Strawberry Champagne Delight: Match with a chilled rosĂ© champagne or sparkling wine that echoes the cake's fruity strawberry notes and cuts through its sweetness.
  • Select Whipped Cream Enhancer: Top with fresh whipped cream sprinkled with toasted coconut flakes to amplify the cake's existing coconut and creamy textures.
  • Drizzle Berry Liqueur Accent: Add a light splash of strawberry liqueur or raspberry cordial alongside each slice to intensify the dessert's fruity undertones.

Storage Tips For Strawberry Earthquake Cake

  • Store leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Cover with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent drying out.
  • Wrap individual slices 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 for 15-20 seconds on medium power. Check temperature and heat in short intervals to prevent overheating.
  • Preheat oven to 300F. Place cake slices on a baking sheet, cover loosely with foil, and warm for 10-15 minutes until heated through. This method helps maintain the cake's texture and prevents drying.

FAQs About Strawberry Earthquake Cake

  • What makes the cream cheese topping special?

The cream cheese mixture creates delicious pockets of creamy goodness that swirl through the cake, giving it a unique texture and rich flavor when baked.

  • Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use frozen strawberries, but make sure to thaw and pat them dry completely to prevent excess moisture from affecting the cake’s texture.

  • How do I know when the cake is fully baked?

The cake is done when the edges turn golden brown and the center is set, with a slightly jiggly texture. A toothpick inserted near the center should come out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs.

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Strawberry Earthquake Cake Recipe

Strawberry Earthquake Cake Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 32 reviews

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

Description

Sweet sensations erupt with this strawberry earthquake cake, a delightful dessert that crumbles and cascades with luscious strawberry flavor. Creamy layers mingle with fruity swirls, creating a dessert landscape you’ll savor to the last crumbly bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Cake Base:

  • 1 box white cake mix
  • 1 cup water
  • 1/3 cup vegetable oil
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 cup strawberries, chopped
  • 1/2 cup coconut flakes

Cream Cheese Topping:

  • 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 4 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Chocolate Additions:

  • 1/2 cup white chocolate chips

Instructions

  1. Warm the oven to 350F (175C) and thoroughly coat a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
  2. Prepare cake mix following package directions, then delicately incorporate fresh strawberry pieces throughout the batter. Transfer mixture into the prepared pan, ensuring even distribution.
  3. Using an electric mixer, whip cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until achieving a silky, uniform consistency.
  4. Gently dollop the cream cheese mixture across the cake batter’s surface, creating random patches and swirls.
  5. Generously scatter white chocolate chips and coconut flakes over the entire cake top, covering most of the surface.
  6. Place the cake in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, watching for golden brown edges and a set center.
  7. Remove from oven and let cool completely at room temperature, allowing the distinctive cracked earthquake texture to develop naturally.
  8. Slice into generous squares, revealing pockets of creamy filling and fruity strawberry bursts within the dessert.
  9. Serve chilled or at room temperature for optimal flavor and texture enjoyment.

Notes

  • Swap frozen strawberries for fresh ones, but ensure they’re completely thawed and patted dry to prevent excess moisture in the cake.
  • Use room temperature cream cheese and butter for smoother, lump-free cream cheese topping that spreads easily.
  • Adjust sweetness by reducing powdered sugar if using very ripe, sweet strawberries or prefer a less sweet dessert.
  • Gluten-free option works perfectly by substituting regular cake mix with a gluten-free alternative without compromising texture or flavor.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 447
  • Sugar: 44 g
  • Sodium: 167 mg
  • Fat: 26 g
  • Saturated Fat: 15 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 53 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 45 mg
Olivia Brooks

Olivia Brooks

Contributing Writer

Expertise

  • Healthy recipe development
  • Plant-based cooking
  • Nutritional analysis
  • Food writing and content creation

Education

Culinary Institute of America
Accelerated Culinary Arts Certificate Program
Focus: Culinary fundamentals, nutrition, and healthy cooking technique


Olivia believes good food should feed both the body and the soul. She earned her Accelerated Culinary Arts Certificate from the Culinary Institute of America, where she focused on nutrition and practical cooking techniques that make healthy eating easy.
At 10 Below Ice Cream, Olivia shares single-serving recipes that are fresh, plant-forward, and full of heart. She loves helping people eat better, without stress, strict rules, or sacrificing flavor.
Beyond the kitchen, Olivia spends her time tending her backyard garden, practicing yoga, and discovering hidden gems in Portland’s food scene.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star