Strawberry Earthquake Cake Recipe

Introduction

Strawberry Earthquake Cake is a luscious, fruity dessert that combines moist strawberry cake with creamy cream cheese and bursts of fresh strawberries and white chocolate. This impressive yet simple layered cake makes an unforgettable treat for any occasion.

Ingredients

• 1 box (15.25 ounces) strawberry cake mix
• 3 large eggs (room temperature)
• 1 cup water
• ½ cup vegetable oil
• 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese (softened to room temperature)
• ½ cup unsalted butter (melted)
• 2 ½ cups confectioners’ sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 cup diced strawberries (plus extra for garnish)
• 2 cups white chocolate chips
• Vanilla ice cream (optional for serving)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan thoroughly.
2. Step 2: In a mixing bowl, combine the strawberry cake mix, eggs, water, and vegetable oil. Mix until the batter is smooth and well blended.
3. Step 3: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pan and bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
4. Step 4: While the cake bakes, beat the softened cream cheese and melted butter together until creamy. Gradually add the confectioners’ sugar, vanilla extract, and salt, mixing until smooth.
5. Step 5: When the cake is done, remove it from the oven. Evenly sprinkle the diced strawberries and white chocolate chips over the top. Then spoon dollops of the cream cheese mixture onto the cake.
6. Step 6: Return the pan to the oven and bake for another 15–20 minutes, until the topping is set and lightly golden.
7. Step 7: Allow the cake to cool for at least 30 minutes before serving. For an extra indulgent touch, serve with vanilla ice cream.

Tips & Variations

• Use room temperature eggs and cream cheese for a smoother batter and topping.
• Try swapping white chocolate chips for milk or dark chocolate for a richer flavor.
• Gently fold extra diced strawberries into the cream cheese mixture for bursts of fruit throughout.
• For a gluten-free option, select a gluten-free strawberry cake mix.

Storage

Store leftover cake covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Let it come to room temperature or warm slightly before serving to bring out the flavors. This cake doesn’t freeze well due to the fresh strawberries and cream cheese topping.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh strawberries instead of diced?

Diced fresh strawberries work best to ensure even distribution and consistent baking. Larger slices may not set well in the topping layer.

Is there a substitute for the strawberry cake mix?

You can use a homemade strawberry cake batter or a plain white cake mix with added strawberry puree or extract, but using the mix keeps this recipe quick and easy.

Strawberry Earthquake Cake Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.4 from 128 reviews

Strawberry Earthquake Cake is a luscious dessert combining a moist strawberry-flavored cake base with a creamy, rich cream cheese topping embedded with fresh strawberries and white chocolate chips. Baked to perfection in two stages, this cake delivers a decadent strawberry burst in every bite, perfect for celebrations or an indulgent treat.

• Author: Grace
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 12 servings 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Cake

• 1 box (15.25 ounces) strawberry cake mix
• 3 large eggs (room temperature)
• 1 cup water
• ½ cup vegetable oil

Cream Cheese Topping

• 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese (softened to room temperature)
• ½ cup unsalted butter (melted)
• 2 ½ cups confectioners’ sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 cup diced strawberries (plus extra for garnish)
• 2 cups white chocolate chips

Optional Serving

• Vanilla ice cream

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan thoroughly to prevent sticking.
2. Make Cake Batter: In a large mixing bowl, combine the strawberry cake mix, eggs, water, and vegetable oil. Mix until the batter is smooth and well blended without lumps.
3. Bake Cake: Pour the prepared batter into the greased baking pan, spreading evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
4. Prepare Cream Cheese Mixture: While the cake is baking, beat together the softened cream cheese and melted butter until creamy and smooth. Gradually add the confectioners’ sugar, vanilla extract, and kosher salt, mixing until fully incorporated and fluffy.
5. Add Toppings to Cake: After the initial bake, remove the cake from the oven. Sprinkle the top evenly with diced strawberries and white chocolate chips. Spoon dollops of the cream cheese mixture across the cake, distributing it well.
6. Second Bake: Return the cake to the oven and bake for an additional 15–20 minutes until the cream cheese topping is set and lightly golden.
7. Cool and Serve: Allow the cake to cool for at least 30 minutes before serving. Optionally, serve with vanilla ice cream for an extra creamy complement.

Notes

• Ensure cream cheese is softened to room temperature for a smooth topping mixture.
• You can use fresh strawberries for garnish to enhance freshness and visual appeal.
• If desired, substitute vegetable oil with a neutral oil like canola oil.
• This cake is best served at room temperature or slightly chilled.
• Storing leftovers in the refrigerator is recommended due to the cream cheese topping.

Keywords: Strawberry cake, cream cheese topping, white chocolate, baked strawberry dessert, strawberry earthquake cake