Shake Up Dessert Time: Strawberry Earthquake Cake Recipe

Cracking open the world of decadent desserts, this strawberry earthquake cake bursts with unexpected layers of creamy delight.

Sweet strawberries dance through rich cream cheese swirls, creating a messy masterpiece that defies traditional baking expectations.

Waves of strawberry preserve weave between soft cake crumbs, promising an explosive flavor experience.

Chocolate and fruit combine in a playful symphony that will make you smile.

Homemade magic happens when simple ingredients collide with creative technique.

Prepare to experience a dessert that breaks all the rules and melts hearts instantly.

You cannot resist diving into this delightful culinary adventure.

Tremendous Taste: Strawberry Earthquake Cake Uncovered

• Craft a Quick Dessert: Dive into a strawberry lover's dream with this simple cake that requires minimal baking skills and delivers maximum flavor.
• Customize with Ease: Transform the basic recipe by adding fresh strawberries or white chocolate drizzle, making it perfect for personalizing to your taste preferences.
• Perfect Party Pleaser: Ideal for potlucks, family gatherings, and celebrations, this cake impresses guests without complicated preparation steps.
• Versatile Crowd-Favorite: Suitable for all ages, from kids to adults, this dessert brings a burst of fruity sweetness that everyone will enjoy.

Ingredients for Strawberry Earthquake Cake

• Strawberry Cake Mix: A convenient base that provides the primary strawberry flavor and cake structure.
• Water, Oil, Eggs: Essential ingredients that help bind and moisten the cake mix.

• Cream Cheese: Adds a rich, tangy layer that creates a marbled texture and creamy contrast.
• Powdered Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps create a smooth cream cheese mixture.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor with its warm, sweet aroma.

• Fresh Strawberries: Provides bright, natural fruit flavor and fresh texture.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the strawberry glaze and balances the fruit's tartness.
• Lemon Juice: Adds a subtle brightness and helps balance the sweetness.
• Cornstarch: Thickens the glaze and gives it a smooth, glossy consistency.
• White Chocolate: Optional topping that adds extra sweetness and decorative finish.

How to Bake Strawberry Earthquake Cake

Step 1: Prepare Baking Workspace

Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish thoroughly. Set the oven to preheat at 350°F (175°C).

Step 2: Create Cake Foundation

Mix the strawberry cake batter following the package instructions. Pour the batter into the prepared dish, spreading it smoothly and evenly across the surface.

Step 3: Whip Creamy Swirl Mixture

• Softened cream cheese
• Powdered sugar
• Vanilla extract

Beat these ingredients until the mixture becomes completely smooth and creamy.

Step 4: Design Marbled Surface

Gently drop spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture over the cake batter.

Use a knife to create delicate swirls, forming a beautiful marbled pattern across the cake’s surface.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Place the cake in the preheated oven.

Bake for 30-35 minutes, checking doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center. The toothpick should come out clean when the cake is fully baked.

Allow the cake to cool completely within the pan.

Step 6: Craft Strawberry Glaze

• Mashed strawberries
• Granulated sugar
• Lemon juice

Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the mixture begins bubbling.

Step 7: Thicken Glaze

Stir in cornstarch mixture. Continue cooking for 1-2 minutes until the glaze reaches a thick, glossy consistency.

Remove from heat and let cool to room temperature.

Step 8: Final Decorative Touch

Drizzle the cooled strawberry glaze evenly across the cake’s surface.

Optional: Garnish with fresh strawberries and a light drizzle of white chocolate for extra elegance.

Pro Tips for Strawberry Earthquake Cake Success

• Ensure cream cheese is at room temperature for smooth, lump-free mixing with powdered sugar.
• Gently swirl cream cheese mixture to create beautiful marbling without overmixing the cake batter.
• Use fresh, ripe strawberries for the most vibrant glaze and garnish, enhancing the cake's natural sweetness.
• Allow cake to cool completely before adding glaze to prevent runny, absorbed topping and maintain texture.
• Check cake doneness with a toothpick – it should come out clean with minimal crumbs for perfect moisture.

Variations to Shake Up Strawberry Earthquake Cake

• Gluten-Free Delight: Replace regular cake mix with a gluten-free strawberry cake mix, ensuring those with gluten sensitivities can enjoy the dessert.
• Vegan Berry Bliss: Substitute cream cheese with dairy-free cream cheese, use egg-free cake mix, and swap white chocolate for vegan chocolate chips.
• Chocolate Strawberry Fusion: Use chocolate cake mix instead of strawberry, creating a rich chocolate base with strawberry glaze and fresh berries.
• Low-Sugar Option: Utilize sugar-free cake mix, replace sugar in glaze with stevia or monk fruit sweetener, and reduce overall sugar content for a lighter dessert.

Pairing Suggestions for Strawberry Earthquake Cake

• Pair with Sweet Dessert Wine: Complement the cake's fruity sweetness with a chilled moscato or rosé wine, enhancing the strawberry flavor and providing a delightful balance.
• Serve with Creamy Vanilla Gelato: Add a scoop of smooth vanilla gelato alongside the cake to create a refreshing contrast and elevate the dessert's richness.
• Match with Sparkling Rosé Cocktail: Create a light, bubbly cocktail using sparkling rosé and fresh strawberry puree to mirror the cake's vibrant berry notes and add a festive touch.
• Enjoy with Fresh Mint Tea: Brew a light mint tea to cleanse the palate and provide a subtle herbal undertone that brightens the cake's sweet profile.

Storage Tips for Strawberry Earthquake Cake

Transfer leftover cake to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or lid to prevent moisture loss and preserve freshness.

Wrap individual cake slices in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container or sealed freezer bag. Freeze for up to 3 months to maintain optimal texture and flavor.

Keep cake at room temperature for 12 hours maximum. Place under a cake dome or cover with plastic wrap to prevent drying out.

Warm refrigerated slices in microwave for 1520 seconds on medium power. For frozen slices, thaw in refrigerator overnight, then gently warm in microwave or let sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving.

FAQs

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

Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean without any wet batter, the cake is done. The top should also look golden and slightly firm to the touch.

• Can I use fresh strawberries in the cake batter?

While the recipe uses a boxed strawberry cake mix, you can add finely chopped fresh strawberries to enhance the flavor. Just pat the strawberries dry and lightly coat them in flour to prevent sinking.

• What if my cream cheese mixture is lumpy?

Ensure the cream cheese is completely softened at room temperature before mixing. Use an electric mixer on medium speed to beat until smooth and creamy, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed.

Strawberry Earthquake Cake Recipe

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4.5 from 29 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Sweet strawberry earthquake cake crumbles deliciously with creamy layers and unexpected texture. Crackled edges and rich strawberry swirls promise a delightful dessert you won’t forget.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Cake Base:

• 1 box strawberry cake mix
• Ingredients required on cake mix box (typically eggs, oil, water)

Cream Cheese Swirl:

• 8 ounces (226 grams) cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup (60 grams) powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon (5 milliliters) vanilla extract

Strawberry Glaze and Garnish:

• 1 cup (150 grams) fresh strawberries, mashed
• 1/3 cup (67 grams) granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon (5 grams) cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) water
• Additional fresh strawberries (for garnish)
• White chocolate (for drizzle)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the baking vessel by greasing a 9×13-inch dish and heating the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Mix the strawberry cake batter according to package directions, ensuring a smooth consistency.
3. Pour the prepared batter into the greased dish, spreading it uniformly across the surface.
4. In a separate mixing bowl, whip cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until achieving a silky, homogeneous texture.
5. Delicately dollop the cream cheese mixture over the cake batter, using a knife to create elegant marble-like swirls.
6. Transfer the dish to the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, checking doneness with a toothpick inserted into the center.
7. Allow the cake to cool completely within the baking dish, maintaining its structural integrity.
8. Craft the strawberry glaze by combining mashed strawberries, granulated sugar, and lemon juice in a saucepan over medium heat.
9. Incorporate the cornstarch mixture, stirring continuously until the glaze reaches a thick, bubbling consistency (1-2 minutes).
10. Remove the glaze from heat and let it cool to room temperature.
11. Generously drizzle the cooled glaze across the cake’s surface.
12. Optional: Garnish with fresh strawberries and a delicate white chocolate drizzle for an elevated presentation.

Notes

• Soften cream cheese at room temperature to ensure smooth, lump-free mixture for perfect swirling.
• Avoid overmixing the cream cheese layer to maintain distinct marbled patterns in the cake.
• Use fresh, ripe strawberries for the most vibrant flavor and natural sweetness in the glaze.
• Create a gluten-free version by substituting the cake mix with a gluten-free alternative for those with dietary restrictions.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 278 kcal
• Sugar: 28 g
• Sodium: 220 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg