Strawberry Earthquake Cake Recipe

Introduction

Strawberry Earthquake Cake is a delightful twist on traditional strawberry cake, loaded with fresh fruit, creamy frosting, and white chocolate chips. This luscious, crowd-pleasing dessert is perfect for any occasion that calls for something sweet and inviting.

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) and grease a 9×13 inch baking pan to prevent sticking.
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 together the softened cream cheese and melted butter until creamy. Gradually add the confectioners’ sugar, vanilla extract, and salt, mixing until smooth and fluffy.
5. Step 5: When the cake is done baking, remove it from the oven. Sprinkle the diced strawberries and white chocolate chips evenly over the top. Then dollop spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture over the cake.
6. Step 6: Return the cake to the oven for another 15–20 minutes, or until the cream cheese topping is set.
7. Step 7: Allow the cake to cool for at least 30 minutes before serving. Garnish with additional strawberries if desired, and serve with vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgence.

Tips & Variations

• Use fresh, ripe strawberries for the best flavor and texture in the topping and garnish.
• For a richer cream cheese topping, chill it for 30 minutes before dolloping on the cake.
• Substitute white chocolate chips with milk or dark chocolate chips for a different flavor profile.
• Try adding a sprinkle of toasted almonds or coconut flakes on top for added crunch.
• If you prefer, substitute the cake mix with a homemade strawberry cake batter for a scratch version.

Storage

Store leftover cake covered tightly in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Bring to room temperature before serving or warm briefly in the microwave to soften the cream cheese topping. This cake is not suitable for freezing due to its creamy topping.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?

Fresh strawberries are best for texture and flavor, but you can use thawed, drained frozen strawberries if needed. Be sure to pat them dry to avoid excess moisture on the cake.

Is this cake difficult to make for beginners?

Not at all. This recipe uses a cake mix and simple ingredients, making it beginner-friendly while still impressing with its flavor and presentation.

Strawberry Earthquake Cake Recipe

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4.5 from 63 reviews

Strawberry Earthquake Cake is a luscious, fruity dessert featuring a moist strawberry cake base topped with a creamy, tangy cream cheese mixture, fresh diced strawberries, and white chocolate chips. This layered treat offers a perfect balance of sweetness and texture, making it an irresistible choice for strawberry lovers.

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

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Cake Ingredients

• 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

Additional Toppings

• 1 cup diced strawberries (plus extra for garnish)
• 2 cups white chocolate chips
• Vanilla ice cream (optional for serving)

Instructions

1. Preheat & Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking pan thoroughly to prevent sticking.
2. Mix Cake Batter: In a mixing bowl, combine the strawberry cake mix, eggs, water, and vegetable oil. Stir or beat until the batter is smooth and well combined.
3. Bake Cake Base: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center; it should come out clean when done.
4. Prepare Cream Cheese Mixture: While the cake bakes, beat the softened cream cheese and melted butter together until creamy and smooth. Gradually add confectioners’ sugar, vanilla extract, and kosher salt, mixing thoroughly until fully combined.
5. Add Toppings: Once the cake is baked, remove it from the oven. Immediately sprinkle diced strawberries and white chocolate chips evenly over the hot cake. Then, spoon dollops of the prepared cream cheese mixture on top.
6. Bake Again: Return the cake to the oven for an additional 15 to 20 minutes, allowing the toppings to set and meld together.
7. Cool and Serve: Let the cake cool for at least 30 minutes before serving. For an extra indulgent experience, serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and additional fresh strawberries if desired.

Notes

• Make sure the cream cheese is fully softened to avoid lumps in the topping mixture.
• Use fresh, ripe strawberries for the best flavor and texture.
• You can substitute white chocolate chips with milk or dark chocolate chips according to preference.
• Allow the cake to cool completely to let the cream cheese layer set properly.
• This cake can be refrigerated overnight and served chilled for a different texture.
• For a dairy-free version, substitute cream cheese and butter with appropriate vegan alternatives.

Keywords: Strawberry Cake, Strawberry Earthquake Cake, Cream Cheese Topping, White Chocolate, Layered Cake, Dessert Recipe