I was kinda shocked when I first saw the Strawberry Earthquake Cake . It looked like a fun mess of pink and white , and I just had to bake one myself .
This cake feels almost magic : you get sweet strawberry cаke layers and a thick swirled cream cheese filling that oozes into every bite . The cracks on top give it a cool earthquake look , so friends always go “wow” when I slice it .
People love it not just ’cause it tastes awesome , but also ’cause it’s pretty easy to make . Even if you’re new to baking , you can whip it up without breaking a sweat . It’s great for birthdays , family nights , or just a random Tuesday when you need a treat .
Earthquake cakes go back a long time . The idea was to drop dollops of filling on top of batter so it makes fissures as it bakes . Our Strawberry version just swaps in fresh berries or strawberry mix to give it that bright, fruity kick .
What is Strawberry Earthquake Cake?
Strawberry Earthquake Cake is a cake that shakes up the usual dessert scene . It hаs a pink strawberry base and ribbons of tangy cream cheese running through it . When you bake it , the filling peeks out and makes cracks that look like little earthquakes .
What makes it special is the fresh strawberry flavor . The mix or real berries give it a juicy taste , while the cream cheese layer adds a smooth, rich bite . Together , they make a cake everyone wants seconds of .
Flavor Profile and Texture
This cake tastes like a dance of sweet and tangy . The strawberry part is like candy , but not too sugary , and the cream cheese is smooth and a bit tart . It’s like eating a cupcake and cheesecake in one .
The texture is simple yet awesome . The cake is light and fluffy , and the cream cheese layer is velvety and moist . Each forkful has soft crumbs plus extra cream , so it feels fancy but not hard to eat .
Ingredients & Equipment
You don’t need much to make this cake , just some basic pantry items and a few tools :
Essential Ingredients
- Strawberry Cake Mix: gives the sweet pink base .
- Eggs: help hold it all together .
- Water and Oil: make the cake moist and tender .
- Cream Cheese: for that creamy, tangy swirl layer .
- Powdered Sugar: sweetens the cream cheese filling .
- Fresh Strawberries: for extra fruity flavor and color .
Optional Ingredients
- Vanilla Extract: a splash adds depth to the filling .
- Whipped Cream: for topping , if you want it extra light .
Required Equipment
- Mixing Bowls: one for batter , one for filling .
- Electric Mixer: makes the cream cheese super smooth .
- 9x13 Baking Pan: the best size to get that quake effect .
- Spatula: to spread layers evenly .
- Cooling Rack: let the cake cool before slicing .
How to Make Strawberry Earthquake Cake
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) . A steady temp is key for a nice rise .
2. Prepare the Cake Batter
In a big bowl , mix the strawberry cake mix , eggs , water , and oil . Beat until smooth .
3. Create the Cream Cheese Swirl
In another bowl , whip the softened cream cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla until lump-free .
4. Combine and Pour
Pour half the batter into the pan . Spoon the cream cheese mix on top , then cover with the rest of the batter .
5. Baking the Cake
Bake for 30–35 minutes . Check with a toothpick : it should come out mostly clean .
6. Cooling and Serving
Let the cake cool in the pan for 15 minutes , then move it to a rack . Cut and top with extra strawberry slices if you like .
Tips for a Perfect Strawberry Earthquake Cake
Try these tips so your cake turns out just right :
- Gluten-Free Option: use gluten-free cake mix .
- Vegan Swap: replace eggs with flax eggs and use plant-based milk .
- Avoid Overmixing: stir just until ingredients are combined .
- Storing Leftovers: keep in an airtight container in the fridge up to 3 days .
Nutritional Information
Here’s a quick look at what’s in one slice :
- Calories: around 320 .
- Nutrients: sugars , carbs , fats , and some protein from eggs and cheese .
- Compared to Regular Cake: this one gains a bit more vitamins if you add fresh berries .
Creative Serving Suggestions
- Garnish: top with sliced strawberries and a mint sprig for color .
- Drink Pairing: goes great with iced tea or lemonade on warm days .
Variations on Strawberry Earthquake Cake
- Other Fruits: use blueberries , raspberries , or peaches instead .
- Dairy-Free: pick dairy-free cream cheese and non-dairy milk .
- Cupcake-Size: bake in muffin tins for mini earthquake cakes .
FAQ - People Also Ask
What does an Earthquake Cake taste like?
It tastes like a mix of sweet fruit and creamy cheese . The cake is moist and the filling is soft and a little tangy .
Can I make Strawberry Earthquake Cake from scratch?
Yes , you can skip the box mix . Use flour , sugar , baking powder , eggs , and real strawberries . For the swirl , beat cream cheese with sugar and vanilla .
How do I make this cake more festive?
Sprinkle colorful sugar , edible glitter , or add whipped cream and berries on top for a party look .
Why is it called an Earthquake Cake?
The cracks and fissures that show up on top look like the ground split open , so people called it an “earthquake” cake .
Strawberry Earthquake Cake
Equipment
- 1 9x13 inch baking dish
- 1 mixing bowls
- 1 hand mixer or stand mixer
- 1 rubber spatula
- 1 measuring cups and spoons
- 1 oven
Ingredients
- 1 box chocolate cake mix 15.25 oz
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup water
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup shredded coconut
- 1 cup chopped strawberries fresh or frozen
- 8 oz cream cheese softened
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts optional
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the chocolate cake mix, water, vegetable oil, and eggs. Beat with a hand mixer on medium speed for about 2 minutes until well combined.
- Add the shredded coconut and chopped strawberries to the batter. Mix gently until incorporated.
- Pour the cake batter into the greased 9x13 inch baking dish and spread it evenly.
- In another bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with the powdered sugar and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
- Drop spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture over the chocolate cake batter. Use a knife or toothpick to swirl the cream cheese into the cake batter, creating a marbled effect.
- If using, sprinkle the chopped pecans or walnuts on top of the cake.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 15 minutes before slicing and serving.
- For a stronger strawberry flavor, feel free to add more chopped strawberries to the cream cheese mixture.
- You can serve this cake warm, or it can be refrigerated and enjoyed chilled.
- This cake pairs well with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
