Dessert

Strawberry Earthquake Cake Recipe

ByRita Bennet October 20, 2025October 20, 2025

Introduction

Strawberry Earthquake Cake is a delightful chocolate dessert swirled with creamy cheese and topped with fresh strawberries. Its rich flavors and moist texture make it a perfect treat for any occasion.

A stack of three brownies sits on a white marbled surface, each brownie showing three distinct layers: a dark brown rich chocolate layer on top and bottom, with a creamy off-white layer mixed with bright red strawberry pieces in the middle. The top brownie is drizzled with glossy red strawberry sauce and topped with a fresh halved strawberry with green leaves. Around the base of the stack, there are whole and halved fresh strawberries scattered, adding vibrant red color. The background is dark, making the colors of the brownies and strawberries stand out clearly. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
1 box (15.25 oz) chocolate cake mix

1 cup water
1/3 cup vegetable oil

3 large eggs
8 oz cream cheese, softened

1 cup powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)

1/2 cup shredded coconut (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, combine the chocolate cake mix, water, vegetable oil, and eggs. Mix until well combined and smooth.

Step 3: Pour half of the cake batter into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.
Step 4: In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
Step 5: Drop spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture over the cake batter in the baking dish. Use a knife to gently swirl the cream cheese into the batter.

Step 6: Pour the remaining cake batter over the cream cheese layer.
Step 7: Scatter the sliced strawberries evenly over the top of the cake batter. If desired, sprinkle the chopped nuts and shredded coconut on top.
Step 8: Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 9: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for at least 15 minutes before serving.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, lightly toast the chopped nuts before sprinkling them on top.
Substitute fresh strawberries with frozen ones; just thaw and drain excess liquid before using.

Try adding a sprinkle of cinnamon to the cream cheese mixture for a warm spice note.
Use a mix of strawberries and blueberries for a colorful twist.

Storage

Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This cake is best served slightly chilled or at room temperature. To reheat, warm individual slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds.

How to Serve

The image shows a stack of three thick, square dessert bars with a marbled pattern of dark brown chocolate and creamy white cheesecake swirled together. Each bar has a bright red strawberry sauce or jam layer mixed in, creating a vibrant contrast with the chocolate and cream. The top bar is decorated with a halved fresh strawberry with green leaves. The bars rest on a white marbled surface with a few whole and halved fresh strawberries around them, giving a fresh and juicy look. The background is dark, making the colors of the dessert and strawberries stand out clearly. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a homemade chocolate cake batter instead of box mix?

Yes, you can use your favorite homemade chocolate cake batter. Just ensure the consistency is similar to a typical box mix to maintain the right texture.

Do I have to use cream cheese in this recipe?

The cream cheese layer adds a rich, creamy texture and balances the chocolate and strawberries. Omitting it will change the flavor and texture, but you can experiment by replacing it with whipped cream or mascarpone for a different variation.