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Strawberry Earthquake Cake Recipe

4.6 from 126 reviews

This Strawberry Earthquake Cake is a delightful combination of rich chocolate cake swirled with creamy vanilla cream cheese and topped with fresh strawberries, nuts, and shredded coconut for a perfect balance of flavors and textures. It’s an easy-to-make dessert that bakes into a moist, luscious treat perfect for gatherings or a sweet indulgence.

Ingredients

Scale

Fruit

  • 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced

Cake Batter

  • 1 box (15.25 oz) chocolate cake mix
  • 1 cup water
  • 1/3 cup vegetable oil
  • 3 large eggs

Cream Cheese Swirl

  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Toppings (Optional)

  • 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
  • 1/2 cup shredded coconut (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat and prepare the pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal of the cake.
  2. Make the cake batter: In a large mixing bowl, combine the chocolate cake mix, water, vegetable oil, and eggs. Mix thoroughly until the batter is smooth and uniform in consistency.
  3. Pour the first layer of batter: Pour half of the prepared cake batter into the greased baking dish, spreading it evenly to cover the bottom.
  4. Prepare the cream cheese mixture: In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until the mixture becomes smooth, creamy, and well combined.
  5. Add the cream cheese layer: Drop spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture over the cake batter evenly, then gently swirl it into the batter using a knife to create a marbled effect.
  6. Top with remaining batter: Pour the remaining cake batter over the cream cheese layer and spread evenly to cover completely.
  7. Add strawberries and optional toppings: Scatter the sliced strawberries evenly over the top of the cake batter. If desired, sprinkle chopped nuts and shredded coconut over the strawberries for added texture and flavor.
  8. Bake the cake: Bake in the preheated oven for 40 to 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, indicating that the cake is fully cooked.
  9. Cool before serving: Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for at least 15 minutes to set before slicing and serving.

Notes

  • Use fresh, ripe strawberries for the best flavor and texture.
  • For a nut-free version, simply omit the chopped pecans or walnuts.
  • Allow the cream cheese to soften to room temperature before mixing to avoid lumps.
  • This cake can be refrigerated and served chilled or at room temperature.
  • To enhance the strawberry flavor, consider tossing the strawberries with a teaspoon of sugar before adding to the cake.

Keywords: Strawberry Earthquake Cake, chocolate cake, cream cheese swirl, fresh strawberries, dessert recipe, easy cake, chocolate strawberry cake