Strawberry Earthquake Cake Recipe
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.
- Author: Rita
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40-45 minutes
- Total Time: 55-60 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
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)
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Top with remaining batter: Pour the remaining cake batter over the cream cheese layer and spread evenly to cover completely.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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