Strawberry Earthquake Cake Recipe

Introduction

Strawberry Earthquake Cake is a delightful dessert that combines the vibrant flavor of strawberry cake with a luscious cream cheese topping, dotted with fresh strawberries and white chocolate chips. This layered treat is moist, creamy, and perfect for sharing at any gathering or simply enjoying as a sweet indulgence at home.

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.
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 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 kosher salt, beating until smooth and fluffy.
5. Step 5: When the cake is done, remove it from the oven and evenly sprinkle the diced strawberries and white chocolate chips over the top. Spoon dollops of the cream cheese mixture on top of the cake.
6. Step 6: Return the cake to the oven and bake for an additional 15–20 minutes, until the cream cheese topping is set.
7. Step 7: Allow the cake to cool for at least 30 minutes before serving. Add extra diced strawberries as garnish and serve with vanilla ice cream if desired.

Tips & Variations

• For a more intense strawberry flavor, add a teaspoon of strawberry extract to the batter.
• Use fresh, ripe strawberries for the best texture and taste in the topping.
• Substitute white chocolate chips with milk or dark chocolate chips to vary the sweetness.
• Make sure the cream cheese and butter are at room temperature to avoid lumps in the frosting.

Storage

Store leftover cake covered in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, bring the cake to room temperature or warm gently in the microwave for 15–20 seconds. This cake is also delicious served chilled.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this cake gluten-free?

This recipe uses a boxed strawberry cake mix, so to make it gluten-free, choose a gluten-free strawberry cake mix and verify all other ingredients are gluten-free.

Can I prepare the cream cheese topping in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the cream cheese mixture ahead of time and keep it refrigerated. Bring it back to room temperature and stir well before dolloping onto the baked cake.

Strawberry Earthquake Cake Recipe

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★★★★★

4.4 from 122 reviews

This Strawberry Earthquake Cake is a luscious dessert combining a moist strawberry-flavored cake base with a creamy, tangy cream cheese topping studded with fresh strawberries and white chocolate chips. Baked in two stages, it offers a delightful balance of fruity sweetness and rich texture that’s perfect for any occasion. Serve warm or cooled, optionally with vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat.

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

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Cake

• 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 Ingredients

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

Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan thoroughly to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare Cake Batter: In a large mixing bowl, combine the strawberry cake mix, 3 large eggs at room temperature, 1 cup water, and ½ cup vegetable oil. Mix thoroughly until the batter is smooth and well-blended.
3. Bake Cake: Pour the prepared batter evenly into the greased baking pan. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, indicating the cake is fully baked.
4. Make Cream Cheese Mixture: While the cake bakes, beat together the softened 8 ounces cream cheese and ½ cup melted unsalted butter until creamy and smooth. Gradually add 2 ½ cups confectioners’ sugar, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and ¼ teaspoon kosher salt, beating continuously to create a creamy topping.
5. Add Toppings to Cake: When the cake is done, remove it from the oven. Sprinkle 1 cup diced strawberries and 2 cups white chocolate chips evenly over the hot cake surface. Then, spoon dollops of the cream cheese mixture evenly on top of the strawberries and chocolate chips.
6. Second Bake: Return the cake to the oven and bake for another 15 to 20 minutes, or until the cream cheese topping is set and slightly golden at the edges.
7. Cool and Serve: Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool for at least 30 minutes to set completely. Garnish with extra diced strawberries before serving. Optionally, serve warm or cooled with scoops of vanilla ice cream for added indulgence.

Notes

• Ensure cream cheese is fully softened before mixing to avoid lumps in the topping.
• Use fresh, ripe strawberries for the best flavor and texture.
• The cake can be served warm or cooled depending on preference.
• Store any leftovers covered in the refrigerator; reheat if desired before serving.
• Vanilla ice cream adds a creamy contrast and is highly recommended as a topping.

Keywords: Strawberry cake, cream cheese topping, white chocolate chips, dessert, baked strawberry dessert, strawberry chocolate cake