Strawberry Earthquake Cake Recipe
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
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)
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan thoroughly to prevent sticking.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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