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Strawberry Earthquake Cake Recipe

Strawberry Earthquake Cake Recipe

4.8 from 30 reviews

Strawberry Earthquake Cake is a luscious, moist strawberry-flavored cake layered with a creamy white chocolate and cream cheese topping mixed with fresh strawberries. This indulgent dessert combines a classic strawberry cake base with a rich, fluffy cream cheese topping studded with white chocolate chips and juicy strawberries that create a delightful ‘earthquake’ effect when baked. Perfect for parties or any special occasion, this cake offers a burst of fruity sweetness with a smooth, creamy finish.

Ingredients

Scale

Cake Ingredients

  • 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 Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan thoroughly to prevent sticking and set aside.
  2. Make the Cake Batter: In a large mixing bowl, combine the strawberry cake mix, 3 eggs, 1 cup water, and ½ cup vegetable oil. Use a mixer or whisk to blend until the batter is smooth and free of lumps.
  3. Bake the Cake: Pour the prepared batter evenly into the greased pan. Place into the preheated oven and bake for 30–35 minutes. Test doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center; it should come out clean.
  4. Prepare the Cream Cheese Topping: While the cake is baking, beat together the softened cream cheese and melted unsalted butter in a mixing bowl until creamy and smooth. Gradually add the confectioners’ sugar, vanilla extract, and kosher salt, mixing until fully incorporated and fluffy.
  5. Add Toppings and Bake Again: Once the cake is baked, remove it from the oven. Immediately sprinkle the top with the diced strawberries and white chocolate chips evenly. Drop spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture on top across the surface.
  6. Second Bake: Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 15–20 minutes, allowing the cream cheese topping to set and the white chocolate to soften and meld with the strawberries.
  7. Cool and Serve: Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool for at least 30 minutes. Garnish with any extra diced strawberries if desired. Serve warm or at room temperature, optionally topped with vanilla ice cream.

Notes

  • Use room temperature ingredients for best mixing results, especially eggs and cream cheese.
  • Make sure to soften the cream cheese well to avoid lumps in the topping.
  • Do not overbake the cake during the second bake; the topping should set but remain creamy.
  • The optional vanilla ice cream pairs exceptionally well with the warm cake and adds an extra layer of indulgence.
  • For a more intense strawberry flavor, try adding a teaspoon of strawberry extract to the cake batter.

Nutrition

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