If you are looking for a delicious dessert that combines the rich taste of chocolate with the bright flavor of strawberries, then you will love this Strawberry Earthquake Cake. This dessert is a great way to bring joy to any gathering or simply enjoy at home. Its layers of moist chocolate cake, creamy cheese filling, and fresh strawberries create a mouthwatering experience with every bite. It’s easy to make and has a unique look because of how the strawberries and cream cheese swirl into the cake. With just a few simple ingredients and steps, you can create a show-stopping dessert that will impress your friends and family.
Why Make This Recipe
There are many reasons to try making this Strawberry Earthquake Cake. First, it is incredibly easy and quick to prepare. With a box of chocolate cake mix as your base, you won’t need to create your batter from scratch. This saves you time and makes the process more approachable for beginner bakers.
Second, this cake is versatile. You can customize it with optional add-ins, such as coconut or nuts, depending on your preferences. It’s a fantastic dessert for all occasions, whether it’s a birthday party, potluck, or casual afternoon snack.
Moreover, who can resist the combination of chocolate and strawberries? The chocolate cake is rich and indulgent, while the fresh strawberries add a delightful freshness and a touch of brightness. When you bite into this cake, the contrast of flavors makes for a truly satisfying treat.
Lastly, the visual appeal of Strawberry Earthquake Cake is stunning. As it bakes, the strawberries and cream cheese create a marbled effect, which makes for an impressive dessert to serve. Everyone will marvel at your baking skills, even though this recipe is so simple!
How to Make Strawberry Earthquake Cake
Now, let’s get started with making this delicious Strawberry Earthquake Cake. Follow these steps carefully, and you will end up with a beautiful cake that tastes as good as it looks.
Ingredients
- 1 box of chocolate cake mix
- 1 cup of water
- 1/2 cup of vegetable oil
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup of powdered sugar
- 8 ounces of cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup of strawberries, chopped
- 1/2 cup of shredded coconut (optional)
- 1/2 cup of chopped nuts (optional)
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
Directions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the oven is ready to go when it’s time to bake your cake.
Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan. A non-stick cooking spray or a little butter will do the job. This step is important to make sure your cake comes out easily.
In a large bowl, combine the chocolate cake mix, water, vegetable oil, and eggs. Use a whisk or a mixer to mix until everything is well blended. You want a smooth batter without lumps.
Pour half the batter into the prepared baking pan. Make sure to spread it out evenly in the pan for consistent cooking.
In another bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla until smooth. You can use a hand mixer or a stand mixer to achieve a creamy consistency.
Pour the cream cheese mixture over the first layer of cake batter. Spread it out gently so that it covers the batter underneath.
Add the remaining cake batter on top of the cream cheese layer. This second layer will help to keep the cream cheese and strawberries in place.
Scatter the chopped strawberries on top. Feel free to push some of them down into the batter slightly so they can infuse their flavor into the cake.
Optionally, sprinkle coconut or nuts as well. If you want to add a little crunch or sweetness to your cake, this is the time to do it!
Using a knife, gently swirl the toppings into the batter. Be careful not to overdo it; a few gentle swirls will create that beautiful “earthquake” effect without mixing it all together.
Bake for 40-45 minutes. Start checking at the 40-minute mark to see if a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Let cool in the pan before slicing and serving. This cooling period helps the cake set and makes it easier to cut.
How to Serve Strawberry Earthquake Cake
Serving your Strawberry Earthquake Cake is just as important as making it. Once it has cooled, slice it into square pieces using a sharp knife. This cake is nice on its own, but you can dress it up a bit if you wish. Consider serving each piece with a dollop of whipped cream on top for extra flavor and presentation. Fresh strawberries on the side can also enhance the experience.
For gatherings, put the slices on a decorative platter to make it look appealing. If you have additional coconut or nuts, consider sprinkling some on top of the whipped cream for a complete look.
How to Store Strawberry Earthquake Cake
If you have leftover cake, you will want to store it properly to keep it fresh. The best way to store Strawberry Earthquake Cake is in an airtight container. If you don’t have an airtight container, you can cover the cake with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Store it in the refrigerator to keep it from spoiling.
The cake should remain fresh for about 4 to 5 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze individual slices. Just wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can last up to 2-3 months in the freezer. When you want to eat some, let it thaw in the fridge overnight.
Tips to Make Strawberry Earthquake Cake
Choose the right strawberries: Fresh, ripe strawberries are key to achieving the best flavor in this cake. If strawberries are out of season, you can use frozen strawberries; just make sure to thaw and drain them well before using.
Mix carefully: Do not over-mix the batter, as this can make the cake tough. Just mix until everything is combined and then stop.
Be careful with the cheese layer: Make sure your cream cheese is really softened. If it’s cold, it may not blend smoothly with the powdered sugar, resulting in lumps.
Check for doneness: Different ovens bake differently. If you find the cake is doing well at 35-40 minutes, start checking for doneness earlier to avoid overbaking.
Variation
This recipe can be easily modified based on what you have at hand. Here are some tasty variations you might try:
Different fruit: If strawberries aren’t your thing, consider using blueberries, raspberries, or chopped bananas instead.
Chocolate chips: For a more chocolaty delight, add semi-sweet chocolate chips into the cake batter or sprinkle them on top along with the strawberries.
Nut butter: You can add a swirl of peanut butter or almond butter into the cream cheese mixture for an extra layer of flavor.
FAQs
Can I use a different cake mix?
Yes, you can use a yellow cake mix or even a gluten-free cake mix if you prefer. The flavors will change a bit, but the cake will still be delicious.
How do I know when the cake is done baking?
A toothpick inserted in the center of the cake should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs. If the toothpick comes out with wet batter, it needs more time to bake.
Is it necessary to cool the cake before serving?
Allowing the cake to cool in the pan helps it set up and makes slicing easier. If you serve it too soon, it may fall apart and lose its shape.
With this easy-to-follow recipe, you will be on your way to creating a delightful Strawberry Earthquake Cake that everyone will love. Enjoy baking and the sweet smiles that follow!
Strawberry Earthquake Cake
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 9x13 inch baking pan with non-stick cooking spray or butter.
- In a large bowl, combine the chocolate cake mix, water, vegetable oil, and eggs. Mix until well blended.
- Pour half the batter into the prepared baking pan.
- In another bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla until smooth.
- Pour the cream cheese mixture over the first layer of cake batter and spread it gently.
- Add the remaining cake batter on top of the cream cheese layer.
- Scatter the chopped strawberries on top and gently press some into the batter.
- Optionally, sprinkle coconut or nuts on top.
- Use a knife to gently swirl the toppings into the batter.
- Bake for 40-45 minutes, checking for doneness with a toothpick.
- Let cool in the pan before slicing and serving.
- Serve with whipped cream and fresh strawberries on the side if desired.