If you are searching for a dessert that combines vibrant strawberry flavor with a luscious, gooey texture, the Strawberry Earthquake Cake Recipe is an absolute game-changer. This delightful treat marries a fluffy strawberry cake base with swirls of rich cream cheese and bursts of white chocolate, shredded coconut, and crunchy pecans. Baking it is as comforting as sharing it with loved ones, and the cake’s cracked, swirled top looks just as stunning as the inviting taste it promises. Once you try this recipe, it’s guaranteed to become a heartwarming favorite in your dessert rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe is all about simple yet essential ingredients that come together to create a stunning balance of flavors and textures. Each component plays a vital role, whether it’s the moist strawberry cake base, the creamy tang of the cream cheese swirl, or the sweet crunch from the toppings. Here’s what you’ll need to make this irresistible dessert:
- Strawberry cake mix: The foundation, bringing that bright berry flavor and soft crumb every bite needs.
- Eggs, oil, and water: These provide structure and moisture according to the cake mix instructions.
- Cream cheese (8 ounces, softened): Adds a velvety richness that melts into the cake’s swirled center.
- Unsalted butter (½ cup, melted): Enhances the cream cheese mixture with a silky texture and buttery flavor.
- Powdered sugar (2 cups): Sweetens the cream cheese swirl without graininess for smoothness and sweetness.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Deepens the overall flavor profile with a warm, aromatic note.
- White chocolate chips (1 cup): Bring creamy bursts of sweetness throughout the cake.
- Sweetened shredded coconut (½ cup): Adds a tropical chew that contrasts beautifully with the soft cake.
- Chopped pecans (½ cup, optional): Provide crunchy texture to balance the gooey cream cheese filling.
How to Make Strawberry Earthquake Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Batter
Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking. Then, follow the instructions on your strawberry cake mix box to prepare the batter using eggs, oil, and water. Pour this vibrant pink batter evenly into the baking dish. This simple foundation will become the delicious base layer for all the creamy, crunchy goodness that follows.
Step 2: Sprinkle the Toppings
Evenly sprinkle the white chocolate chips, shredded coconut, and, if you like, chopped pecans directly on top of the cake batter. These ingredients not only add a wonderful texture contrast but also create the signature “earthquake” effect when baked, with the cake cracking and swirling beautifully around these mix-ins.
Step 3: Whip Up the Cream Cheese Mixture
In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until it’s completely smooth. Gradually add the melted butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract, mixing until the mixture turns creamy and luxuriously combined. This luscious cream cheese topping will melt into the batter in swirls, creating a gooey, dreamy center that defines the Strawberry Earthquake Cake Recipe.
Step 4: Combine and Bake
Spoon the cream cheese mixture in dollops evenly over the cake batter; do not spread it out fully because you want it to ripple and sink naturally as the cake bakes. Place the dish in the oven and bake for 45 to 50 minutes. The edges will set firmly while the center remains slightly gooey but not liquid. This texture contrast is the secret that makes this recipe so irresistible.
Step 5: Cool and Slice
Allow the cake to cool completely before slicing. This waiting step helps the gooey center settle perfectly, making each slice neat and easy to serve while preserving that signature moist delight that keeps everyone going back for seconds.
How to Serve Strawberry Earthquake Cake Recipe
Garnishes
This cake already shines with its beautiful top, but if you want to add a finishing touch, try a light dusting of powdered sugar or a handful of fresh strawberries to echo that striking strawberry flavor. A little dollop of whipped cream never hurts if you’re going for extra elegance and creaminess.
Side Dishes
The rich Strawberry Earthquake Cake Recipe stands out perfectly on its own, but serving it alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a refreshing berry compote elevates it to deep dessert status. The cool creaminess of ice cream contrasts with the warm cake, while the compote intensifies the fruity brightness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve this cake in individual parfait glasses by layering small cubes with whipped cream and fresh berries. Alternatively, crumble the cooled cake over vanilla pudding for a playful trifle. These creative presentations make the Strawberry Earthquake Cake Recipe perfect for parties or special occasions where you want to wow your guests in a new way.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Strawberry Earthquake Cake keeps beautifully when covered tightly in the refrigerator. Store it for up to four days, allowing the flavors to develop further and the gooey center to remain inviting every time you reheat or serve it chilled.
Freezing
This cake freezes wonderfully, which is great if you want to make it ahead or save portions for later indulgence. Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to three months. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge for the best texture.
Reheating
To enjoy the cake warm again, reheat slices briefly in the microwave—start with 20-second bursts to maintain that gooey softness without drying the cake out. You can also warm it in a low oven at 300 degrees Fahrenheit for about 10 minutes for a more even heat-up.
FAQs
Can I use a homemade strawberry cake instead of a mix for this recipe?
Absolutely! While the Strawberry Earthquake Cake Recipe is designed with cake mix simplicity in mind, using a homemade strawberry cake batter will work beautifully—just ensure it’s a moist batter and adjust baking times as needed.
What can I substitute for the white chocolate chips?
If white chocolate isn’t your favorite, try mini semi-sweet chocolate chips or even dried cranberries for a tart surprise. Each option adds a unique twist while keeping the essence of this cake intact.
Is the pecan topping necessary?
Not at all. Pecans are optional and can be omitted if you prefer a nut-free dessert or want the cake to be softer. Alternatively, you could swap them for chopped almonds or leave the nuts out entirely.
Why does the cake have a cracked, swirled appearance?
The “earthquake” effect happens because the cream cheese dollops sink and ripple into the batter as it bakes. This creates a beautiful marbled pattern and dramatic texture contrasts that make this cake visually and gastronomically delightful.
How do I keep the cake from becoming too soggy?
Make sure to bake the cake long enough so the edges set firmly. The center should be gooey, not liquid. Allowing the cake to cool fully before slicing lets everything stabilize perfectly without excessive moisture.
Final Thoughts
The Strawberry Earthquake Cake Recipe is an extraordinary way to elevate a simple cake mix into a show-stopping dessert that tastes like love baked into every bite. Its combination of bright strawberry flavor, creamy swirls, and crunchy topping textures makes it utterly unforgettable. Trust me—this recipe will quickly become one of your most requested treats, perfect for gatherings or just a cozy night in. Give it a try and prepare to be delighted!
Print
Strawberry Earthquake Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Strawberry Earthquake Cake is a luscious, gooey dessert that combines a moist strawberry cake base with swirls of creamy sweetened cream cheese, white chocolate chips, shredded coconut, and optional pecans. This easy-to-make American classic features a cracked, swirled top and a slightly gooey center, perfect for serving plain or with vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat.
Ingredients
Strawberry Cake
- 1 box strawberry cake mix (plus ingredients listed on cake mix box: eggs, oil, and water)
Cream Cheese Mixture
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Toppings
- 1 cup white chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup sweetened shredded coconut
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare Baking Dish and Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish thoroughly to prevent sticking.
- Make Cake Batter: Prepare the strawberry cake batter according to the instructions on the cake mix box, incorporating the listed eggs, oil, and water ingredients for a smooth mixture.
- Pour Batter and Add Toppings: Pour the prepared strawberry cake batter evenly into the greased baking dish. Evenly sprinkle the white chocolate chips, shredded coconut, and chopped pecans over the top of the batter without mixing them in.
- Prepare Cream Cheese Mixture: In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Add the melted butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract, then mix well until fully combined into a smooth, creamy consistency.
- Add Cream Cheese on Top: Spoon the cream cheese mixture evenly over the cake batter layer, without spreading it fully. This allows the cream cheese to naturally sink and swirl into the batter during baking, creating the characteristic cracked and gooey texture.
- Bake the Cake: Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 45 to 50 minutes until the edges of the cake are set and the center appears slightly gooey but is not liquid. This ensures the perfect consistency for the Earthquake Cake’s signature texture.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool completely in the baking dish before slicing. Serve plain or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent experience.
Notes
- This cake is intentionally cracked and swirled with a gooey center that distinguishes its unique texture.
- For extra decadence, serve warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
- Chopped pecans are optional but add a crunchy texture contrast when included.
- Make sure not to spread the cream cheese mixture too thoroughly to maintain natural swirls.
