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
Scale
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.
