Strawberry Earthquake Cake – Gooey, Fruity & Irresistible
Introduction
If you’ve never tried an Earthquake Cake, you’re in for a treat. This dessert gets its name from the way it bakes—gooey pockets of cream cheese, fruit, and chocolate create cracks and swirls throughout the cake, giving it a rustic, “shaken” look. Our Strawberry Earthquake Cake takes this classic concept and gives it a fruity twist with fresh strawberries, creamy cheesecake filling, and optional white chocolate chips.
It’s rich, indulgent, and delightfully messy—the kind of dessert that looks homemade and tastes unforgettable. Perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, or Valentine’s Day, this cake is as fun to make as it is to eat.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Unique texture: Gooey center with golden edges.
Fruity twist: Fresh strawberries add brightness and color.
Easy prep: Starts with a boxed cake mix, but tastes bakery‑worthy.
Crowd‑pleaser: Serves 12 slices, perfect for sharing.
Ingredients
Cake Base
1 box white cake mix (plus ingredients listed on the box – usually eggs, oil, and water)
Cream Cheese Swirl
1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
½ cup unsalted butter, melted
1 ½ cups powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
Add‑Ins
2 cups fresh strawberries, halved or quartered
½ cup strawberry glaze or preserves (optional, for layering)
½ cup white chocolate chips (optional)
Step‑by‑Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat Oven
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13‑inch baking pan.
Step 2: Prepare Cake Batter
Mix cake batter according to package instructions. Pour into prepared pan.
Step 3: Make Cream Cheese Mixture
In a bowl, beat softened cream cheese, melted butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth.
Step 4: Swirl & Layer
Drop spoonfuls of cream cheese mixture over cake batter. Swirl gently with a knife for marbled effect. Press strawberries evenly into batter. Add spoonfuls of strawberry glaze or preserves if using. Sprinkle with white chocolate chips.
Step 5: Bake
Bake 40–45 minutes, until edges are golden and center is set but slightly jiggly. The gooey center is part of the charm!
Step 6: Cool & Serve
Let cool completely. Top with extra strawberries and drizzle with glaze before serving.
Tips & Tricks
Room temperature cream cheese: Ensures smooth mixing.
Don’t overbake: The gooey center is intentional.
Extra indulgent: Add a drizzle of melted white chocolate after baking.
Storage: Keep covered in fridge up to 3 days; serve chilled or at room temperature.
Variations
Chocolate Strawberry Earthquake Cake: Use chocolate cake mix instead of white.
Berry Mix: Add raspberries or blueberries alongside strawberries.
Nutty Crunch: Sprinkle chopped pecans or almonds on top before baking.
Valentine’s Version: Tint cream cheese mixture pink and add heart‑shaped sprinkles.
Serving Ideas
Serve warm with vanilla ice cream.
Pair with whipped cream for a lighter touch.
Present on a rustic wooden board for a farmhouse look.
Slice into squares for potluck trays.
FAQs
Q: Can I use frozen strawberries?
Yes, but thaw and drain well before adding.
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely—bake the cake, cool, and refrigerate. Serve within 3 days.
Q: Can I skip the cream cheese layer?
You can, but it’s what makes this cake gooey and unique.
Recipe Details
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Bake Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Servings: 12 slices
Calories: ~420 per slice
Final Thoughts
This Strawberry Earthquake Cake is gooey, fruity, and indulgent—a dessert that feels homemade, rustic, and full of charm. With its marbled cream cheese swirl, juicy strawberries, and optional white chocolate chips, it’s the perfect treat for celebrations or cozy nights in.