Strawberry Earthquake Cake (Printable)
Swirled layers of strawberry, cream cheese, and white chocolate create this decadent, crowd-pleasing dessert with a perfectly messy presentation.
# What You Need:
→ For the Cake
01 - 1 box (15.25 oz) strawberry cake mix
02 - 3 large eggs
03 - 1/2 cup vegetable oil
04 - 1 cup water
→ Cream Cheese Filling
05 - 8 oz cream cheese, softened
06 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
07 - 2 cups powdered sugar
08 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
→ Add-Ins & Topping
09 - 1 cup white chocolate chips
10 - 1 cup fresh strawberries, chopped
11 - 1/2 cup sweetened shredded coconut (optional)
12 - 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
# How To Make It:
01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish thoroughly.
02 - In a large bowl, combine the strawberry cake mix, eggs, oil, and water. Mix until well blended and smooth. Spread evenly in the prepared baking dish.
03 - In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract; beat until creamy and fully combined.
04 - Drop spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture over the cake batter, distributing evenly across the surface.
05 - Use a knife or skewer to gently swirl the cream cheese mixture through the cake batter for a marbled effect. Do not overmix.
06 - Sprinkle white chocolate chips, chopped strawberries, coconut, and nuts evenly over the top of the swirled batter.
07 - Bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the center is set. A few moist crumbs may cling to a toothpick; do not overbake.
08 - Cool in the pan for at least 30 minutes before serving. Serve warm or at room temperature.
# Expert Suggestions:
01 -
- The swirled, messy appearance looks impressive but takes almost zero effort to achieve
- That combination of tangy cream cheese and sweet strawberry cake hits every craving at once
02 -
- Overmixing when you swirl will ruin that beautiful marbled effect you are looking for
- The center may look slightly underbaked when you remove it, but it will continue cooking as it cools
03 -
- Room temperature ingredients blend together more easily and create a smoother texture
- Run your knife under hot water between swirls for cleaner, more defined marbling