Strawberry Earthquake Cake (Printable)
Gooey strawberry cake with cheesecake swirls, fresh berries, and white chocolate chips.
# What You Need:
→ Cake Base
01 - 15.25 oz strawberry cake mix
02 - 3 large eggs
03 - 1/2 cup vegetable oil
04 - 1 cup water
→ Cream Cheese Layer
05 - 8 oz cream cheese, softened
06 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
07 - 2 cups powdered sugar
08 - 1 tsp vanilla extract
→ Add-ins & Toppings
09 - 1 1/2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and diced
10 - 1 cup white chocolate chips
11 - 1/2 cup sweetened shredded coconut
# How To Make It:
01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9x13-inch baking pan thoroughly with cooking spray or butter.
02 - In a large bowl, combine strawberry cake mix, eggs, vegetable oil, and water. Beat according to package directions until smooth, approximately 2 minutes. Pour batter evenly into the prepared pan.
03 - In a separate bowl, beat softened cream cheese and butter together until creamy. Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, continuing to beat until smooth and lump-free, about 2-3 minutes.
04 - Drop spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture evenly across the surface of the cake batter, leaving some spaces between dollops.
05 - Scatter the diced fresh strawberries and white chocolate chips over the top of the batter and cream cheese mixture. Sprinkle shredded coconut evenly across the surface if desired.
06 - Using a butter knife, gently swirl the cream cheese mixture into the cake batter in a circular or figure-eight motion. Do not overmix—the goal is a marbled appearance with distinct layers visible.
07 - Bake for 40-45 minutes until the edges are set but the center remains slightly gooey. The cake should not be completely firm in the middle when tested with a toothpick.
08 - Allow the cake to cool in the pan for at least 30 minutes before slicing. Serve warm or at room temperature for the best texture and flavor.
# Expert Suggestions:
01 -
- The contrast between the tender strawberry cake and rich cream cheese swirls is absolutely worth the mess
- Fresh strawberries burst in every bite while white chocolate adds this creamy, buttery finish that keeps everyone coming back for seconds
02 -
- The center should still be slightly jiggly when you remove it from the oven because it continues cooking while cooling
- Room temperature ingredients are nonnegotiable for getting that smooth cream cheese layer without any lumps
03 -
- Resist the urge to swirl too much, or you will lose those distinct layers that make this cake so special
- Line your pan with parchment paper for easy removal and cleaner slices