How to Make Strawberry Earthquake Cake Recipe with Cake Mix
Ingredients
- 1 Box white cake mix
- 3 Large eggs
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup water or milk
- 1 cup chopped strawberries (fresh or frozen, dried well)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup shredded coconut (optional)
- ½ cup white chocolate chips (optional)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the cake mix, eggs, oil, and water. Mix well using a whisk or hand mixer until smooth. Gently fold in chopped strawberries.
- Grease your baking pan with butter. Pour the batter into the pan and spread it evenly.
- In another bowl, mix softened cream cheese, melted butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth and creamy.
- Drop small spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture over the batter. Gently swirl with a knife to create creamy cracks.
- Preheat your oven and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 40 minutes, or until the top is light golden and the center is slightly soft.
- Allow the cake to cool in the pan. This helps set the cream cheese swirls. Slice and enjoy your gooey, creamy strawberry earthquake cake!
Expert Tips
- Use fresh or frozen strawberries: If using frozen, thaw and dry them well first.
- Don’t overmix: Mix just until the batter is smooth.
- Room temp cream cheese: Makes swirling easier and smoother.
- Swirl gently: Don’t mix too much—just a light swirl gives that signature “earthquake” look.
Notes
- Strawberries: Fresh strawberries give the best juicy flavor. But if you use frozen, make sure they’re fully thawed and patted dry to avoid extra moisture in the cake.
- Cream Cheese Texture: Always use softened cream cheese at room temperature. This makes it easier to mix and swirl into the batter smoothly.
- Don’t Overbake: The center may look a little soft even when baked—this is normal for earthquake cakes. The gooey texture is part of what makes it so good!
- Customize It: Feel free to add your favorite toppings like chopped nuts, mini marshmallows, or even swirl in some strawberry jam for extra flavor.
- Make It Ahead: You can bake this cake a day before serving. Just keep it covered in the fridge and let it come to room temperature before serving for the best texture.