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Strawberry Earthquake Cake Recipe

4.8 from 134 reviews

Strawberry Earthquake Cake is a decadent, layered dessert featuring a moist strawberry cake base studded with fresh strawberries, coconut, and nuts, topped with a luscious cream cheese swirl and white chocolate chips. This easy-to-make cake offers a delightful mix of fruity, sweet, and creamy flavors, perfect for gatherings or special occasions.

Ingredients

Scale

Cake Base

  • 1 box strawberry cake mix
  • Ingredients listed on the box (usually eggs, oil, and water)
  • 1½ cups fresh or frozen strawberries, chopped
  • 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
  • ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
  • 1 cup white chocolate chips or chunks

Cream Cheese Swirl

  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
  • 2½ cups powdered sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan thoroughly to ensure the cake doesn’t stick.
  2. Layer the Bottom: Evenly sprinkle the shredded coconut, chopped strawberries, and nuts over the bottom of the prepared pan, creating a flavorful base for your cake.
  3. Prepare Cake Batter: Follow the instructions on the strawberry cake mix box to prepare the cake batter. Pour the batter evenly over the layered coconut and strawberries in the pan.
  4. Make Cream Cheese Swirl: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until creamy and well combined.
  5. Add the Swirl & Chips: Spoon dollops of the cream cheese mixture over the top of the cake batter. Using a knife, gently swirl the cream cheese into the batter to create a marbled effect. Sprinkle the white chocolate chips evenly over the top.
  6. Bake: Bake the cake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the center is mostly set; it may still be a bit gooey, which adds to its charm. Allow the cake to cool for at least 30 minutes before slicing and serving.

Notes

  • Using frozen strawberries is fine; just make sure to thaw and drain excess liquid before adding.
  • Nuts are optional but add a pleasant crunch and texture contrast.
  • The gooey center is characteristic of this cake and adds to its moist texture.
  • Allowing the cake to cool completely helps it set and makes slicing easier.
  • White chocolate chips can be substituted with regular or dark chocolate chips if preferred.

Keywords: Strawberry cake, cream cheese swirl, white chocolate, coconut, layered cake, easy dessert