Strawberry Earthquake Cake Recipe
This Strawberry Earthquake Cake is a luscious, moist dessert that combines the sweet, fruity flavor of fresh strawberries with creamy white chocolate chips, shredded coconut, and nuts for added texture. Swirled with a rich cream cheese frosting baked into the cake, it’s a delightful treat perfect for gatherings and celebrations.
- Author: Mila
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
For the Cake:
- 1 box strawberry cake mix
- Ingredients listed on the box (eggs, oil, water)
- 1½ cups fresh or frozen strawberries, chopped
- 1 cup white chocolate chips or chunks
- 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
- ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
For the Cream Cheese Swirl:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2½ cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan to ensure the cake doesn’t stick.
- Prepare Cake Batter: Follow the instructions on the strawberry cake mix box to make the batter, using the specified eggs, oil, and water.
- Add Mix-ins: Gently fold in the chopped strawberries, white chocolate chips, shredded coconut, and optional chopped nuts into the batter to evenly distribute the delicious additions.
- Pour First Layer: Pour half of the prepared batter into the greased baking pan, spreading it out evenly as the base layer.
- Prepare Cream Cheese Mixture: In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract and mix thoroughly until well combined.
- Add Cream Cheese Drops: Drop spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture over the first layer of batter in the pan.
- Add Remaining Batter and Swirl: Pour the remaining strawberry batter over the cream cheese dollops. Using a knife, gently swirl the batter and cream cheese mixture together to create a marbled effect.
- Bake the Cake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes or until the center is set and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before slicing and serving to ensure the cream cheese filling sets properly.
Notes
- You can use fresh or frozen strawberries; if using frozen, thaw and drain excess moisture to avoid a soggy cake.
- For a nut-free version, simply omit the chopped pecans or walnuts.
- Make sure the cream cheese and butter are softened to room temperature for a smooth cream cheese mixture.
- This cake tastes best when fully cooled, preferably chilled for a few hours before serving.
- Store leftovers covered at room temperature for up to two days or refrigerate for up to five days.
Keywords: Strawberry cake, Cream cheese swirl, White chocolate, Coconut, Nutty cake, Moist cake, Summer dessert