Strawberry Earthquake Cake

If you love desserts that are rich, gooey, and bursting with fruity flavor, this Strawberry Earthquake Cake is going to blow your mind! Packed with sweet strawberries, creamy cheesecake pockets, and a tender cake base, every bite is a delightful surprise. Perfect for gatherings, potlucks, or simply when you’re craving a show-stopping treat, this cake is as fun to make as it is to eat.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Easy to Make – Uses boxed cake mix and simple ingredients.
Irresistibly Gooey – The signature “earthquake” effect makes each bite extra decadent.
Strawberry Heaven – Fresh or frozen berries add juicy flavor throughout.
Cheesecake Meets Cake – Cream cheese and cake come together in the most delicious way.
Perfect for Celebrations – A dessert that looks and tastes special with minimal effort.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Cake Base:

• 1 box strawberry cake mix (plus ingredients listed on the box: usually eggs, oil, and water)
• 1½ cups fresh strawberries, chopped (or frozen, thawed and drained)

For the Cheesecake Swirl:

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

For the Strawberry Surprise:

• 1 cup white chocolate chips
• ½ cup shredded coconut (optional for texture and flavor)

For Topping (Optional):

• Extra strawberries, halved
• Powdered sugar for dusting
• Whipped cream for serving

Tools You’ll Need

• 9×13-inch baking dish
• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer or whisk
• Rubber spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Oven mitts and wire rack for cooling

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat & Prep
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray or butter. Set aside.

Step 2: Mix the Cake Base
Prepare the strawberry cake mix according to package directions.
Fold in the chopped strawberries gently.
Pour the batter evenly into the prepared baking dish.

Step 3: Make the Cheesecake Layer
In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth.
Add melted butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Beat until creamy and thick.
Dollop spoonfuls of the cheesecake mixture over the strawberry cake batter.
Use a butter knife or skewer to gently swirl the cheesecake into the cake batter—don’t overmix.

Step 4: Add the Sweet Extras
Sprinkle white chocolate chips evenly over the top.
Add shredded coconut if using for an extra layer of texture.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Bake in the preheated oven for 35–40 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center is slightly jiggly but not raw.
Note: The “earthquake” effect comes from the cracks and uneven top—this is what you want!

Step 6: Cool & Serve
Let the cake cool in the pan for at least 20 minutes.
Serve warm with a dusting of powdered sugar or a dollop of whipped cream, and top with fresh strawberries if desired.

Tips for a Perfect Strawberry Earthquake Cake
Don’t Overmix – Swirl the cheesecake just enough for a marbled effect.
Use Room Temp Ingredients – Cream cheese and butter blend more smoothly this way.
Frozen Strawberries Work – Just make sure to drain them well to avoid excess moisture.
Add Nuts – Chopped pecans or almonds can bring in extra crunch.
Serve Slightly Warm – It’s even more gooey and delicious that way!

Serving Suggestions
Vanilla Ice Cream – A scoop on top takes it to the next level.
Drizzle with Strawberry Sauce – Enhance the berry flavor even more.
Chill for a Different Texture – Cold from the fridge makes the cheesecake denser and firmer.
Coffee or Tea – A lovely pairing with the rich sweetness of the cake.
Brunch or Dessert – It fits both menus perfectly!

How to Store & Reheat

Storing:
Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Freeze: Wrap individual slices in plastic and foil, freeze up to 2 months.

Reheating:
Microwave: Warm for 15–20 seconds for that gooey, fresh-out-of-the-oven taste.
Room Temp: Let thaw or sit out for a softer texture if refrigerated.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use a different cake mix flavor?
   Yes! Try vanilla, white, or lemon cake mix for a fun twist.
2. What if I don’t have white chocolate chips?
   You can substitute milk or dark chocolate chips, or skip them altogether.
3. Can I make this dairy-free?
   Use dairy-free cream cheese and butter alternatives, and check your cake mix ingredients.
4. How do I know when the cake is done?
   The edges should be set, and the middle should no longer look raw. A few jiggles are okay.
5. Is this cake meant to be gooey in the center?
   Yes! That gooey center with melted chocolate and cheesecake swirls is what makes it an earthquake cake.

Final Thoughts
This Strawberry Earthquake Cake is a dreamy, indulgent dessert that will have everyone asking for seconds. With minimal prep and maximum flavor, it’s perfect for all kinds of occasions—from birthdays to potlucks to those “just because” baking days. The strawberry and cheesecake combo, swirled into a tender cake base, creates a taste explosion you won’t forget.

Try it out and let me know what you think! Don’t forget to leave a review below and share your photos on Pinterest! I can’t wait to see how your creation turns out.
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 40 minutes
Cuisine: American

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 410 | Protein: 4g | Carbohydrates: 52g | Fat: 22g | Fiber: 1g | Sodium: 320mg

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