Description

This Strawberry Earthquake Cake is a delightful and visually stunning dessert that combines a moist white cake with fresh strawberries and luscious cream cheese swirls. The cake features a unique marbled effect created by gently swirling a creamy mixture throughout the batter, resulting in gooey pockets of cream cheese and bursts of juicy strawberries in every bite. Perfect for gatherings or a special treat, this dessert is as delicious as it is eye-catching.

Ingredients

Scale

Cake Batter

1 Box white cake mix
3 Large eggs
½ cup vegetable oil
1 cup water or milk
1 cup chopped strawberries (fresh or frozen, well dried)

Cream Cheese Swirl

8 oz cream cheese, softened
½ cup unsalted butter, melted
2 cups powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract

Optional Toppings

½ cup shredded coconut (optional)
½ cup white chocolate chips (optional)

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Instructions

Mix Cake Batter: In a large bowl, combine the white cake mix, eggs, vegetable oil, and water or milk. Use a whisk or hand mixer to blend the ingredients until the batter is smooth. Gently fold in the chopped strawberries to evenly distribute them without breaking them down.
Prepare Baking Pan: Grease your baking pan thoroughly with butter to prevent sticking. Pour the prepared batter into the pan and spread it evenly using a spatula to create a uniform layer.
Prepare Cream Cheese Mixture: In a separate bowl, blend the softened cream cheese, melted butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract together until the mixture is smooth and creamy without lumps.
Swirl the Cream Cheese: Drop small spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture evenly over the cake batter in the pan. Using a knife, gently swirl the cream cheese into the batter to create a marbled ‘earthquake’ pattern, being careful not to overmix.
Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the pan in the oven and bake for about 40 minutes, or until the top is lightly golden and the center is just slightly soft to the touch, indicating it is cooked through but still moist.
Cool and Serve: Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan. Cooling helps set the cream cheese swirls and makes slicing easier. Once cooled, slice and serve to enjoy the rich, gooey cream cheese pockets balanced by the sweet strawberries.
Optional Garnish: Before or after baking, you can sprinkle shredded coconut or white chocolate chips on top for added texture and flavor.

Notes

Use fresh or frozen strawberries. If using frozen, thaw and dry them thoroughly to avoid excess moisture in the batter.
Do not overmix the batter to keep it light and fluffy.
Use cream cheese at room temperature for easier mixing and smoother swirling.
Swirl the cream cheese gently to achieve the signature earthquake marbled effect without blending it completely into the batter.
Allow the cake to cool in the pan for best results with the cream cheese setting.