Strawberry Earthquake Cake

Strawberry Earthquake Cake is one of those desserts that looks impressive without asking much of you in the kitchen. It’s soft, creamy, fruity, and beautifully marbled, thanks to the signature “earthquake” effect that happens as the cream cheese layer sinks into the strawberry cake batter while baking. The result is a warm, gooey, sweet treat with pockets of tangy cream cheese and bursts of fresh strawberries in every bite.

This cake is especially loved during spring and summer, when strawberries are plentiful, but it works wonderfully with frozen berries as well. It’s simple enough for a weekday dessert yet special enough for holidays, potlucks, and gatherings where you want something everyone will remember.

Why This Cake Works So Well

• Uses a simple cake mix as the base but tastes completely homemade
• Features a rich cream cheese layer that melts into the cake
• Works with fresh or frozen strawberries
• No need for frosting—the cake creates its own creamy topping while it bakes
• Perfect for serving warm or chilled

If you enjoy desserts that come together easily but deliver big flavor, this Strawberry Earthquake Cake belongs on your list.

Ingredients

Cake Base

• 1 box strawberry cake mix
• Ingredients listed on the cake mix box (typically:
  • 3 eggs
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 1 cup water)

Add-ins

• 1 1/2 cups fresh or frozen chopped strawberries

Cream Cheese Layer

• 225 g cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 3 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Prepare the Cake Base

1. Preheat the oven to 175°C (350°F).
2. In a mixing bowl, prepare the strawberry cake mix according to package instructions.
3. Pour half of the batter into a greased 9×13-inch (23×33 cm) baking dish.

2. Add the Strawberries

4. Sprinkle half of the chopped strawberries evenly over the batter.

3. Make the Cream Cheese Layer

5. In a separate bowl, mix together the cream cheese, melted butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth and creamy.
6. Spoon dollops of this mixture over the batter. Do not spread; uneven placement helps create the earthquake effect.

4. Assemble and Bake

7. Pour the remaining cake batter over and around the cream cheese mixture.
8. Scatter the remaining strawberries on top.
9. Bake for 35–45 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center is slightly soft but no longer liquid.

5. Cool and Serve

10. Allow the cake to cool completely before slicing.
11. Serve as is, or top with extra fresh strawberries or a dusting of powdered sugar.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve warm for a gooey, molten-style dessert.
• Chill it for a firmer, cheesecake-like texture.
• Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream for extra richness.
• Top with fresh whipped cream for a light, fluffy finish.

Tips and Variations

• For extra berry flavor, swirl a few tablespoons of strawberry jam into the batter.
• Try adding white chocolate chips for sweetness and texture.
• Swap the strawberries for blueberries or raspberries to create different versions of the cake.
• Use a lemon cake mix instead of strawberry for a bright, citrusy twist.

Strawberry Earthquake Cake

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• Author: Sophia

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Ingredients

Ingredients

• Cake Base:

• 1 box strawberry cake mix

• Ingredients listed on the cake mix box (usually:

• 3 eggs

• ½ cup (120 ml) vegetable oil

• 1 cup (240 ml) water)

Add-ins:

• 1½ cups fresh or frozen strawberries, chopped

Cream Cheese Layer:

• 225 g cream cheese (at room temperature)

• ½ cup (115 g) unsalted butter (melted)

• 3 cups powdered sugar

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

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Instructions

Instructions

 Cake Base

1. Preheat the oven to 175°C (350°F).

2. Prepare the strawberry cake mix according to the box instructions (add eggs, oil, and water and mix).

3. Pour half of the batter into a greased 23×33 cm (9×13 inch) baking pan.

 Add the Strawberries

4. Sprinkle half of the chopped strawberries evenly on top.

 Cream Cheese Layer

5. In a separate bowl:

• Cream cheese

• Melted butter

• Powdered sugar

• Vanilla

Beat until smooth.

6. Spoon this mixture over the cake (do not spread completely; the earthquake effect will form at this stage).

 Assemble & Bake

7. Pour the remaining cake batter between the cream cheese spots.

8. Sprinkle the remaining strawberries on top.

9. Bake for 35–45 minutes or until the edges are set and the center is slightly moist.

 Cool & Serve

10. Let cool completely.

11. Slice, sprinkle with a little more fresh strawberries or powdered sugar, and serve