Description
Strawberry Earthquake Cake is a luscious, marbled dessert featuring a moist strawberry cake base layered with a creamy, sweetened cream cheese mixture and topped with white chocolate chips. This American classic is wonderfully rich with a gooey center and delightful textures from shredded coconut and chopped nuts, making it the perfect treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
Cake Base
- 1 box strawberry cake mix (plus ingredients listed on the box: usually eggs, oil, and water)
- 1/2 cup sweetened shredded coconut
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
Cream Cheese Swirl
- 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese (softened)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 2 cups powdered sugar
Toppings and Garnish
- 1 cup white chocolate chips
- 1 cup sliced fresh strawberries (optional for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare the Pan. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Layer Coconut and Nuts. Evenly sprinkle the shredded coconut and chopped pecans or walnuts across the bottom of the prepared baking dish to create a flavorful base layer.
- Mix the Cake Batter. Prepare the strawberry cake mix according to the package instructions, typically combining the mix with eggs, oil, and water. Pour the batter evenly over the coconut and nut layer in the baking dish.
- Prepare Cream Cheese Mixture. In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with the melted butter until smooth. Gradually mix in the powdered sugar until fully combined and creamy, ensuring no lumps remain.
- Create the Swirl. Drop spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture over the top of the cake batter in the pan. Using a knife or skewer, gently swirl the cream cheese through the cake batter to create a marbled, ‘earthquake’ effect.
- Add Toppings. Evenly sprinkle white chocolate chips over the swirled batter to add sweetness and texture to the cake’s surface.
- Bake the Cake. Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40–45 minutes. The edges should be set while the center remains slightly jiggly; these characteristic cracks form the ‘earthquake’ appearance.
- Cool and Garnish. Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool slightly. Optionally, garnish with fresh sliced strawberries before serving for added freshness and color.
- Serve. Serve the cake warm or at room temperature to enjoy its rich, gooey texture at its best.
Notes
- Do not overbake; the center should stay soft and gooey to maintain the cake’s signature texture.
- This cake is rich and is best served slightly warm or at room temperature.
- You can use frozen strawberries in the batter, but avoid mixing them into the cream cheese layer to keep the texture smooth.