Strawberry Earthquake Cake (Print Version)
Gooey strawberry cake with cream cheese swirl and white chocolate chips creates a stunning marbled dessert.
# What You'll Need:
→ Strawberry Layer
01 - 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
02 - 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
→ Cake Base
03 - 1 box (15.25 oz) strawberry cake mix
04 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
05 - 3 large eggs
06 - 1 cup milk
→ Cream Cheese Swirl
07 - 8 oz cream cheese, softened
08 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
09 - 2 cups powdered sugar
10 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
→ Add-Ins
11 - 1 cup white chocolate chips
12 - 1/2 cup sweetened shredded coconut (optional)
# Directions:
01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9x13-inch baking pan thoroughly.
02 - In a medium bowl, toss sliced strawberries with granulated sugar. Set aside to macerate while preparing remaining components.
03 - In a large bowl, combine strawberry cake mix, melted butter, eggs, and milk. Beat until smooth and fully incorporated. Spread batter evenly into prepared pan.
04 - Scatter sugared strawberries, white chocolate chips, and shredded coconut evenly over the surface of the cake batter.
05 - In a separate bowl, beat cream cheese and softened butter until smooth and creamy. Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until fluffy and well combined.
06 - Drop spoonfuls of cream cheese mixture randomly over the batter and toppings. Use a butter knife to gently swirl, creating a marbled pattern. Do not overmix—the distinct layers create the earthquake appearance.
07 - Bake for 38 to 42 minutes until edges are set but center remains slightly gooey. The cracked, marbled top is characteristic of this dessert.
08 - Cool in pan for 15 to 20 minutes before slicing. Serve warm or at room temperature.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- The center stays deliciously gooey while the edges set into a tender cake
- You get that bakery style look with zero fancy techniques or fuss
02 -
- The cracked, sunken look is exactly what you want, so do not panic when it happens
- Underbaking slightly is the secret to that irresistible gooey center
03 -
- Room temperature ingredients blend more easily into the cream cheese mixture
- A light hand with the knife swirling keeps those distinct marbled sections instead of blending everything together