Strawberry Earthquake Cake (Printable version)

A luscious dessert combining cheesecake swirls, fresh strawberries, and white chocolate on moist strawberry cake.

# What You'll Need:

→ For the Cake

01 - 1 box (15.25 oz) strawberry cake mix
02 - 3 large eggs
03 - 1/2 cup vegetable oil
04 - 1 cup water

→ For the Cheesecake Swirl

05 - 8 oz cream cheese, softened
06 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
07 - 2 cups powdered sugar
08 - 1 tsp vanilla extract

→ For the Strawberry Filling & Add-ins

09 - 1 cup fresh strawberries, diced
10 - 1/2 cup white chocolate chips
11 - 1/2 cup sweetened shredded coconut (optional)

# Directions:

01 - Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish thoroughly to prevent sticking.
02 - In a large bowl, combine the strawberry cake mix, eggs, vegetable oil, and water. Beat with an electric mixer or whisk until completely smooth and well blended. Pour the batter evenly into the prepared baking dish, spreading to corners.
03 - In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until creamy and smooth. Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract. Continue beating until the mixture is fluffy and no lumps remain.
04 - Drop spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture randomly over the surface of the cake batter. Use a knife or skewer to gently swirl and marble the cream cheese through the cake batter, being careful not to overmix.
05 - Sprinkle the diced fresh strawberries, white chocolate chips, and shredded coconut (if using) evenly over the top of the swirled batter.
06 - Bake for 40 to 45 minutes. The cake is done when the edges are set but the center remains slightly gooey, creating the signature earthquake appearance.
07 - Allow the cake to cool in the pan for at least 30 minutes before slicing. Serve warm or at room temperature for the best texture and flavor.

# Expert advice:

01 -
  • The cheesecake swirl creates these incredible creamy pockets that make every bite feel like a surprise
  • It looks impressive but comes together with pantry staples and a box of cake mix
  • The slightly gooey center is the kind of dessert people ask about before they even take a second bite
02 -
  • Underbaking slightly is intentional since the cake continues cooking in the hot pan and that gooey center is part of the charm
  • The earthquake appearance becomes more pronounced as the cake cools and settles, so do not panic when it comes out looking billowy
03 -
  • Room temperature ingredients for the cheesecake swirl prevent lumps and ensure that marble effect actually works
  • Run your knife through the batter just enough to create swirls, not so much that everything blends into one uniform color

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