Delicious Strawberry Earthquake Cake to Wow Your Guests
Prepare to impress with this stunning Strawberry Earthquake Cake, a dessert that promises both visual drama and irresistible flavor. This delightful creation combines a tender strawberry cake base with a luscious cream cheese topping, all speckled with fresh strawberries and white chocolate chips that "sink" during baking, creating a beautiful, cracked surface. It's a surprisingly simple cake to assemble, yet delivers a truly spectacular presentation and taste experience, perfect for any gathering.
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
45-55 minutes
Total Time
1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours (including cooling)
Servings
12-16 generous servings
Keywords
Why This Recipe Delivers
- Creates a visually stunning "earthquake" effect that will truly wow your guests.
- Offers an irresistible blend of sweet strawberry cake and tangy, creamy topping.
- Surprisingly straightforward to prepare, making it accessible for bakers of all skill levels.
- Perfect for celebrations, potlucks, or any occasion where you want a memorable dessert.
- Features fresh strawberries for a burst of natural fruitiness in every bite.
Ingredients
- For the Cake:
- 1 box Strawberry Cake Mix (approximately 432g / 15.25 oz) – can be swapped for homemade strawberry cake batter for an artisanal touch.
- 3 large Eggs (approximately 150g) – essential for binding the ingredients and ensuring a moist, tender crumb.
- 240 milliliters Water (1 cup) – for a richer cake, consider substituting with full-fat milk.
- 120 milliliters Vegetable Oil (0.5 cup) – melted unsalted butter can be used instead to impart a deeper, buttery flavor.
- For the Cream Cheese Topping:
- 226 grams Cream Cheese (8 oz) – must be softened completely at room temperature to ensure a smooth, lump-free mixture.
- 60 milliliters Melted Butter (0.25 cup or 56g) – enhances the overall richness and creamy texture of the topping.
- 240 grams Confectioners’ Sugar (2 cups) – powdered sugar alternatives may not replicate the desired smooth texture and sweetness.
- 5 milliliters Vanilla Extract (1 tsp) – almond extract can be used as an alternative for a different flavor profile.
- 2.5 grams Kosher Salt (0.5 tsp) – adjust to your taste preference to balance the sweetness.
- For the Toppings:
- 150 grams Diced Strawberries (1 cup) – feel free to mix with other fresh berries like raspberries or blueberries for added complexity.
- 85 grams White Chocolate Chips (0.5 cup) – can easily be substituted with dark chocolate chips for a contrasting flavor.
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F). Thoroughly grease and flour a 9×13 inch (23×33 cm) baking pan, ensuring all corners and sides are coated to prevent sticking and allow for easy cake release.
- In a spacious mixing bowl, combine the strawberry cake mix, large eggs, water, and vegetable oil. Using an electric mixer, beat the ingredients on medium speed until the batter is smooth and well-combined, typically for about 2 minutes. Avoid overmixing, as this can lead to a tough cake.
- Carefully pour the prepared cake batter into the greased and floured baking pan. Use a spatula to spread the batter evenly across the bottom of the pan, ensuring a consistent layer for uniform baking.
- Place the pan into the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center of the cake; it should come out clean. This indicates the cake base is cooked through.
- While the cake is baking, prepare the decadent cream cheese topping. In a clean mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and melted butter together until the mixture is light, fluffy, and completely smooth. Gradually add the confectioners’ sugar, vanilla extract, and kosher salt, mixing on low speed until fully incorporated and free of lumps.
- Once the cake has completed its initial bake and has cooled for a mere 10 minutes (it should still be warm), evenly sprinkle the diced fresh strawberries and white chocolate chips over the surface. Then, spoon generous dollops of the prepared cream cheese mixture over the fruit and chocolate. The warm cake will cause the topping to gently sink and create the signature "earthquake" effect.
- Return the cake to the oven and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes. The topping should appear set, slightly puffed, and the edges of the cake should be lightly golden. This second bake helps to set the cream cheese layer and deepen its flavor.
- Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for at least 30 minutes before attempting to serve. For the best texture and flavor, allow it to cool completely before cutting. If desired, garnish with extra fresh strawberries just before serving for an extra pop of color and freshness.
- Chill the cake for at least 2 hours before serving for cleaner slices and a firmer topping, especially if you prefer a well-set cream cheese layer. Slice and enjoy this delightful creation!
Tools You’ll Need
- 9×13 inch (23×33 cm) baking pan
- Large mixing bowls (2)
- Electric mixer (handheld or stand mixer)
- Whisk or spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Toothpicks for testing doneness
Essential Success Tips
- Ensure your cream cheese and butter are at proper room temperature for the topping. This is crucial for achieving a smooth, lump-free consistency.
- Avoid overmixing the cake batter. Mix until just combined to keep the cake tender and moist.
- Do not skip the cooling steps. The initial 10-minute cool allows the cake to set slightly before the topping is added, and the final cooling is essential for the topping to firm up and for clean slices.
- Use ripe, fresh strawberries for the topping. Their natural sweetness and slight tartness will perfectly complement the cake and cream cheese.
- Taste the cream cheese topping before the second bake and adjust the kosher salt if needed to perfectly balance its sweetness.
Professional Cooking Secrets
- To enhance the 'earthquake' effect and ensure the topping sinks beautifully, slightly warm the cream cheese mixture gently in the microwave for 15-20 seconds before spooning it over the cake. This makes it more fluid and allows it to settle deeper.
- For an even richer flavor profile, consider adding 1-2 tablespoons of strawberry puree or a small amount of strawberry liqueur to the cake batter (while reducing the water slightly) and to the cream cheese topping.
- For impeccably clean slices, chill the cake thoroughly in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, before cutting. Use a hot, clean knife, wiping it between each slice.
Notes
- Storage: Store any leftover Strawberry Earthquake Cake tightly covered in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The flavors often meld and deepen overnight, making it even more delicious.
- Variations: Experiment with different berries! Blueberries, raspberries, or a mixed berry medley can replace strawberries. You can also swap white chocolate chips for dark chocolate, milk chocolate, or even butterscotch chips for a unique twist.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen strawberries for the topping?
While fresh strawberries are recommended for their texture and vibrant flavor, you can use frozen strawberries. Ensure they are completely thawed and thoroughly drained to prevent excess moisture from making the cake soggy.
My cream cheese topping is lumpy; what went wrong?
Lumpy topping is almost always due to the cream cheese or butter not being sufficiently softened. Ensure both ingredients are at true room temperature before you start mixing. You can try gently warming the mixture in a microwave for a few seconds and then beating it again vigorously.
How do I know when the cream cheese topping is fully set after the second bake?
The topping will appear slightly puffed and golden brown around the edges. When gently touched in the center, it should feel firm and resilient, not liquid or jiggly. Remember, it will continue to firm up as the cake cools.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
Calories: approximately 480-550 per serving, Protein: 6-8g, Fat: 28-35g, Carbohydrates: 50-60g. (Note: Nutritional values are estimates and can vary based on specific brands and ingredient preparation.)
Allergy Information
This dish contains common allergens including dairy (from cream cheese, butter, and potential milk in cake mix), gluten (from cake mix), and eggs. White chocolate chips may also contain soy. Always check individual ingredient labels for precise allergen information.
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