Introduction
Strawberry Earthquake Cake is a moist, flavorful dessert with a “cracked” appearance that forms as it bakes. A rich cream cheese swirl, sweet strawberries, and a hidden layer of coconut and pecans make this cake a showstopper for any occasion!
Ingredients
- For the Cake:
- 1 box (15.25 oz) strawberry cake mix
- 1 cup water
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 3 large eggs
- For the Filling:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, diced (or 1 cup frozen, thawed and drained)
- For the Base Layer:
- 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
- 1 cup chopped pecans
Instructions
- Preheat Oven:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Prepare the Base Layer:
- Sprinkle coconut and pecans evenly across the bottom of the prepared dish.
- Make the Cake Batter:
- In a large bowl, mix strawberry cake mix, water, oil, and eggs until smooth.
- Pour the batter over the coconut and pecans, spreading evenly.
- Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling:
- In a separate bowl, beat cream cheese and butter until smooth.
- Add powdered sugar and vanilla, mixing until creamy.
- Gently fold in diced strawberries.
- Swirl the Filling:
- Drop spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture over the cake batter.
- Use a knife to swirl the filling into the batter, creating a marbled effect.
- Bake:
- Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the center is set.
- Cool and Serve:
- Let the cake cool for 20 minutes before slicing.
- Serve warm or at room temperature.
Tips for Success
- Fresh vs. Frozen Strawberries: If using frozen, drain excess liquid to prevent a soggy cake.
- Even Swirling: Don’t overmix—just a few swirls will create the signature “earthquake” look.
- Storage: Cover and refrigerate leftovers for up to 3 days.
Serving Suggestions
- Top with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.
- Garnish with fresh strawberries or a dusting of powdered sugar.
Nutritional Information (per slice, approximate)
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 20g
- Carbs: 40g
- Sugar: 30g
- Protein: 4g
Conclusion
Strawberry Earthquake Cake is a fun, flavorful dessert that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. With its creamy swirls, fruity bursts, and crunchy base, it’s sure to become a family favorite!