Gooey Strawberry Earthquake Cake (Printable Version)
Moist, gooey strawberry cake swirled with cream cheese filling and white chocolate chips.
# What You Need:
→ Cake Base
01 - 1 box (15.25 oz) strawberry cake mix
02 - 3 large eggs
03 - 1/2 cup vegetable oil
04 - 1 cup water
→ Cream Cheese Filling
05 - 8 oz cream cheese, softened
06 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
07 - 2 cups powdered sugar
08 - 1 tsp vanilla extract
→ Add-Ins & Toppings
09 - 1 cup fresh strawberries, diced
10 - 1 cup white chocolate chips
11 - 1/2 cup sweetened shredded coconut (optional)
# How to Make It:
01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Generously grease a 9x13-inch baking pan with cooking spray or butter.
02 - In a large bowl, whisk together strawberry cake mix, eggs, vegetable oil, and water until just combined. Pour batter evenly into the prepared pan.
03 - In a separate bowl, beat cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy. Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract; continue beating until fluffy and well combined.
04 - Drop spoonfuls of cream cheese mixture randomly over the cake batter. Sprinkle diced strawberries and white chocolate chips evenly over the top. Add shredded coconut if using.
05 - Use a butter knife to gently swirl the cream cheese mixture through the batter, creating a marbled effect. Do not overmix.
06 - Bake for 40-45 minutes, until edges are set but center remains slightly wobbly. The cake should be gooey inside when done.
07 - Let cool in pan for at least 30 minutes before slicing and serving. The center will set slightly as it cools.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- Its almost impossible to mess up because the messy appearance is literally the point
- The contrast of tangy cream cheese against sweet strawberry cake is absolute magic
02 -
- Underbaking slightly is the secret to that gooey texture we all love
- The center will settle as it cools so do not panic if it looks puffy
03 -
- Use a light hand when swirling so you do not lose those distinct layers
- Let the cream cheese filling come to room temperature for easier swirling