Strawberry Earthquake Cake (Printable Version)

Rich strawberry cake swirled with cream cheese frosting and topped with white chocolate chips, fresh berries, and nuts for a decadent treat.

# What You 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

→ Cream Cheese Filling

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

→ Add-Ins & Topping

09 - 1 cup white chocolate chips
10 - 1 cup fresh strawberries, chopped
11 - 1/2 cup sweetened shredded coconut (optional)
12 - 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)

# How to Make It:

01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
02 - Combine strawberry cake mix, eggs, oil, and water in a large bowl. Mix until fully blended and smooth. Spread evenly into the prepared baking dish.
03 - Beat softened cream cheese and butter in a separate bowl until smooth and creamy. Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, continuing to beat until fully incorporated and fluffy.
04 - Drop spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture randomly over the cake batter, spacing them evenly across the surface.
05 - Run a knife or skewer through the batter and cream cheese mixture in a gentle swirling motion to create a marbled effect. Do not overmix.
06 - Sprinkle white chocolate chips, chopped strawberries, coconut, and nuts evenly over the top of the swirled batter.
07 - Bake for 40 to 45 minutes until edges are golden brown and center is set. A toothpick inserted should come out with a few moist crumbs but not wet batter.
08 - Allow cake to cool in the pan for at least 30 minutes before serving. Serve warm or at room temperature.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • The way the cream cheese sinks and creates those gorgeous cracks that make every slice unique
  • It tastes like you spent all day baking but comes together in under twenty minutes
02 -
  • The center will still look slightly jiggly when you remove it from the oven but it firms up as it cools
  • Room temperature ingredients are nonnegotiable for the cream cheese layer to blend properly
03 -
  • Use a light touch when swirling or you will end up with a marbled cake instead of distinct earthquake layers
  • Chopped pecans or walnuts add the most perfect crunchy contrast to all that soft creamy goodness

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