10 minutes
🔥 Cooking Time:
40–45 minutes
⏰ Total Time:
50–55 minutes
🍽 Nutritional Information (Approx per serving):
Calories: 420
Protein: 4g
Sodium: 370mg
(Values vary based on cake mix and add-ins.)
❓ FAQs
1. Why is it called Earthquake Cake?
Because the cream cheese and fillings shift, melt, crack, and separate during baking—creating an “earthquake” style top and texture.
2. Can I use fresh strawberries instead of pie filling?
Yes! They must be cooked down with sugar and cornstarch to make a thick filling.
3. Why is my cake too runny?
It was underbaked. Keep baking in 5-minute increments until the edges are fully set.
4. Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Absolutely. It tastes even better the next day after chilling.
5. Can I freeze Strawberry Earthquake Cake?
Yes, freeze slices for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
🍓 Conclusion
Strawberry Earthquake Cake is one of those easy, crowd-pleasing desserts that looks rustic but tastes like something from a bakery. The creamy swirls, gooey strawberry pockets, and soft cake texture create an unforgettable bite every single time. It’s perfect for holidays, special occasions, or any day you want a fuss-free dessert that wow guests with minimal effort. With simple pantry ingredients, quick prep time, and endless variations, this cake is one you’ll come back to again and again. Enjoy every gooey, strawberry-filled bite!
Ingredients
For the Cake Layer:
1 box strawberry cake mix
3 large eggs
1 cup water
½ cup vegetable oil
For the Cream Cheese Filling:
8 oz cream cheese, softened
½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
3 cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Strawberry Swirl & Add-ins:
1 can strawberry pie filling
1 cup white chocolate chips (optional but recommended)
½ cup shredded coconut (optional)
½ cup chopped pecans (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray. This cake can stick easily because of the cream cheese mixture, so be generous with the grease.
Step 2: Mix the strawberry cake batter
In a large bowl, combine the strawberry cake mix, eggs, oil, and water. Whisk or beat until the batter is smooth and lump-free. The batter should be thick but pourable. Pour it evenly into the prepared baking dish.
Step 3: Prepare the cream cheese mixture
In another bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter until creamy and smooth. Add powdered sugar gradually, mixing until fully combined. Add vanilla extract and mix again. This mixture should be thick, sweet, and frosting-like.
Step 4: Add the cream cheese in dollops
Drop spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture all over the top of the cake batter—no need to spread. The mixture will melt and sink as it bakes, creating the “earthquake” effect.
Step 5: Add strawberry filling & toppings
Spoon the strawberry pie filling over the top in uneven dollops. Sprinkle white chocolate chips, coconut, and pecans over the surface. Use a butter knife to lightly swirl the mixtures together, but don’t overmix—you want visible pockets.
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