Description
This Strawberry Earthquake Cake is a delightful and easy dessert that combines the classic flavors of strawberry cake with a creamy, dreamy cream cheese swirl. Using a boxed strawberry cake mix for convenience, it features layers of shredded coconut, white chocolate chips, and fresh strawberries topped with dollops of a sweetened cream cheese mixture. As it bakes, the cream cheese sinks into the cake creating a marbled ‘earthquake’ effect that is both visually impressive and irresistibly delicious. Perfect for any occasion, this cake is best enjoyed warm or at room temperature.
Ingredients
Cake Base
- 1 box strawberry cake mix (including eggs, oil, and water as called for on the box)
Toppings
- 1/2 cup sweetened shredded coconut
- 1/2 cup white chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh strawberries
Cream Cheese Swirl
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cups powdered sugar
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Make Cake Batter: Prepare the strawberry cake mix according to the package instructions, mixing in the required eggs, oil, and water. Pour the batter evenly into the prepared baking dish.
- Add Toppings: Sprinkle the shredded coconut, white chocolate chips, and chopped fresh strawberries evenly over the cake batter to add texture and bursts of flavor.
- Prepare Cream Cheese Mixture: In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and melted butter together until the mixture is smooth. Then add the powdered sugar and continue beating until creamy.
- Apply Cream Cheese Dollops: Drop spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture over the cake batter. Do not spread or mix; leave in thick dollops. During baking, this will create the signature ‘earthquake’ marbling effect.
- Bake the Cake: Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center is slightly jiggly but no longer raw.
- Cool and Serve: Let the cake cool for at least 20 minutes to set before slicing. Serve warm or at room temperature for the best flavor experience.
Notes
- For a richer strawberry flavor, add a few extra chopped strawberries on top of the batter before baking.
- If you prefer more marbling, gently swirl the cream cheese mixture into the cake batter with a knife rather than leaving dollops.
- Store any leftover cake covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to maintain freshness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 38g
- Sodium: 330mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 51g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 65mg