Strawberry Earthquake Cake (Printable Version)

Gooey strawberry cake with cream cheese swirls and fresh berries

# Ingredient List:

→ 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 Layer

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 1/2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and diced
10 - 1 cup white chocolate chips
11 - 1/2 cup sweetened shredded coconut (optional)

# How to Make:

01 - Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease a 9x13-inch baking pan thoroughly with cooking spray or butter.
02 - In a large bowl, combine the strawberry cake mix, eggs, vegetable oil, and water. Mix according to package directions until well blended. Pour the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan.
03 - In a separate bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, continuing to beat until the mixture is creamy and lump-free.
04 - Drop spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture evenly over the surface of the cake batter, spacing them out to cover the pan.
05 - Scatter the diced strawberries and white chocolate chips over the top of the batter and cream cheese mixture. Sprinkle with shredded coconut if using.
06 - Using a knife, gently swirl the cream cheese mixture into the cake batter. Make a few figure-eight motions to create a marbled effect, being careful not to overmix.
07 - Bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the edges are set but the center remains slightly gooey. The cake should appear molten in the middle when done—do not overbake.
08 - Allow the cake to cool in the pan for at least 30 minutes before slicing. Serve slightly warm or at room temperature for the best texture and flavor.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • The strawberry and cream cheese combination creates an incredible balance of tart and sweet that nobody can resist
  • That slightly gooey center makes every bite feel like a secret indulgence you should not be having
  • It looks impressive but comes together in under twenty minutes of active prep time
02 -
  • The center will look underbaked when you take it out. This is exactly how it should be. It continues cooking as it cools and sets into that perfect gooey texture.
  • Room temperature ingredients for the cream cheese layer are non negotiable. Cold cream cheese creates lumpy swirls that look unappetizing.
03 -
  • Add a tablespoon of strawberry jam to the cream cheese mixture for an extra punch of strawberry flavor that really comes through after baking
  • If you want more visible swirls, reserve about a quarter cup of the cream cheese mixture and drizzle it over the top after the initial swirling step

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