Strawberry Earthquake Cake (Printable)

Gooey cake bursting with fresh strawberries and rich cream cheese swirl

# What You'll Need:

→ Strawberry Layer

01 - 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
02 - 2 tablespoons granulated sugar

→ Cake Base

03 - 1 box (15.25 oz) strawberry cake mix
04 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
05 - 3 large eggs
06 - 1 cup milk

→ Cream Cheese Swirl

07 - 8 oz cream cheese, softened
08 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
09 - 2 cups powdered sugar
10 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

→ Add-Ins

11 - 1 cup white chocolate chips
12 - 1/2 cup sweetened shredded coconut (optional)

# How to Make It:

01 - Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease a 9x13-inch baking pan thoroughly.
02 - In a medium bowl, toss the sliced strawberries with granulated sugar. Set aside to macerate while preparing the batter.
03 - In a large bowl, combine strawberry cake mix, melted butter, eggs, and milk. Mix until completely smooth. Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan.
04 - Evenly scatter the sugared strawberries, white chocolate chips, and shredded coconut over the cake batter.
05 - In a separate bowl, beat cream cheese and softened butter until smooth. Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until fluffy and fully combined.
06 - Drop spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture over the cake batter. Use a butter knife to gently swirl the cream cheese into the batter, creating a marbled effect. Do not overmix to preserve the earthquake appearance.
07 - Bake for 38-42 minutes, until the cake is set around the edges but still slightly gooey in the center. The characteristic earthquake look comes from the cracked, gooey top.
08 - Cool in the pan for 15-20 minutes before slicing. Serve warm or at room temperature.

# Expert Hacks:

01 -
  • The gooey cream cheese swirl makes every bite feel like eating dessert for breakfast
  • Its practically impossible to mess up, even if your baking skills are questionable
02 -
  • Don't overbake this or you'll lose that signature gooey center that makes it special
  • The cracks and uneven top are supposed to happen, they create the earthquake look
03 -
  • Room temperature ingredients blend better and create the smoothest swirl
  • Use a light hand when swirling to maintain those distinct earthquake cracks

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