Go Back
A slice of Strawberry Earthquake Cake topped with whipped cream and a fresh strawberry, showcasing the pink cake with a creamy filling. The whole cake is visible in the background.

Strawberry Earthquake Cake A Sweet Sensation You’ll Love

Stewart
Indulge in a rich and flavorful Strawberry Earthquake Cake! A creamy, strawberry-filled dessert that’s simple to make and perfect for any occasion.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Course Dessert, Snack
Cuisine American
Servings 12 Slices
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

For the Cake:

  • 1 box of strawberry cake mix – This is your base and using a boxed mix keeps things simple while still delivering great flavor. Feel free to choose a high-quality mix for the best results.
  • 1/2 cup butter melted – This adds richness and helps give the cake a soft, moist texture.
  • 2 large eggs – These are essential for binding the cake ingredients together and providing structure.
  • 1 cup of water – You’ll need this to bring everything together and ensure the cake has the perfect consistency.

For the Cream Cheese Filling:

  • 8 oz cream cheese softened – This is the heart of your “earthquake” filling, giving it a smooth and creamy texture.
  • 1 cup powdered sugar – This adds sweetness to the filling making it taste just like a cheesecake!
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – A dash of vanilla enhances the overall flavor of the cake and filling.

Optional Add-ins:

  • 1/2 cup white chocolate chips – These melt beautifully into the cake adding an extra layer of richness and sweetness.
  • 1 cup fresh strawberries chopped – Fresh strawberries bring a burst of natural sweetness to the cake and create that strawberry goodness in every bite.

For the Topping (optional):

  • Powdered sugar – Lightly dust the top for a touch of elegance and added sweetness.
  • Fresh strawberry slices – For an extra pop of color and flavor you can top your cake with fresh strawberries before serving.

Instructions
 

Preheat Your Oven

  • Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the cake bakes evenly and rises perfectly. Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray, making sure to cover the bottom and sides to prevent sticking.

Prepare the Cake Batter

  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the strawberry cake mix, melted butter, eggs, and 1 cup of water. Stir everything until smooth, ensuring the batter is free of lumps. This is your cake base, and the smoother the batter, the better your final texture will be.
  • Tip: If you want an extra burst of strawberry flavor, you can toss in a few chopped fresh strawberries directly into the batter. This step is optional but adds a nice fruity touch!

Create the Cream Cheese Filling

  • In another bowl, whip the softened cream cheese together with the powdered sugar and vanilla extract. Use a whisk or electric mixer to blend the mixture until it’s smooth and fluffy. You want it to have a creamy, thick consistency that’s easy to spread.
  • Pro Tip: Make sure the cream cheese is fully softened before you begin mixing. Cold cream cheese can result in lumps, which can affect the smoothness of your filling.

Layer the Cake

  • Pour half of the cake batter into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly with a spatula. After that, spoon the cream cheese filling in small mounds evenly over the batter. Carefully swirl the filling into the batter with a knife or skewer to achieve a beautiful marbled pattern. Be sure not to over-mix; the goal is to keep some distinct layers for that signature “earthquake” crack look.
  • Next, pour the remaining cake batter over the top of the cream cheese filling, spreading it out evenly.

Bake the Cake

  • Pop the cake into the preheated oven and bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the surface is golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. You’ll notice some cracks forming on top—this is the “earthquake” effect that gives the cake its name.
  • Tip: If you notice the edges browning too quickly, loosely cover the cake with aluminum foil and continue baking until fully done.

Cool and Serve

  • Once your cake is finished baking, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for at least 20-30 minutes. This step is crucial for the cake to set properly and for the flavors to meld together.
  • Serving Tip: For an added touch, you can sprinkle powdered sugar on top or garnish with fresh strawberry slices before serving.

Notes

Nutrition Information (per serving)

  • Calories: 375
  • Fat: 22g
  • Saturated Fat: 11g
  • Cholesterol: 60mg
  • Sodium: 240mg
  • Carbohydrates: 45g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Sugar: 32g
  • Protein: 4g
  • Vitamin A: 8%
  • Vitamin C: 10%
  • Calcium: 4%
  • Iron: 6%
Keyword Easy Cake Recipe, ream Cheese Cake, Strawberry Dessert, Strawberry Earthquake Cake