Go Back

Strawberry Earthquake Cake Recipe

Sara Collins
Strawberry Earthquake Cake Recipe is a fun and colorful dessert. It looks messy but tastes amazing. The cake cracks while baking, just like an earthquake.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 12
Calories 420 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 box strawberry cake mix 15.25 oz
  • 3 large eggs
  • ½ cup vegetable oil
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
  • 1 cup white chocolate chips
  • 8 oz cream cheese softened
  • ½ cup unsalted butter melted
  • 3 cups powdered sugar
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ½ cup chopped fresh strawberries optional

Instructions
 

Preheat the Oven

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or oil. Make sure all corners are covered. This helps the cake not stick.

Prepare the Cake Batter

  • In a large bowl, mix strawberry cake mix, eggs, oil and water. Use a whisk or mixer. Mix until smooth and lump free. Do not overmix.

Add Coconut and Chips

  • Spread shredded coconut evenly in the baking dish. Sprinkle white chocolate chips over the coconut. This makes a sweet bottom layer.

Pour the Batter

  • Pour the prepared strawberry batter over the coconut and chocolate chips. Spread gently with a spatula. Make sure the batter covers everything evenly.

Make the Cream Cheese Mixture

  • In another bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth. Add melted butter and mix well. Slowly add powdered sugar and vanilla extract. Beat until creamy and thick.

Add Cream Cheese Layer

  • Drop spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture over the cake batter. Use a knife to swirl lightly. Do not mix completely. Swirls create the earthquake effect.

Add Fresh Strawberries

  • Sprinkle chopped fresh strawberries on top if using. Press them slightly into the cream layer. This adds extra flavor and texture.

Bake the Cake

  • Bake in preheated oven for 40 minutes. The center should be slightly soft. The top will crack and look uneven. That is normal for this cake.

Cool Before Serving

  • Let the cake cool for at least 30 minutes. This helps the cream layer set. Slice into squares and serve.

Notes

  • Do not overbake. The center should stay slightly gooey.
  • Use room temperature cream cheese for smooth mixing.
  • You can replace white chocolate chips with dark chocolate.
  • Add chopped nuts for extra crunch.
  • Store leftovers in the fridge because of cream cheese.
Keyword Strawberry Earthquake Cake Recipe