Contents show

1 Why You’ll Love This Strawberry Earthquake Cake

2 What Does Strawberry Earthquake Cake Taste Like?

3 Ingredients You’ll Need

3.1 Cake:

3.2 Add-Ins:

3.3 Cream Cheese Swirl:

4 Equipment You’ll Need

5 How to Make Strawberry Earthquake Cake

5.1 1: Prep Your Pan

5.2 Step 2: Make the Cake Batter

5.3 3: Pour and Swirl

5.4 4: Bake to Perfection

5.5 5: Cool and Serve

6 Helpful Tips for the Best Strawberry Earthquake Cake

6.1 Use Fresh Strawberries for the Best Flavor

6.2 Don’t Overmix the Swirl!

6.3 Let It Cool Slightly Before Slicing

6.4 For a Lighter Texture, Add an Extra Egg

6.5 Want More Flavor? Try These Add-Ins!

6.6 Check for Doneness Without Overbaking

6.7 Serving Tip: Warm It Up!

7 Substitutions and Variations

7.1 Cake Mix Substitutions

7.2 No Fresh Strawberries? Try These!

7.3 Nut-Free Option

7.4 Coconut Alternatives

7.5 Dairy-Free Version

7.6 Want a Tangier Flavor?

7.7 Make It Chocolatey!

7.8 Want an Extra Creamy Cake?

7.9 Turn It Into Cupcakes!

7.10 Boozy Version for Adults

7.11 Spice It Up!

7.12 What to Serve with Strawberry Earthquake Cake

8 Conservation and Storage

8.1 How to Store Strawberry Earthquake Cake

8.1.1 At Room Temperature (Short-Term Storage)

8.2 Storing in the Refrigerator

8.3 Freezing Strawberry Earthquake Cake

8.3.1 How to Freeze the Cake:

8.3.2 How to Thaw the Cake:

8.4 Can You Make This Cake Ahead of Time?

8.5 Frequently Asked Questions

8.6 Conclusion

8.7 Strawberry Earthquake Cake

8.7.1 Description

8.7.2 Ingredients

8.7.3 For the Cake:

8.7.4 For the Add-Ins:

8.7.5 For the Cream Cheese Swirl:

8.7.6 Instructions

8.7.7 Equipment

8.7.8 Notes

8.7.9 Nutrition

8.7.10 Did you make this recipe?

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Oh, friends, get ready for a dessert that’s about to shake up your baking game—literally! This Strawberry Earthquake Cake is a masterpiece of flavors, textures, and sheer indulgence. Imagine a rich, moist strawberry cake bursting with juicy berries, swirled with a creamy cheesecake-like filling, and studded with crunchy coconut and pecans. The best part? The way the batter cracks and swirls in the oven, creating a beautifully messy (but incredibly delicious) masterpiece.

This is the kind of cake that turns an ordinary afternoon into a special occasion. It’s a little wild, a little unpredictable, and a lot of delicious. Whether you’re making it for a birthday, potluck, or just because you deserve something sweet (you do!), this cake is going to steal the show.

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Why You’ll Love This Strawberry Earthquake Cake

• Gooey, rich, and packed with flavor! Every bite is a combination of fruity, creamy, and crunchy textures.
• Super easy to make. No complicated techniques—just mix, layer, and bake!
• Perfect for any occasion. It’s showstopping enough for celebrations but simple enough for a weeknight treat.
• Fun to make! Watching the cake crack and swirl in the oven is a delight.

What Does Strawberry Earthquake Cake Taste Like?

Imagine the sweet, slightly tart flavor of fresh strawberries, the creamy richness of a cheesecake filling, and the buttery goodness of cake all in one bite. Add the slight crunch of pecans and coconut, and you’ve got a dessert that hits every texture craving. It’s moist, gooey, and so satisfying.

this RECIPE

Ingredients You’ll Need

Cake:

• 1 box (15.25 oz) strawberry cake mix
• 1 cup water
• ½ cup vegetable oil
• 3 large eggs

Add-Ins:

• 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
• ½ cup chopped pecans (optional but adds great crunch!)
• 1 cup fresh strawberries, chopped

Cream Cheese Swirl:

• 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Equipment You’ll Need

• 9×13-inch baking dish
• Mixing bowls
• Hand mixer or whisk
• Spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons

How to Make Strawberry Earthquake Cake

1: Prep Your Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray or butter. Sprinkle the coconut and pecans evenly over the bottom of the dish.

Step 2: Make the Cake Batter

In a large mixing bowl, combine the strawberry cake mix, water, vegetable oil, and eggs. Beat on medium speed for about 2 minutes, until smooth. Gently fold in the chopped strawberries.

3: Pour and Swirl

Pour the cake batter over the coconut and pecans in the baking dish, spreading it out evenly.

In a separate bowl, beat together the cream cheese, melted butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth. Drop spoonfuls of this mixture over the cake batter, then use a butter knife to swirl it slightly.

4: Bake to Perfection

Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the cake is set and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.

5: Cool and Serve

Let the cake cool for at least 20 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to settle and the gooey parts to firm up a bit. Serve warm or at room temperature—either way, it’s irresistible!

Helpful Tips for the Best Strawberry Earthquake Cake

Want to make sure your Strawberry Earthquake Cake turns out perfect every time? Follow these helpful tips to get the most delicious, gooey, and beautiful results!

Use Fresh Strawberries for the Best Flavor

• Fresh strawberries give the cake a natural, juicy sweetness and a pop of tartness.
• If using frozen strawberries, thaw and drain them well to avoid adding too much extra moisture to the batter.

Don’t Overmix the Swirl!

• The magic of an earthquake cake is in its cracked, swirled, and uneven texture. Overmixing the cream cheese into the batter will make it blend too much.
• Instead, drop spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture on top of the cake and lightly swirl with a knife—just enough to create ribbons.

Let It Cool Slightly Before Slicing

• This cake is deliciously gooey, which means it needs time to set.
• Let it cool for at least 20 minutes before slicing. If you cut it too soon, the cream cheese layer may be too soft.

For a Lighter Texture, Add an Extra Egg

• If you want your cake to be extra fluffy, add one additional egg to the cake mix batter.

Want More Flavor? Try These Add-Ins!

• White chocolate chips – for extra sweetness.
• Lemon zest – to brighten up the strawberry flavor.
• Mini marshmallows – for an even gooier texture.
• Crushed graham crackers – sprinkled on top for a strawberry cheesecake vibe.

Check for Doneness Without Overbaking

• Since this cake has a gooey cream cheese layer, the traditional toothpick test won’t work.
• Instead, check the edges—they should be set and slightly golden, while the center should still be slightly jiggly but not runny.

Serving Tip: Warm It Up!

• This cake is amazing at room temperature, but if you want to elevate the experience, warm up a slice for 10-15 seconds in the microwave before serving.
• Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a heavenly treat!

Substitutions and Variations

One of the best things about this Strawberry Earthquake Cake is how flexible it is! Whether you need to swap ingredients based on what you have on hand or just want to experiment with new flavors, here are some fun ways to customize your cake.

Cake Mix Substitutions

No strawberry cake mix? No problem! Try these alternatives:

• Vanilla or white cake mix – Add ½ cup of strawberry puree or a few drops of strawberry extract to maintain the fruity flavor.
• Lemon cake mix – A lemon-strawberry combination gives a refreshing citrus twist!
• Chocolate cake mix – If you love chocolate and strawberries together, this is an indulgent option.
• Yellow cake mix – A classic buttery base that pairs well with strawberries.

No Fresh Strawberries? Try These!

Nut-Free Option

Not a fan of nuts or need a nut-free version? Simply omit the pecans, or replace them with:

• Crushed graham crackers for a cheesecake-like texture.
• Granola for a crunchy topping.
• Mini marshmallows for extra gooeyness.

Coconut Alternatives

Not a fan of shredded coconut? Try these instead:

• Rolled oats – They add a chewy texture.
• Chopped white chocolate or chocolate chips – Because chocolate makes everything better!
• Toasted almond slices – For a little crunch without the coconut flavor.

Dairy-Free Version

Want to make this cake dairy-free? It’s easy!

• Use dairy-free cream cheese (such as Kite Hill or Daiya).
• Swap butter for a plant-based alternative like coconut oil or vegan butter.
• Check your cake mix to ensure it’s dairy-free.

Want a Tangier Flavor?

• Add 1 teaspoon of lemon zest to the cream cheese mixture for a bright, citrusy twist.
• Drizzle the finished cake with a lemon glaze (mix powdered sugar and fresh lemon juice) for extra zing.

Make It Chocolatey!

If you love the combination of strawberries and chocolate, try this variation:

• Use a chocolate cake mix instead of strawberry.
• Add ½ cup of chocolate chips to the batter.
• Drizzle melted chocolate over the cooled cake for a decadent touch.

Want an Extra Creamy Cake?

For a richer, even more indulgent texture:

• Add ½ cup of sour cream or Greek yogurt to the cake batter.
• Mix ½ cup of sweetened condensed milk into the cream cheese layer for extra creaminess.

Turn It Into Cupcakes!

Want to make individual portions?

• Divide the batter into lined muffin tins instead of a baking dish.
• Adjust the bake time to 18-22 minutes at 350°F.
• Swirl the cream cheese mixture on top of each cupcake before baking.

Boozy Version for Adults

Feeling fancy? Add a splash of flavor with a little alcohol:

• Mix 1-2 tablespoons of strawberry liqueur (like Chambord or Crème de Fraise) into the cream cheese filling.
• Brush the baked cake with a light rum syrup for an extra punch.

Spice It Up!

For a unique twist, add:

• ½ teaspoon of cinnamon for a warm, spiced note.
• A pinch of cayenne pepper if you love a little heat with your sweet!

What to Serve with Strawberry Earthquake Cake

• A scoop of vanilla or strawberry ice cream for extra indulgence.
• Drizzle of chocolate or strawberry sauce for added decadence.
• A cup of coffee or tea—because cake always needs a perfect pairing!

Conservation and Storage

One of the best things about Strawberry Earthquake Cake is that it stays delicious for days—if you can resist eating it all at once! Whether you want to enjoy it fresh, store leftovers, or even freeze it for later, here’s everything you need to know about keeping your cake fresh and flavorful.

How to Store Strawberry Earthquake Cake

At Room Temperature (Short-Term Storage)

• If you plan to eat the cake within 1-2 days, you can store it covered at room temperature.
• Place it in an airtight container or cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• Keep it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight or heat.

Note: Since this cake has a creamy cheese layer, it’s best to refrigerate it after 24 hours.

Storing in the Refrigerator

• For longer storage, place the cake in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator.
• It will stay fresh for 4-5 days.
• Let it sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving to bring back its soft, gooey texture.
• If you love it warm, pop a slice in the microwave for 10-15 seconds before eating.

Freezing Strawberry Earthquake Cake

Yes! You can freeze this cake for up to 3 months, making it perfect for meal-prepping desserts or saving leftovers.

How to Freeze the Cake:

1. Let it cool completely before freezing—this prevents ice crystals from forming.
2. Slice the cake into individual portions (optional, but makes thawing easier).
3. Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap, then again in aluminum foil for extra protection.
4. Place wrapped slices in a zip-top freezer bag or airtight container.
5. Label with the date and store in the freezer.

How to Thaw the Cake:

• Remove slices from the freezer and let them thaw in the fridge overnight.
• For a quick thaw, place a slice at room temperature for about 30 minutes.
• Want it warm? Microwave for 15-20 seconds to bring back the fresh-from-the-oven taste.

Can You Make This Cake Ahead of Time?

Absolutely! This cake actually tastes even better the next day because the flavors meld together. Here’s how to prep it in advance:

• Make and bake the cake as directed.
• Let it cool completely, then cover and store it in the fridge.
• Before serving, let it sit at room temperature or warm individual slices slightly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different cake mix flavor?
Absolutely! Vanilla, white, or even chocolate cake mix would work beautifully.

Do I have to use coconut and pecans?
Nope! You can leave them out or substitute with another mix-in like chopped nuts or mini marshmallows.

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! This cake actually tastes better the next day as the flavors meld together.

Why is it called “earthquake” cake?
Because of the way it bakes—cracks, swirls, and pockets of cream cheese create a wonderfully uneven (but delicious!) texture.

Conclusion

If you’re looking for a cake that’s easy, fun, and absolutely bursting with flavor, this Strawberry Earthquake Cake is calling your name. It’s gooey, creamy, fruity, and totally addictive. Plus, it’s one of those desserts that looks fancy without requiring any fancy skills—my kind of baking!

Tried this recipe? I’d love to hear how it turned out! Leave a review, share your photos on Pinterest, and let’s spread the strawberry love!

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