Strawberry Earthquake Cake Recipe
Introduction
Indulge in Strawberry Earthquake Cake, a luscious dessert that beautifully combines fresh strawberries, creamy frosting, and white chocolate chips. This cake offers a perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and creamy textures that delight every bite.
Ingredients
- 1 box strawberry cake mix (15.25 ounces)
- 3 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 cup water
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 1 package cream cheese, softened (8 ounces)
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 ½ cups confectioners’ sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 cup diced strawberries (plus extra for garnish)
- 2 cups white chocolate chips
- Vanilla ice cream (optional for serving)
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan. Line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the strawberry cake mix, eggs, water, and vegetable oil. Beat until smooth, about 2-3 minutes.
- Step 3: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool completely.
- Step 4: Prepare the frosting by beating the softened cream cheese, melted butter, confectioners’ sugar, vanilla extract, and kosher salt until smooth and creamy.
- Step 5: Gently fold the diced strawberries and white chocolate chips into the frosting, being careful not to crush the berries or cause the chips to sink.
- Step 6: Spread the frosting generously over the cooled cake, allowing some strawberries and white chocolate chips to peek through for texture and visual appeal.
- Step 7: Garnish with extra diced strawberries on top. Serve with vanilla ice cream if desired for a decadent treat.
Tips & Variations
- Use fresh strawberries only; frozen berries can release excess moisture and soften the cake.
- Bring eggs to room temperature for a lighter, fluffier cake batter.
- Fold diced strawberries and white chocolate chips gently into the frosting to maintain their texture.
- Swap strawberries for blueberries for a milder, tangy flavor.
- Try a chocolate cake base instead of strawberry for a rich twist.
- Make a dairy-free version by using coconut cream instead of cream cheese.
- Add chopped nuts like almonds or pistachios for extra crunch.
Storage
Store the cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator; the cream cheese frosting stays fresh for 3-4 days without drying out. For longer storage, freeze individual slices wrapped well; they thaw in 1-2 hours and taste nearly fresh. Avoid fridge condensation by keeping the cake covered and store extra diced strawberries separately, adding them just before serving. Cake can sit at room temperature for 2-3 hours before serving. If reheating, warm slices gently in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to preserve texture.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries?
Fresh strawberries are best as frozen ones can release excess moisture and soften the cake layers.
How long does the frosting last?
Cream cheese frosting stays fresh for 3-4 days when refrigerated in an airtight container.
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Strawberry Earthquake Cake Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: About 12 servings 1x
Description
Indulge in Strawberry Earthquake Cake, a luscious and visually stunning dessert featuring fresh diced strawberries folded into a moist strawberry cake layered with a creamy, smooth cream cheese frosting studded with white chocolate chips. This recipe perfectly balances sweet, tangy, and creamy textures and flavors, making it a crowd-pleaser for celebrations and everyday treats alike.
Ingredients
Cake
- 1 box strawberry cake mix (15.25 ounces)
- 3 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 cup water
- ½ cup vegetable oil
Frosting & Extras
- 1 package cream cheese, softened (8 ounces)
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 ½ cups confectioners’ sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 cup diced strawberries (plus extra for garnish)
- 2 cups white chocolate chips
- Vanilla ice cream (optional for serving)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven & Prep Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan. Line the pan with parchment paper for easy removal of the cake after baking.
- Mix Cake Batter: In a large bowl, combine the strawberry cake mix, eggs, water, and vegetable oil. Using an electric mixer or whisk, beat the ingredients for about 2-3 minutes until smooth and fully combined.
- Bake Cake: Pour the prepared batter into the greased and lined baking pan. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Remove from oven and let the cake cool completely before frosting.
- Prepare Frosting: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with the melted butter, confectioners’ sugar, vanilla extract, and kosher salt until the mixture is smooth, creamy, and well blended.
- Fold in Extras: Gently fold the diced strawberries and white chocolate chips into the frosting. Take care to do this gently to avoid crushing the strawberries and to ensure even distribution without sinking of the chocolate chips.
- Assemble Cake: Spread the strawberry and white chocolate chip frosting generously over the cooled cake. Allow some berries and chips to peek through for texture and a beautiful visual presentation.
- Garnish & Serve: Top the frosted cake with extra diced strawberries for added color and freshness. Serve with vanilla ice cream if desired for an indulgent accompaniment.
Notes
- Use fresh strawberries only; frozen strawberries may release excess moisture and cause sogginess.
- Bring eggs to room temperature before mixing for a lighter, fluffier cake.
- Fold ingredients gently to preserve strawberry texture and prevent white chocolate chips from sinking.
- Allow the cake to cool fully before frosting to prevent frosting from melting or becoming runny.
- Store the cake covered in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
- Leftover cake slices freeze well; thaw individually for 1-2 hours before enjoying.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute cream cheese frosting with whipped coconut cream.
- Optional garnishes include fresh mint leaves or extra white chocolate chips on top.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Strawberry cake, cream cheese frosting, white chocolate, fresh strawberries, moist cake, dessert recipe, celebration cake
