Prepare to indulge in a delightful treat with the Strawberry Earthquake Cake! This whimsical dessert combines the sweetness of strawberries with creamy goodness, all wrapped in a fluffy strawberry cake. As you slice into this colorful cake, the vibrant pinks and whites will catch your eye, making it perfect for celebrations, picnics, or anytime you want to impress family and friends.
The moment you take a bite, the burst of fresh strawberries and creamy swirls will dance on your taste buds, creating an unforgettable flavor experience. You’ll find this cake’s light texture and rich taste utterly delightful. In the following sections, I’ll guide you through preparing this masterpiece, tips for serving, and ways to customize it to your liking. Let’s dive into the recipe together!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Fresh Ingredients: Features ripe strawberries for a burst of flavor.
- Ease of Preparation: Simple steps make this cake easy for all skill levels.
- Nutrition: The strawberries add vitamins and antioxidants.
- Versatility: Great for birthdays, holidays, or just a weekend treat.
- Presentation: Beautiful layers and colors make it a showstopper.
Anyone can enjoy this cake, whether for special occasions or everyday desserts!
Preparation and Cooking Time
- Total time: 1 hour
- Preparation time: 15 minutes
- Cooking time: 40-45 minutes
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 15.25 oz strawberry cake mix
- Eggs, oil, and water (according to package instructions)
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 4 tbsp butter
- 2 ½ c powdered sugar
- 8 oz white chocolate bar (two 4 oz bars)
- 2 c chopped strawberries (divided)
- 8 oz whipped topping
How To Make Strawberry Earthquake Cake
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. In a large mixing bowl, combine the strawberry cake mix with eggs, oil, and water as directed on the package. Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish. In a medium bowl, melt the butter. Blend it with the softened cream cheese using an electric mixer until smooth. Gradually incorporate the powdered sugar. Drop spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture onto the batter randomly. Sprinkle broken white chocolate pieces over the batter and add 1 cup of chopped strawberries. Gently swirl everything together without fully mixing. Bake for 40-45 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool completely on a wire rack before spreading whipped topping over the cake. Garnish with chocolate curls and remaining chopped strawberries before serving.
How to Serve
- Presentation: Serve in squares on a colorful plate for a cheerful look.
- Accompaniments: Offer fresh strawberries or a drizzle of chocolate sauce alongside.
- Portions: Cut into medium-sized pieces for a perfect serving.
- Beverage Pairing: Pair with iced tea, lemonade, or a cup of coffee.
Your guests will love this dessert!
Additional Tips
- Flavor Enhancement: Add a splash of vanilla extract for extra richness.
- Customization: Swap out strawberries for raspberries or blueberries for a twist.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert.
Recipe Variations
- Chocolate Strawberry Cake: Use chocolate cake mix instead of strawberry for a chocolatey delight.
- Nutty Surprise: Add chopped walnuts or pecans for a crunchy texture.
- Frozen Delight: Use frozen strawberries for a year-round option, just thaw them first.
Freezing and Storage
- Storage: Keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Wrap the cooled cake tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before serving.
Special Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Electric mixer
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Baking spatula
- Wire rack for cooling
FAQ’s
Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen strawberries. Just make sure to thaw and drain them before adding.
Is this cake suitable for dietary restrictions?
You can customize it to be gluten-free with a suitable cake mix and dairy-free by substituting cream cheese.
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can bake the cake and refrigerate it a day before serving.
How can I customize it further?
Feel free to mix in other fruits or switch the cake mix flavor for a new twist.
Is there an alternative cooking method?
You can also bake this cake in a round cake pan or even use a slow cooker for a unique texture.
Conclusion
In summary, Strawberry Earthquake Cake is a fun, impressive dessert perfect for any gathering! Its delightful flavors and stunning appearance make every occasion special. With its simple preparation and fresh ingredients, you can easily create this masterpiece at home. So, gather your ingredients, and get ready to enjoy a slice of cake heaven!
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Strawberry Earthquake Cake
Ingredients
Cake Base
- 15.25 oz strawberry cake mix
- Eggs, oil, and water (according to package instructions)
Cream Cheese Mixture
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 4 tbsp butter
- 2.5 c powdered sugar
Toppings
- 8 oz white chocolate bar (two 4 oz bars) broken into pieces
- 2 c chopped strawberries (divided) 1 cup for swirling, 1 cup for garnish
- 8 oz whipped topping for spreading over the cake
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the strawberry cake mix with eggs, oil, and water as directed on the package.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish.
Cream Cheese Mixture
- In a medium bowl, melt the butter.
- Blend it with the softened cream cheese using an electric mixer until smooth.
- Gradually incorporate the powdered sugar.
- Drop spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture onto the batter randomly.
Baking
- Sprinkle broken white chocolate pieces over the batter and add 1 cup of chopped strawberries.
- Gently swirl everything together without fully mixing.
- Bake for 40-45 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool completely on a wire rack before spreading whipped topping over the cake.
- Garnish with chocolate curls and remaining chopped strawberries before serving.
