This Strawberry Earthquake Cake is a delicious twist on the classic “earthquake cake,” featuring a luscious, creamy filling swirled into a moist strawberry cake. The result is a cake with a dense, slightly cracked top that mimics the look of an earthquake, while offering a rich contrast in flavor. Perfect for parties or as a special dessert for any occasion, this cake is sure to impress with its vibrant color and irresistible flavor.
Ingredients
- 1 box strawberry cake mix
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 3 large eggs
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
- In a large bowl, mix together the cake mix, vegetable oil, and eggs until well combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan.
- In a separate bowl, prepare the cream cheese filling (see recipe instructions).
- Drop spoonfuls of the cream cheese filling on top of the cake batter.
- Use a knife to swirl the cream cheese filling into the cake batter.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the cake is set.
- Allow the cake to cool before serving.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 12-16 slices
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
- Total Time: 45-50 minutes
Variations
- Add Fruit: To enhance the strawberry flavor, you can fold in fresh or frozen strawberries into the batter.
- Chocolate Twist: Use chocolate cake mix instead of strawberry cake mix for a chocolate version of the earthquake cake.
- Cream Cheese Frosting: Top the cake with a layer of cream cheese frosting after it cools for extra creaminess.
- Nutty Texture: Add chopped nuts such as pecans or walnuts to the batter for added crunch and flavor.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Freezing: This cake can be frozen for up to 1 month. Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing.
- Reheating: To reheat, microwave individual slices for 10-15 seconds or warm the entire cake in the oven at 300°F for 10-15 minutes.
10 FAQs
- Can I make this cake without the cream cheese filling? Yes, you can skip the cream cheese filling, though it will change the texture and richness of the cake.
- Can I use homemade cake batter instead of box mix? Absolutely! You can make your own strawberry cake batter from scratch, using fresh strawberries for flavor.
- Can I use low-fat cream cheese? Yes, low-fat or fat-free cream cheese can be used, but it may slightly alter the texture and richness of the filling.
- Can I make this cake ahead of time? Yes, this cake can be made a day or two in advance and stored in an airtight container.
- What if I don’t have a 9×13-inch pan? You can use a slightly larger or smaller pan, but be mindful that the baking time may vary slightly.
- How can I ensure the cake stays moist? Make sure not to overbake the cake. Test doneness by inserting a toothpick – it should come out clean, but the cake should not be overly dry.
- Can I use a different flavor of cake mix? Yes, feel free to experiment with other cake mixes, such as vanilla or chocolate, to create your own version of the earthquake cake.
- How do I get the cream cheese filling to swirl evenly? Make sure the filling is spooned on top of the batter in small amounts. Use a knife or skewer to gently swirl it in, but don’t overdo it – you want distinct pockets of filling.
- Can I use a bundt pan instead of a rectangular pan? Yes, a bundt pan can be used, but you’ll need to adjust the baking time, and the cake may need more careful swirling with the cream cheese filling.
- What can I serve this cake with? This cake is delicious on its own, but you can serve it with whipped cream, fresh strawberries, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.
Conclusion
Strawberry Earthquake Cake is an easy yet impressive dessert that combines the flavors of moist cake and creamy filling in a visually stunning way. With its slightly cracked top and rich texture, it’s a dessert that’s as fun to make as it is to eat. Perfect for any occasion, this cake is a great way to satisfy your sweet tooth and share something special with family and friends.