Irresistibly Gooey Strawberry Earthquake Cake – A Sweet & Easy Dessert for Every Occasion
There’s something simply delightful about biting into a slice of Strawberry Earthquake Cake. This dessert combines layers of moist cake with pockets of gooey cream cheese filling and fresh strawberries, delivering a burst of flavor with every forkful. Having made this cake countless times for family gatherings and potlucks, I can assure you that it will steal the show on any dessert table!
Why Make This Recipe
- Deliciously Unique: The combination of the chocolate cake base with the tangy strawberries and rich cream cheese makes for a flavor profile that’s both familiar and exciting.
- Simple to Prepare: With just a few ingredients and straightforward steps, this cake is perfect for both novice and experienced bakers alike.
- Versatile for Occasions: Whether it’s a birthday party, holiday gathering, or just a sweet treat for a cozy night in, this cake fits the occasion beautifully.
- Comforting Texture: The gooey filling creates a delightful contrast to the light, fluffy cake, making it utterly addictive!
- Personal Favorite: I love making this cake because it reminds me of summer picnics and family get-togethers, making it both a nostalgic and a comforting dessert.
Recipe Overview
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
- Total Time: 60 minutes
- Servings: 12
- Difficulty Level: Easy
- Cooking Method: Baking
This cake involves mixing batter, layering filling, and baking until golden, resulting in a dessert that is as beautiful as it is tasty.
My Experience Making This Recipe
When I first tried making this Strawberry Earthquake Cake, I was surprised at how effortlessly it came together. The only challenge I faced was making sure not to over-mix the batter; a well-balanced cake relies on just the right texture. Discovering how the cream cheese filling creates a "quake" in the cake as it bakes was a delightful surprise!
How to Make Irresistibly Gooey Strawberry Earthquake Cake
To prepare this cake, start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a 9×13-inch baking pan. Mix the cake batter following your favorite chocolate cake recipe or a box mix. As the cake begins to bake, you’ll prepare the cream cheese filling, which you can create by blending cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla together until smooth. Layer the fresh strawberries on the bottom of the pan, then pour half the batter over them, followed by dollops of the cream cheese mixture, topped with the remaining batter. Expect a messy but delicious dessert that bakes up beautifully!
Expert Tips for Success
- Quality Strawberries: Use ripe, sweet strawberries for the best flavor. Frozen strawberries can also work, but make sure to thaw and drain them to avoid excess moisture.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure that your cream cheese is at room temperature for easier mixing and a smoother filling.
- Don’t Overmix: When mixing your batter, mix just until combined to keep the cake light and fluffy.
- Grease Properly: Use a non-stick spray or butter the pan generously to prevent sticking, especially around the fruit filling.
- Let It Cool: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for at least 10 minutes before serving to let the structure set.
How to Serve Irresistibly Gooey Strawberry Earthquake Cake
- Dust with Powdered Sugar: A light dusting of powdered sugar adds an elegant touch.
- Serve with Ice Cream: Pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a comforting dessert experience.
- Presentation: Serve the cake directly from the pan or slice it up and place each piece on a whimsical dessert plate.
- Occasion Suggestions: Perfect for summer barbecues, family reunions, or as a sweet ending to a dinner party.
Storage and Reheating Guide
Store any leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. If you’d like to keep it longer, freeze slices wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil for up to 3 months. To reheat, remove from the freezer and allow it to thaw overnight in the refrigerator. For best results, warm individual slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds before serving.
Recipe Variations
- Gluten-Free Version: Use a gluten-free chocolate cake mix or substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend.
- Dairy-Free Adaptation: Replace the cream cheese with a dairy-free cream cheese alternative and use plant-based butter.
- Add Nuts: Incorporate chopped walnuts or pecans into the batter for added crunch.
- Flavor Variations: Swap out the strawberries for raspberries, blueberries, or even cherries for a twist on the classic.
Nutritional Highlights
This cake provides a satisfying dose of carbohydrates along with fresh fruit, which adds a boost of vitamin C. Keep in mind that it contains cream cheese and sugar, so enjoy it in moderation. Allergen information includes dairy, eggs, and wheat depending on the cake mix used.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
- Cake Sinking in the Middle: Ensure that your oven temperature is accurate; ovens can vary. A thermometer can help you confirm.
- Cream Cheese Filling Too Runny: Make sure the cream cheese is fully blended, and try adding a tablespoon of flour to stabilize it if necessary.
- Dry Cake: Avoid over-baking! Check for doneness with a toothpick; it should come out with a few moist crumbs.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
Can I use frozen strawberries?
Yes, but ensure they are properly thawed and drained to manage moisture levels in the cake. -
How long does this cake last?
The cake lasts up to 4 days in the refrigerator and can be frozen for up to 3 months. -
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! This cake can be prepared a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator for enhanced flavors. -
What type of chocolate cake should I use?
You can use a store-bought mix for convenience or make a homemade chocolate cake with your favorite recipe.
Irresistibly Gooey Strawberry Earthquake Cake
A delightful dessert that combines layers of chocolate cake with gooey cream cheese filling and fresh strawberries, perfect for any occasion.
- Total Time: 60 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 1 box chocolate cake mix
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 8 oz cream cheese, room temperature
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
- Mix the chocolate cake batter according to the package instructions.
- In a separate bowl, blend the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth.
- Layer the sliced strawberries on the bottom of the greased pan.
- Pour half of the cake batter over the strawberries.
- Drop dollops of the cream cheese mixture over the batter.
- Pour the remaining cake batter over the cream cheese filling.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cake to cool for at least 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
For the best flavor, use ripe strawberries. This cake can be stored in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the refrigerator.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 50mg