Strawberry Earthquake Cake Recipe

Introduction

Strawberry Earthquake Cake is a delightful dessert that combines the freshness of strawberries with a creamy, tangy cream cheese layer. This moist, flavorful cake is perfect for any occasion where you want a show-stopping treat that’s simple to make and sure to impress.

Ingredients

• 1 box (450 g) strawberry cake mix
• 1 cup (150 g) fresh strawberries, sliced
• 8 oz (225 g) cream cheese
• 1/2 cup (100 g) granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup (60 ml) fresh lemon juice
• 1 cup (120 g) powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Water, oil, and eggs as called for on the cake mix box

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the strawberry cake mix with water, oil, and eggs according to the package directions. Mix until just combined.
3. Step 3: Gently fold the sliced fresh strawberries into the batter to distribute them evenly.
4. Step 4: Pour the batter into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it evenly.
5. Step 5: Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
6. Step 6: While the cake is baking, beat together the cream cheese, granulated sugar, and fresh lemon juice until smooth and creamy.
7. Step 7: Remove the cake from the oven and carefully pour the cream cheese mixture over the top.
8. Step 8: Return the cake to the oven and bake for another 15-20 minutes, until the edges are golden and the cream cheese layer is set.
9. Step 9: Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan for about an hour.
10. Step 10: Transfer the cake to the refrigerator to chill, or serve at room temperature if preferred.
11. Step 11: Slice the cake, making sure each piece has strawberries in it for maximum flavor and texture.
12. Step 12: Garnish with fresh mint leaves or more strawberries before serving for a pretty and flavorful finishing touch.

Tips & Variations

• Use fresh, ripe strawberries for the best natural sweetness and texture.
• Add a teaspoon of almond extract along with the vanilla for a subtle nutty aroma.
• For a more intense cream cheese flavor, chill the cream cheese mixture before spreading on the cake.
• Try swapping lemon juice with orange juice for a sweeter citrus twist.
• Serve with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence.

Storage

Store the cake covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to keep it fresh. It can be enjoyed cold or brought to room temperature before serving. Leftover cake can be gently reheated for 10-15 seconds in the microwave if desired, but the cream cheese topping is best served chilled or at room temperature.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?

Fresh strawberries are preferred for texture and flavor, but if using frozen, thaw and drain them well to avoid extra moisture in the batter.

Do I need to grease the baking dish?

Yes, lightly greasing the pan helps prevent the cake from sticking and ensures clean slices when serving.

Strawberry Earthquake Cake Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 106 reviews

• Author: Ella
• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 12 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Strawberry Earthquake Cake is a luscious, moist dessert featuring a strawberry-flavored cake base studded with fresh strawberries and topped with a creamy, tangy cream cheese layer. Baked to golden perfection, this cake is perfect for celebrations or a delightful treat any day, combining fruity freshness with rich creaminess in every bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Cake Batter

• 1 box (450 g) strawberry cake mix
• 1 cup (150 g) fresh strawberries, sliced
• Water (as specified on cake mix box, approx. 1 cup/240 ml)
• Oil (as specified on cake mix box, approx. 1/3 cup/80 ml)
• Eggs (as specified on cake mix box, typically 3 large eggs)

Cream Cheese Topping

• 8 oz (225 g) cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup (100 g) granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup (60 ml) fresh lemon juice
• 1 cup (120 g) powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Garnish

• Fresh mint leaves (optional)
• Additional fresh strawberries (optional)

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Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it reaches the right temperature for even baking.
2. Prepare Cake Batter: In a large bowl, combine the strawberry cake mix, water, oil, and eggs. Mix until just combined to avoid overworking the batter, which may affect texture.
3. Add Strawberries: Gently fold in the sliced fresh strawberries to the batter, distributing them evenly without crushing.
4. Pour into Baking Dish: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish thoroughly and pour the batter evenly into it, smoothing the top.
5. Bake Cake: Bake the cake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, indicating doneness.
6. Prepare Cream Cheese Mixture: While the cake bakes, blend the cream cheese, granulated sugar, lemon juice, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract in a bowl until smooth and creamy.
7. Add Cream Cheese Layer: Once the cake is done baking, remove it from the oven and carefully pour the cream cheese mixture evenly over the top of the hot cake.
8. Bake Again: Return the cake to the oven and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes or until the edges of the cream cheese topping turn golden and set.
9. Cool Cake: Remove from the oven and let the cake cool completely in the pan for about an hour to allow the layers to set properly.
10. Chill: Transfer the cooled cake to the refrigerator to chill for deeper flavor or serve it at room temperature based on preference.
11. Slice and Serve: Cut the cake into pieces, making sure each slice contains fresh strawberries from the batter.
12. Garnish and Present: Garnish individual slices with fresh mint leaves or additional fresh strawberries before serving for a visually appealing finish.

Notes

• Ensure cream cheese is softened for easier mixing and a smooth topping.
• Do not overmix the batter to keep the cake light and fluffy.
• Use fresh, ripe strawberries for the best flavor and texture.
• Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• This cake tastes best when chilled at least 1 hour before serving.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: Strawberry cake, cream cheese topping, layered cake, moist strawberry dessert, easy strawberry recipes