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.
Ingredients
Scale
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)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it reaches the right temperature for even baking.
- 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.
- Add Strawberries: Gently fold in the sliced fresh strawberries to the batter, distributing them evenly without crushing.
- Pour into Baking Dish: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish thoroughly and pour the batter evenly into it, smoothing the top.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Chill: Transfer the cooled cake to the refrigerator to chill for deeper flavor or serve it at room temperature based on preference.
- Slice and Serve: Cut the cake into pieces, making sure each slice contains fresh strawberries from the batter.
- 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
