Strawberry Earthquake Cake

$To make the Strawberry Earthquake Cake, you will need a few key items. Here is a simple list of what you'll need: - 1 box strawberry cake mix - 1/2 cup vegetable oil - 3 large eggs - 1 cup water - 1 cup fresh strawberries, chopped - 1 cup cream cheese, softened - 2 cups powdered sugar - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder - 1/4 cup milk - 2 cups whipped cream (for topping) - Fresh strawberries for garnishing Each ingredient plays a big role in flavor and texture. The strawberry cake mix gives the cake its sweet base and lovely pink color. The eggs and oil add moisture and richness. Fresh strawberries add bursts of fruity goodness. Cream cheese mixed with sugar and cocoa gives a delicious swirl that makes this cake special. Whipped cream on top adds a light finish. You can find all these ingredients at your local grocery store. Choose fresh strawberries that are bright and firm for the best flavor. As you gather your items, get ready for a fun and tasty baking adventure! {{ingredient_image_1}} 1. Preheat your oven and prepare the baking pan. Start by setting your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it warms up, grease and flour a 9x13-inch baking pan. This helps the cake slide out easily once it's baked. 2. Mix the main batter and fold in strawberries. In a large mixing bowl, combine the strawberry cake mix, 1/2 cup of vegetable oil, 3 large eggs, and 1 cup of water. Mix these on medium speed for about 2-3 minutes. You want the batter to be smooth and well blended. Once mixed, gently fold in 1 cup of chopped fresh strawberries. This adds great flavor and texture to your cake. 3. Prepare the cream cheese mixture. In another bowl, beat 1 cup of softened cream cheese until it's smooth. Gradually add in 2 cups of powdered sugar, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and 1/2 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder. Mix until everything is well combined. This cream cheese layer will add a rich taste to your cake. These steps set the foundation for a delicious Strawberry Earthquake Cake. Enjoy the process and the delightful smells that fill your kitchen! Ensuring the batter is smooth Start with the right tools. Use a good mixer to blend the cake mix. Mix at medium speed for about 2-3 minutes. This helps create a nice, smooth batter. If you see lumps, keep mixing. Make sure the batter is evenly blended before adding strawberries. Tips for swirling the cream cheese mixture After you make the cream cheese mix, use a spoon to add it to the batter. Place dollops of this mixture on the first layer of batter. Use a toothpick or knife to gently swirl it. Don’t swirl too much; you want to see the two layers. This creates a pretty pattern when baked. Achieving the ideal whipped cream consistency When you make the whipped cream, start with cold milk and cream. Use a whisk or mixer to beat them together. Stop when you see soft peaks. This means it’s fluffy but not too stiff. Spread it over the cooled cake for a light, airy topping. Pro Tips Use Fresh Strawberries: Fresh strawberries not only enhance the flavor but also add a beautiful texture to the cake. Opt for ripe, juicy strawberries for the best results. Swirling Technique: When swirling the cream cheese mixture, use a gentle hand to create beautiful marbled patterns without fully mixing it into the batter. Cool Completely: Allow the cake to cool completely before adding the whipped cream topping. This ensures the whipped cream stays fluffy and doesn't melt into the cake. Garnish Just Before Serving: Add fresh strawberries as a garnish right before serving to maintain their freshness and vibrant color. {{image_2}} You can easily change this recipe to suit your taste. Here are some fun ideas: - Substituting other fruits: Instead of strawberries, you can use blueberries, raspberries, or peaches. Each fruit adds a new flavor. Just chop them up like you do with strawberries. - Making a gluten-free version: To make this cake gluten-free, use a gluten-free cake mix. Many brands offer great options. Just follow the box instructions. The rest of the recipe stays the same. - Adding different flavor extracts: Try using almond or lemon extract instead of vanilla. A few drops can change the whole cake. It adds a new twist while keeping the cake light and tasty. Feel free to experiment with these ideas. Each variation brings something new to your Strawberry Earthquake Cake. To keep your Strawberry Earthquake Cake fresh, follow these tips: - Wrap the cake tightly: Use plastic wrap or aluminum foil. This helps keep moisture in. - Use an airtight container: You can place slices in a container. This keeps the cake from drying out. - Store in the fridge: The cake stays fresh for up to five days when refrigerated. If you want to enjoy the cake later, freezing is a great option: - Freeze whole or in slices: Wrap each slice or the whole cake in plastic wrap. Then place it in a freezer-safe bag. - Label it: Write the date on the bag. This helps you remember when you froze it. - Thaw before serving: When ready to eat, take the cake out and let it sit in the fridge overnight. This keeps it moist. This cake can last up to three months in the freezer. Enjoy your delicious creation whenever you want! Can I use frozen strawberries? Yes, you can use frozen strawberries. Just make sure to thaw and drain them first. This step keeps the cake from getting too wet. Frozen strawberries may not taste as fresh, but they work well in a pinch. How long does the cake last in the fridge? The cake lasts about 3 to 5 days in the fridge. To keep it fresh, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil. This helps keep the cake moist and tasty. Can I make this cake in advance? You can make this cake a day ahead. Just bake and cool it, then store it in the fridge. Add the whipped cream topping before serving for the best taste and look. This way, you can enjoy the cake without rushing! You learned how to make a delicious Strawberry Earthquake Cake. We covered the key ingredients you need, the easy steps to prepare it, and tips to perfect the cake. You also discovered fun variations to try and how to store your cake properly. Making this treat can bring joy and flavor to any occasion. Enjoy your baking and share this yummy cake with family and friends!$

A deliciously layered cake featuring strawberry and cream cheese with a chocolate twist.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20

Cook Time 35

Total Time 55

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Servings 12

Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients

1 box strawberry cake mix
0.5 cup vegetable oil
3 large eggs
1 cup water
1 cup fresh strawberries, chopped
1 cup cream cheese, softened
2 cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
0.5 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
0.25 cup milk
2 cups whipped cream (for topping)
to taste fresh strawberries for garnishing

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13-inch baking pan.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the strawberry cake mix, vegetable oil, eggs, and water. Mix on medium speed until smooth and well blended, about 2-3 minutes.
Gently fold in the chopped fresh strawberries until evenly distributed in the batter.
Pour half of the batter into the prepared baking pan and set aside the remaining batter.
In another bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and cocoa powder, mixing until well combined.
Spoon dollops of the cream cheese mixture over the first layer of cake batter. Use a toothpick or knife to swirl it slightly into the batter.
Pour the remaining strawberry batter over the cream cheese layer, making sure to cover it completely.
Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Once baked, let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
While the cake is cooling, whisk together the milk and whipped cream until fluffy.
Once the cake has cooled, spread the whipped cream topping evenly over the top.
Garnish with fresh strawberries before serving.

Notes

Serve chilled for best flavor.

Keyword cake, dessert, strawberry