Strawberry Earthquake Cake
why make this recipe
This cake is quick, tasty, and easy. It uses a boxed cake mix and simple fillings. You get a soft cake with creamy cheesecake and bright strawberry flavor. It works well for weeknight dessert or a small party.
introduction
Strawberry Earthquake Cake is a simple, fun dessert. It mixes cake batter with cream cheese and strawberry preserves for a marbled look and rich taste. If you enjoy strawberry desserts, try this easy version of a strawberry cake at this homemade strawberry cake recipe for more ideas.
how to make Strawberry Earthquake Cake
You make the cake in steps. First mix the cake batter. Then add a layer of sweet cream cheese and drops of strawberry preserves. Cover with more batter and add fresh strawberries on top. Bake until done and let it cool.
Ingredients :
- 1 box of yellow cake mix
- 1 cup of water
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 cup of vegetable oil
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 cup strawberries, chopped
- 1/4 cup strawberry preserves
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional)
- Whipped cream for serving (optional)
Directions :
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch cake pan.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cake mix, water, eggs, and oil. Mix until well blended.
- In another bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth.
- Pour half of the cake batter into the prepared pan.
- Spoon the cream cheese mixture over the cake batter and drop spoonfuls of strawberry preserves on top.
- Pour the remaining cake batter over the cream cheese and preserves.
- Swirl the preserves slightly with a knife but do not overmix.
- Sprinkle chopped strawberries and nuts (if using) on top.
- Bake for about 40-50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cake to cool before serving. Optionally, serve with whipped cream.
how to serve Strawberry Earthquake Cake
Cut the cake into squares. Serve at room temperature or slightly chilled. Add a dollop of whipped cream if you like. For a nice plate, add a few extra sliced strawberries on top.
how to store Strawberry Earthquake Cake
Cover the cake with plastic wrap or store in an airtight container. Keep it in the fridge for up to 4 days. You can also freeze slices in a freezer bag for up to 1 month. Thaw in the fridge before serving.
tips to make Strawberry Earthquake Cake
- Use room temperature eggs and oil for a smooth batter.
- Don’t over-swirl the top layer. A few swirls make the pretty pattern.
- Drain excess juice from fresh strawberries to avoid a soggy top.
- If you want a nut-free cake, skip the nuts.
- For more strawberry dessert ideas, see this easy cupcake twist at mango strawberry sunset cupcakes.
variation (if any)
- Use raspberry preserves instead of strawberry for a tart twist.
- Swap the yellow cake mix for white or lemon cake mix for a lighter flavor.
- Add mini chocolate chips to the batter for a chocolate-strawberry version.
FAQs
Q: Can I use fresh strawberry jam instead of preserves?
A: Yes. Fresh jam works fine. It may be a bit loose, so use small spoonfuls.
Q: Do I need to chill the cake before slicing?
A: No, but chilling helps the cream cheese set and gives cleaner slices.
Q: Can I make this in a round pan?
A: Yes. Adjust baking time and test with a toothpick for doneness.
Q: Is it okay to skip the powdered sugar in the cream cheese layer?
A: You can reduce it, but it adds sweetness and helps texture. Adjust to taste.
Conclusion
This Strawberry Earthquake Cake is an easy, tasty dessert that uses simple pantry items and fresh strawberries for a bright finish. For a full write-up and photos of a similar version, see Strawberry Cheesecake Cake (Earthquake Cake), and for another take on this dessert style, read Strawberry Earthquake Cake is the Perfect Shortcut to Deliciousness!.

Strawberry Earthquake Cake
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13 inch cake pan.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cake mix, water, eggs, and oil. Mix until well blended.
- In another bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth.
- Pour half of the cake batter into the prepared pan.
- Spoon the cream cheese mixture over the cake batter and drop spoonfuls of strawberry preserves on top.
- Pour the remaining cake batter over the cream cheese and preserves.
- Swirl the preserves slightly with a knife but do not overmix.
- Sprinkle chopped strawberries and nuts (if using) on top.
- Bake for about 40-50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cake to cool before serving.
- Optionally, serve with whipped cream.
