Strawberry Earthquake Cake

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Bursting with strawberry flavor: The strawberry cake base pairs beautifully with fresh diced strawberries.
• Unique texture: Creamy swirls of cream cheese and gooey pockets create an irresistible texture.
• Crunchy base: Coconut and pecans add a delightful crunch to each bite.
• Easy to make: Using a boxed cake mix simplifies the process without compromising flavor.
• Crowd-pleaser: Perfect for birthdays, potlucks, or a cozy dessert at home.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 1 box (15.25 oz) strawberry cake mix (plus ingredients listed on the box)
• 1/2 cup shredded sweetened coconut
• 1/2 cup chopped pecans
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups fresh strawberries, diced

Directions

Prepare for baking:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

Layer the base:

2. Evenly sprinkle the shredded coconut and chopped pecans across the bottom of the prepared baking dish.

Prepare the cake mix:

3. Follow the instructions on the box to prepare the strawberry cake batter. Pour the batter evenly over the coconut and pecans.

Make the cream cheese mixture:

4. In a medium bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, melted butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.

Add the cream cheese layer:

5. Drop spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture over the cake batter. Use a knife or skewer to swirl it gently into the batter, leaving visible streaks for the “earthquake” effect.

Add the strawberries:

6. Scatter the diced strawberries evenly across the top of the batter.

Bake:

7. Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the cake is set but still slightly gooey in the center.

Cool and serve:

8. Let the cake cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before serving. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Servings and Timing

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Servings: 12 slices
• Calories: 350 kcal per slice

Variations

• White chocolate addition: Sprinkle white chocolate chips over the batter before baking for extra sweetness.
• Nut-free version: Skip the pecans for an allergy-friendly option, and replace with additional coconut if desired.
• Mixed berries: Add blueberries or raspberries alongside the strawberries for a mixed berry twist.
• Gluten-free: Use a gluten-free strawberry cake mix to make this dessert gluten-friendly.
• Lemon-strawberry combo: Add a teaspoon of lemon zest to the cream cheese mixture for a zesty twist.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat individual slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds for a warm, gooey texture.
• Freezing: Wrap the cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen strawberries?

Yes, but thaw and drain them first to prevent excess moisture from affecting the cake.

2. Can I use a different cake mix flavor?

Absolutely! Vanilla or white cake mix can be great alternatives.

3. What can I use instead of pecans?

Walnuts or almonds work well, or you can omit the nuts altogether.

4. Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes, it tastes great even the next day. Store it in the refrigerator and reheat slices before serving.

5. How do I know when the cake is done?

The edges will be set, but the center should still be slightly gooey due to the cream cheese layer.

6. Can I use reduced-fat cream cheese?

Yes, but the texture may be slightly less rich and creamy.

7. How do I prevent the cake from sticking to the pan?

Grease the pan thoroughly, or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

8. Can I double the recipe?

Yes, but you’ll need a larger baking dish and slightly longer baking time.

9. What if I don’t have shredded coconut?

You can skip it or replace it with more chopped nuts or chocolate chips.

10. Is this cake best served warm or cold?

It’s delicious both ways, but warm brings out the gooey texture best.

Conclusion

Strawberry Earthquake Cake is a must-try dessert for anyone who loves rich, fruity, and creamy treats. The combination of textures and flavors makes it an unforgettable dessert, perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or indulging in a quiet night at home, this cake is sure to impress. Give it a try—you won’t be disappointed!

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