Strawberry Cream Cheese Earthquake Cake – Moist Strawberry Chocolate Cake Recipe

Hi there, food lover! 👋 Ready to bake something irresistibly rich, delightfully gooey, and bursting with strawberry-chocolate goodness? Today we’re making a dessert that’s as fun to look at as it is to eat — a Strawberry Cream Cheese Earthquake Cake.

If you’ve never made an “earthquake cake” before, you’re in for a treat. This charmingly rustic dessert gets its name from the way the cream cheese layer swirls and cracks through the cake as it bakes, creating beautiful, uneven ripples — just like little dessert tremors across the surface. It’s not meant to be perfectly smooth or polished. In fact, the more dramatic the swirls and cracks, the better! That’s the beauty of this traditional-style, homestyle cake.

With a moist strawberry chocolate base and a luscious cream cheese topping that melts right into every bite, this cake delivers layers of flavor and texture in the simplest way possible. As one of those comforting Sweet Treats that everyone gravitates toward, it brings warmth and joy to any table. It’s the kind of bake you’d proudly serve at family gatherings, potlucks, or Sunday dinners. So tie on your apron, preheat that oven, and let’s bake something wonderfully delicious together.

Table of Contents

Table of Contents

Ingredients for Strawberry Cream Cheese Earthquake Cake :

For the Strawberry Chocolate Cake Base:

• 1 box strawberry cake mix (15.25 oz)
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 3 large eggs
• 1/2 cup whole milk
• 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1/2 cup sweetened shredded coconut (optional, but traditional in earthquake cakes)
• 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)

For the Cream Cheese Swirl:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Optional Topping:

• Fresh sliced strawberries 🍓
• Chocolate drizzle
• Powdered sugar dusting

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Directions for Strawberry Cream Cheese Earthquake Cake:

1. Preheat and prepare the pan.
   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish generously with butter or nonstick spray. This ensures easy serving later.
2. Mix the cake batter.
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the strawberry cake mix, vegetable oil, eggs, and milk. Beat until smooth and well combined, about 2–3 minutes. The batter should be thick and creamy.
3. Add the texture elements.
   Stir in the chocolate chips, shredded coconut, and chopped nuts if using. These ingredients add delightful pockets of flavor and a traditional earthquake cake texture.
4. Spread the batter.
   Pour the strawberry chocolate batter evenly into the prepared baking dish. Smooth the top lightly with a spatula.
5. Prepare the cream cheese layer.
   In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and fluffy. Add the melted butter and vanilla extract, mixing well. Gradually beat in the powdered sugar until the mixture becomes thick, creamy, and spreadable.
6. Create the “earthquake” effect.
   Spoon dollops of the cream cheese mixture evenly over the cake batter. Using a butter knife, gently swirl the cream cheese into the batter. Do not fully mix — you want visible ribbons of cream cheese throughout.
7. Bake to perfection.
   Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40–45 minutes. The edges should be set and slightly golden, while the center may still look a bit soft — that’s perfectly fine. The cake will continue to set as it cools.
8. Cool and settle.
   Allow the cake to cool in the pan for at least 30–45 minutes. As it cools, the cream cheese swirls will sink and crack slightly, creating the signature “earthquake” appearance.
9. Garnish and serve.
   Top with fresh strawberry slices, a light dusting of powdered sugar, or a drizzle of melted chocolate. Slice into squares and serve slightly warm or fully cooled.

Nutritional Information Strawberry Cream Cheese Earthquake Cake :

⏰ Prep Time: 20 minutes | 🔥 Baking Time: 45 minutes | ⏳ Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
⚡ Calories per serving: Approximately 420 kcal | 🍽️ Servings: 12

Approximate Nutritional Breakdown (per serving):

• Carbohydrates: 52g
• Protein: 5g
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 11g
• Sugar: 38g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sodium: 320mg

This cake is rich and indulgent, perfect for celebrations or special weekends. For a slightly lighter variation, you can reduce the powdered sugar in the cream cheese layer by 1/4 cup or use light cream cheese.

Serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of fresh whipped cream for an extra treat. 🍨 The contrast of creamy topping and moist strawberry chocolate cake is simply irresistible.

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Bon appétit and happy cooking!