Strawberry Earthquake Cake (Print Version)

Decadent strawberry cake with cream cheese swirls and white chocolate chips

# What You Need:

→ Cake Base

01 - 15.25 oz box strawberry cake mix
02 - 3 large eggs
03 - 1/2 cup vegetable oil
04 - 1 cup water

→ Cream Cheese Filling

05 - 8 oz cream cheese, softened
06 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
07 - 2 cups powdered sugar
08 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

→ Add-Ins & Topping

09 - 1 cup white chocolate chips
10 - 1 cup fresh strawberries, chopped
11 - 1/2 cup sweetened shredded coconut, optional
12 - 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts, optional

# How-To:

01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish thoroughly with cooking spray or butter.
02 - In a large bowl, combine strawberry cake mix, eggs, vegetable oil, and water. Beat with electric mixer or whisk until completely smooth and well blended, about 2 minutes.
03 - Pour batter into prepared baking dish and spread evenly using a spatula to create a uniform layer.
04 - In a separate medium bowl, beat softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy. Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, continue beating until fully incorporated and fluffy.
05 - Drop spoonfuls of cream cheese mixture randomly over the surface of the cake batter, leaving some gaps.
06 - Using a knife or skewer, gently swirl the cream cheese mixture through the cake batter in a figure-8 or circular motion. Do not overmix to maintain distinct marbled patterns.
07 - Sprinkle white chocolate chips, chopped strawberries, coconut (if using), and nuts (if using) evenly across the entire surface.
08 - Bake for 40-45 minutes until edges are golden brown and center is set. A toothpick inserted should come out with a few moist crumbs but not wet batter.
09 - Allow cake to cool in pan for at least 30 minutes before serving. Serve warm or at room temperature.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Its impossible to mess up even the cracks and crevices look gorgeous and intentional
  • The combination of tangy cream cheese and sweet white chocolate is absolute perfection
  • It feeds a crowd effortlessly and disappears faster than you can say seconds
02 -
  • Underbaking slightly is key here the center continues cooking as it cools and stays incredibly moist
  • Serve this slightly warm or at room temperature because cold cream cheese filling loses some of its silky magic
03 -
  • Use milk instead of water in the cake batter for an extra tender, rich crumb
  • Room temperature ingredients blend more easily and create that signature marble effect

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