Strawberry Earthquake Cake

Here’s a fun, indulgent Strawberry Earthquake Cake—a soft cake with swirls of strawberries and cream that “erupts” when baked 🍓🎂

Strawberry Earthquake Cake

Ingredients

Cake

• 1 box white or yellow cake mix (plus ingredients called for on box: usually eggs, oil, water)

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)

Filling & Topping

• 1 (8 oz) cream cheese, softened

• ½ cup granulated sugar

• 1 large egg

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1 cup strawberries, chopped (fresh or thawed frozen)

• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (to keep strawberries from sinking)

• Optional: powdered sugar for dusting

Instructions

1. Prepare Cake Batter

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

2. Prepare cake mix according to box instructions. Stir in 1 tsp vanilla if desired.

3. Pour batter into the prepared pan.

2. Make Cream Cheese Filling

1. Beat cream cheese, sugar, egg, and vanilla until smooth.

2. Gently fold in chopped strawberries coated with 2 tablespoons flour (prevents sinking).

3. Combine & “Earthquake” Effect

1. Drop spoonfuls of cream cheese-strawberry mixture over the cake batter.

2. Using a knife or skewer, gently swirl through the batter to create a marbled/“eruption” effect. Don’t overmix.

4. Bake

• Bake for 35–40 minutes or until a toothpick comes out mostly clean (small streaks from strawberries are okay).

• Cool completely in pan.

5. Optional Topping

• Dust with powdered sugar before serving, or drizzle with whipped cream.

Tips

• Extra Strawberry Flavor: Add ¼ cup strawberry jam to the cream cheese filling.

• Cheesecake Swirl: Use more cream cheese for a richer “lava” effect.

• Frozen Strawberries: Thaw and drain excess juice before adding.