This Strawberry Earthquake Cake is a fun dessert that has a chocolatey twist! With moist cake, sweet strawberries, and a creamy filling, every bite is a delightful surprise.
Your friends will be in awe as you serve this beauty at parties. Just remember to save yourself a slice—those delicious strawberries can be quite tempting! 😄
I love how easy this cake is to whip up. Just mix, bake, and enjoy! It’s a great way to impress guests without spending all day in the kitchen.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cake Mix: Using a box of white or yellow cake mix makes this recipe simple. If you’re looking for a healthier option, try a gluten-free cake mix or scratch a cake with your favorite recipe instead.
Strawberries: Fresh strawberries add great flavor. If they’re out of season, frozen strawberries will work in filling, but drain excess liquid before using. Raspberries or blueberries can also substitute if you prefer a different berry.
Cream Cheese: For a lighter version, use low-fat or reduced-fat cream cheese. If you’re dairy-free, try a vegan cream cheese or a silken tofu blend for a similar texture.
Whipped Topping: While whipped topping is convenient, you can use homemade whipped cream. Just whip heavy cream with a bit of sugar until soft peaks form. It adds a nice touch!
How Do I Get the Perfect Strawberry Topping?
The strawberry topping is crucial for flavor. Cook the strawberries, powdered sugar, cornstarch, and water until thickened. Stir constantly to prevent sticking and ensure it becomes clear. Aim for about 5-7 minutes on medium heat. Once it cools slightly, it’ll be ready for layering on your cake effortlessly!
How to Make Strawberry Earthquake Cake
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cake:
- 1 box white or yellow cake mix (plus ingredients as per box directions, typically eggs, oil, and water)
For the Filling and Topping:
- 4 cups fresh strawberries, chopped
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1 cup water
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 16 oz frozen whipped topping (or whipped cream), thawed
- Extra strawberries for garnish (whole)
- Fresh mint leaves for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Strawberry Earthquake Cake takes about 20 minutes of prep time and 30-40 minutes for baking. Don’t forget to set aside at least 1-2 hours for chilling before serving. This means you can have the whole thing done in around 3 hours—perfect for a sweet treat any time of the day!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Cake:
Start by preheating your oven according to the cake mix package instructions. Prepare the cake batter according to the directions on the box, combining it in a large mixing bowl. Pour the batter into a greased 9×13 inch baking pan. Bake for the time specified on the package, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Once it’s baked, allow the cake to cool completely on a wire rack.
2. Make the Strawberry Topping:
While the cake cools, you can prepare the strawberry topping. In a medium saucepan, combine the chopped strawberries, powdered sugar, cornstarch, and water. Heat this mixture over medium heat, constantly stirring. Cook until it thickens and turns clear and glossy, which should take about 5-7 minutes. Once done, remove it from the heat and let it cool slightly.
3. Prepare the Cream Cheese Mixture:
In a mixing bowl, add the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract. Beat them together until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Then, gently fold in the thawed whipped topping until everything is well combined and smooth.
4. Assemble the Cake:
Once your cake is completely cooled, cut it into large cubes, about 1 to 1.5 inches wide. In a large mixing bowl, carefully fold together the cake cubes, cream cheese whipped mixture, and strawberry topping mixture. Mix gently to maintain some texture while ensuring everything is evenly mixed.
5. Serve:
Spoon the delightful mixture into a serving dish or into individual bowls. For a finishing touch, add a dollop of additional whipped cream, a whole strawberry on top, and sprinkle with fresh mint leaves if you like!
6. Chill Before Serving:
Finally, cover the assembled cake and refrigerate it for at least 1-2 hours. This step helps the flavors meld beautifully and allows the dessert to set properly. Once chilled, it’s ready to enjoy!
Enjoy your Strawberry Earthquake Cake — a luscious mix of cake, cream, and strawberries in every delightful bite!
Can I Use Frozen Strawberries for the Topping?
Yes, you can! Just be sure to thaw and drain any excess liquid from the frozen strawberries before using them in the topping to prevent it from becoming too watery.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover Strawberry Earthquake Cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3 days. Just make sure to give it a gentle stir if it separates a bit!
Can I Make This Cake Gluten-Free?
Absolutely! Simply use a gluten-free cake mix in place of the regular cake mix. Follow the same instructions, and you’ll have a gluten-free version of this delicious cake.
How Can I Enhance the Flavor of the Cake?
For an extra kick of flavor, consider adding a tablespoon of lemon juice or zest to your strawberry topping. It brightens the overall taste and complements the sweetness beautifully!
