If you’re searching for a show-stopping dessert that’s as delightful to make as it is to eat, look no further than this amazing Earthquake Cake Recipe. Bursting with layers of luscious cream cheese, sweet white chocolate, and fresh strawberries, this cake is a true crowd-pleaser that shakes up the typical dessert game. Its moist, fruity base with creamy swirls and a snowy whipped topping creates a texture and flavor experience that feels like a happy dessert surprise in every bite. Whether for a special celebration or a weekend treat, this Earthquake Cake Recipe will quickly become a beloved tradition.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes this Earthquake Cake Recipe truly fantastic is how it brings together simple, everyday ingredients that work in harmony to create an extraordinary taste and texture. Each component plays a key role, from the vibrant strawberry cake mix providing color and fruity flavor, to the cream cheese and butter blending into a rich, velvety swirl, and the white chocolate adding both sweetness and a melt-in-your-mouth charm.
- Strawberry cake mix (15.25 ounces): The essential base that gives the cake its gorgeous pink hue and fruity strawberry flavor.
- Eggs, oil, and water: Follow the cake mix box instructions for moisture and structure.
- Cream cheese (8 ounces, softened): Adds tanginess and creamy richness that contrast beautifully with the sweetness.
- Butter (4 tablespoons): Melts into the cream cheese mixture, giving it a decadent smoothness.
- Powdered sugar (2 ½ cups): Sweetens the cream cheese mixture perfectly without a grainy texture.
- White chocolate bars (2 bars, 4 ounces each): One bar gets chopped into the batter; the other provides curls for a stunning topping.
- Chopped strawberries (2 cups, divided): Fresh strawberries folded into the batter and sprinkled on top bring a juicy burst.
- Whipped topping (8 ounces): The light, fluffy finish that balances the cake with freshness and creaminess.
How to Make Earthquake Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Batter
Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees F and lightly greasing a 9×13 baking dish to prevent sticking. In a large bowl, mix together the strawberry cake mix with the eggs, oil, and water as directed on the box until fully combined. This strawberry-flavored batter is the vibrant base that defines the dessert.
Step 2: Create the Cream Cheese Mixture
While the cake batter rests, melt the butter gently until liquefied. Then, using an electric mixer, beat the softened cream cheese and melted butter together in a medium bowl until smooth and creamy. Gradually add in the powdered sugar and continue mixing until the mixture becomes rich and luscious, the perfect creamy contrast to the sweet cake.
Step 3: Assemble the Layers
Pour the strawberry cake batter into your prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. Spoon dollops of the cream cheese mixture all over the batter. Next, break up one white chocolate bar into small pieces and scatter them atop the cake batter. Add one cup of chopped strawberries across the surface for fresh bursts of flavor.
Step 4: Swirl It All Together
Take a knife and gently swirl the cream cheese mixture, white chocolate pieces, and chopped strawberries into the strawberry batter. This swirling creates the signature ‘earthquake’ effect – a beautiful marbled pattern that delivers delicious pockets of creaminess and fruit in every bite.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes. The cake is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. Allow the cake to cool completely on a wire rack before moving on to the finishing touches.
Step 6: Add the Whipped Topping and Final Decorations
Once the cake is cooled, spread an even layer of the whipped topping over the surface, adding a creamy lightness that balances the richness below. Then, using a vegetable peeler, shave curls from the second white chocolate bar for sprinkling across the cake. Finish by dotting the top with the remaining cup of chopped strawberries, adding color, texture, and succulent sweetness.
How to Serve Earthquake Cake Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishing your Earthquake Cake Recipe is a chance to showcase its natural beauty. Those delicate white chocolate curls not only provide a stunning visual contrast against the pink whipped topping but also add a melt-on-the-tongue sweetness with every nibble. Complement this with fresh strawberry slices scattered whimsically for brightness and a fresh balance.
Side Dishes
This cake is indulgent and fruity enough to shine on its own, but pairing it with light accompaniments like a dollop of vanilla bean ice cream or fresh berry compote can elevate the experience. A cup of tea or lightly brewed coffee also makes a wonderful partner, cutting through richness while highlighting the cake’s sweetness.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress guests? Consider serving Earthquake Cake Recipe sliced into squares layered on pretty dessert plates with a drizzle of strawberry syrup or a sprinkle of finely chopped nuts like pistachios for texture. Mini individual servings in glass parfait cups layered with extra whipped topping and berries turn this dessert into an elegant presentation perfect for parties.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Earthquake Cake Recipe keeps beautifully in the refrigerator when covered tightly with plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container. Its flavors deepen overnight, making it an even better treat the next day. It should stay fresh and moist for up to 3 to 4 days.
Freezing
If you want to make this cake ahead on a larger scale, freezing works well. Wrap the cooled cake securely in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the refrigerator overnight for the best texture.
Reheating
Since this is a cream cheese and whipped topping cake, reheating isn’t typically recommended. Instead, serve cold or at room temperature. If you prefer it slightly warmed, a quick 15-20 second zap in the microwave won’t hurt, but be careful to not melt the topping too much.
FAQs
Can I use a different cake mix for this Earthquake Cake Recipe?
Absolutely! While the strawberry cake mix gives the cake its signature flavor and color, you can experiment with other flavors like vanilla or yellow cake mix. Just know that the strawberry and cream cheese flavors create the classic combination.
What can I substitute for the whipped topping?
If you prefer homemade options, freshly whipped cream flavored with a little sugar and vanilla extract works wonderfully. It keeps the light and fluffy texture but with a fresh homemade touch.
Is this cake gluten-free?
It depends on the cake mix you choose. Most standard cake mixes contain gluten, but if you can find a gluten-free strawberry cake mix, this recipe adapts well. Just ensure the other ingredients are also gluten-free.
Can I make this pie in smaller pans?
This recipe is designed for a 9×13 pan to achieve the right thickness and swirled layers, but you can divide the batter into smaller pans or use muffin tins for mini cakes. Adjust baking time accordingly, reducing it by about 10-15 minutes for smaller sizes.
How ripe should the strawberries be?
Ripe but firm strawberries are ideal. Overripe berries might release too much juice and make the batter soggy, while underripe ones won’t have enough sweetness. Look for bright red, fragrant strawberries for the best flavor balance.
Final Thoughts
Trust me, once you make this Earthquake Cake Recipe, it will quickly become one of your go-to desserts for any occasion. Its stunning look, rich flavor layers, and delightful combination of textures make it simply unforgettable. So gather your ingredients, dig in, and get ready to enjoy a cake that truly shakes things up in the best way possible!
Print
Earthquake Cake Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 12 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Earthquake Cake is a luscious strawberry-flavored dessert featuring a moist strawberry cake base swirled with a creamy cheesecake mixture, white chocolate, and fresh strawberries. Topped with whipped topping, white chocolate curls, and additional strawberries, it’s a perfect cake for gatherings and celebrations, offering a delightful combination of creamy, fruity, and sweet flavors.
Ingredients
Cake Mix
- 1 box strawberry cake mix (15.25 ounces)
- Eggs, oil, and water as called for on the cake mix box
Cream Cheese Mixture
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 2 ½ cups powdered sugar
Toppings and Add-ins
- 2 white chocolate bars (4 ounces each)
- 2 cups chopped strawberries, divided
- 1 container whipped topping (8 ounces)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and allow for even baking.
- Mix Cake Batter: In a large bowl, combine the strawberry cake mix with the eggs, oil, and water as specified on the cake mix box instructions. Mix well until smooth.
- Pour Batter: Pour the prepared cake batter evenly into the greased baking dish.
- Prepare Cream Cheese Mixture: Melt the butter. In a medium bowl, use an electric mixer to combine the melted butter and softened cream cheese until smooth. Gradually mix in the powdered sugar until fully incorporated and creamy.
- Layer Cream Cheese: Drop spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture over the cake batter in the pan, distributing it evenly.
- Add White Chocolate: Break up one white chocolate bar into small pieces and sprinkle them evenly on top of the cake batter and cream cheese mixture.
- Add Strawberries: Sprinkle 1 cup of the chopped strawberries evenly over the cake batter layer.
- Swirl Mixtures: Use a knife to gently swirl the cake batter, cream cheese mixture, white chocolate pieces, and strawberries together, creating a marbled effect.
- Bake Cake: Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, indicating the cake is fully baked.
- Cool and Frost: Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan. Once cooled, spread the container of whipped topping evenly over the surface of the cake.
- Prepare White Chocolate Curls: Use a vegetable peeler to shave curls from the remaining white chocolate bar for an attractive garnish.
- Garnish Cake: Sprinkle the white chocolate curls and the remaining 1 cup of chopped strawberries evenly over the whipped topping for a beautiful presentation.
Notes
- Ensure the cream cheese is fully softened for easier mixing.
- The swirling step creates a marbled effect; do not overmix to maintain distinct layers.
- White chocolate bars can be substituted with chips if needed, but results may vary.
- Allow the cake to cool completely before adding whipped topping to prevent melting.
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days for best freshness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
