Strawberry Earthquake Cake is a delightful dessert that combines a moist strawberry-flavored cake, creamy cream cheese filling, and a sweet coconut and pecan layer. This cake gets its name from the “earthquake” effect of its cracks and uneven surface, making it not only delicious but also visually stunning.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Irresistible Layers: The combination of coconut, pecans, cream cheese, and strawberry cake is a flavor-packed experience.
- Easy to Make: With simple steps and accessible ingredients, this cake comes together effortlessly.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a birthday, potluck, or casual family dinner, this cake is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
- Customizable: You can tweak the flavors or add toppings to make it your own.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Sweetened shredded coconut
- Chopped pecans
- Strawberry cake mix
- Eggs
- Vegetable oil
- Water
- Cream cheese
- Butter
- Powdered sugar
- Vanilla extract
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Spread the shredded coconut evenly across the bottom of the prepared dish, followed by a layer of chopped pecans.
- Prepare the strawberry cake batter according to the package instructions, using the eggs, vegetable oil, and water. Pour the batter over the coconut and pecans.
- In a separate bowl, mix softened cream cheese, melted butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Spoon dollops of the cream cheese mixture over the strawberry batter. Use a knife or spatula to swirl it slightly, creating a marbled effect.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center is slightly jiggly.
- Allow the cake to cool before serving. The layers will settle and create the characteristic “earthquake” look.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 12
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45-50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Variations
- Chocolate Twist: Swap the strawberry cake mix for chocolate for a rich, decadent treat.
- Berry Bliss: Add fresh strawberries or other berries on top before baking for added texture and flavor.
- Nut-Free: Replace pecans with graham cracker crumbs or omit them altogether.
- Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free strawberry cake mix to make this cake suitable for those with dietary restrictions.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Reheating: Warm individual slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds for a fresh-out-of-the-oven taste.
FAQs
What is an earthquake cake?
An earthquake cake is a layered dessert that creates a “cracked” and uneven surface when baked, resembling an earthquake effect.
Can I use fresh strawberries instead of cake mix?
You can use fresh strawberries, but you’ll need to make a homemade strawberry cake batter as a substitute for the mix.
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes, this cake tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together.
Can I freeze Strawberry Earthquake Cake?
Yes, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
What can I use instead of pecans?
You can use walnuts, almonds, or graham cracker crumbs as substitutes.
Why does the cake crack on top?
The cracks occur due to the dense cream cheese mixture and the cake rising around it, creating the signature “earthquake” appearance.
Can I make this cake without coconut?
Yes, simply omit the coconut layer if you’re not a fan of its texture or flavor.
Is this recipe suitable for a layer cake?
This recipe is best for a single-layer cake due to the heavy cream cheese filling.
Can I use low-fat cream cheese?
Low-fat cream cheese can work, but it may slightly alter the texture and richness of the filling.
What toppings go well with this cake?
Whipped cream, fresh strawberries, or a drizzle of strawberry syrup are excellent choices.
Conclusion
Strawberry Earthquake Cake is a visually stunning and delectable dessert that will wow your friends and family. Its delightful layers of coconut, pecans, cream cheese, and strawberry cake offer a balance of flavors and textures that is simply irresistible. Whether for a special occasion or a weekend treat, this cake is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.
PrintStrawberry Earthquake Cake
Strawberry Earthquake Cake is a delightful dessert that combines the sweetness of strawberries with a rich cream cheese swirl, all enveloped in a moist strawberry cake. Its name comes from the “cracked” appearance on top, resembling the aftermath of an earthquake.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- Cake Batter:
- 1 box (15.25 ounces) strawberry cake mix
- 3 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 cup water
- ½ cup (109 g) vegetable oil
- Cream Cheese Mixture:
- 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup (1 stick / 113 g) unsalted butter, melted
- 2 ½ cups (312.5 g) confectioners’ sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 cup (166 g) diced strawberries
- Toppings:
- 2 cups (364 g) white chocolate chips
- Additional diced strawberries for garnish
- Vanilla ice cream, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Oven and Pan:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
- Make the Cake Batter:
- In a medium bowl, combine the strawberry cake mix, eggs, water, and vegetable oil.
- Mix until well combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish.
- Prepare the Cream Cheese Mixture:
- In a large bowl, use a hand mixer to blend the softened cream cheese, melted butter, confectioners’ sugar, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth.
- Gently fold in the diced strawberries.
- Assemble the Cake:
- Drop spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture over the cake batter in the baking dish.
- Using a knife, gently swirl the cream cheese mixture into the batter to create a marbled effect.
- Sprinkle the white chocolate chips evenly over the top.
- Bake:
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 50-55 minutes, or until the center is set and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Serve:
- Allow the cake to cool slightly before serving.
- Garnish with additional diced strawberries.
- For an extra indulgence, serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Notes
- This cake is best enjoyed warm, highlighting the gooey cream cheese and melted white chocolate.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days.
- For longer storage, you can freeze the cake for up to 3 months.