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–+ servings
A slice of pink Strawberry Earthquake Cake on a white plate, topped with a dollop of whipped cream and a fresh strawberry half, with a fork nearby.

Strawberry Earthquake Cake

Kitchen Ready Betty
This strawberry earthquake cake is a decadent, easy to make dessert that features a moist strawberry base with a gooey cream cheese and white chocolate center. It gets its unique name from the beautiful "cracks" and "craters" that form during baking, creating a rich and flavorful treat that's perfect for any celebration.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 16

Equipment

  • 13x9 baking pan (greased with cooking spray)
  • cutting board & pairing knife
  • mixing bowls
  • electric hand mixer
  • rubber spatula
  • butter knife
  • measuring cups
  • parchment paper

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Ingredients
  

  • 1 box strawberry cake mix + ingredients to make it I prefer Pillsbury or Duncan Hines because you get more in the box
  • 2 cups strawberries chopped
  • 1 & ½ cups white chocolate chips Ghirardelli recommended
  • 1 stick (½ c) butter melted
  • 8 oz cream cheese softened at room temperature
  • 2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 2 cups confectioner's sugar

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 350℉.
  • Make box mix according to package directions. Mix 1 cup of chopped strawberries into the batter.
  • Spread batter into prepared 13x9 pan.
  • Sprinkle batter with white chocolate chips.
  • Melt butter; mix with room temperature cream cheese and vanilla extract until smooth. Add in remaining cup of diced strawberries. Stir in confectioner's sugar; mix to incorporate.
  • Drop spoonfuls of cream cheese mixture on top of cake batter. Swirl slightly with butter knife.
  • Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the edges are slight golden brown and the center has slight jiggle.
  • Allow to cool in pan before slicing and serving.

Notes

Be careful not to over-mix the cream cheese layer into the strawberry batter. You want to leave large dollops and thick streaks to ensure you get those signature cheesecake pockets in every bite.
This cake is best served right out of the pan for maximum gooiness. If you prefer to remove the whole cake for serving, keep in mind that the gooey center makes it very dense. You will need to line your baking pan with parchment paper and let the cake set for a minimum of two hours before attempting to lift it out.
Because of the cream cheese filling, you must store any leftover cake in the refrigerator. Keep the pan tightly covered with plastic wrap or transfer slices to an airtight container to stay fresh. It will remain delicious and moist for up to four days when chilled.
 
Keyword box cake hack, box cake recipe, cream cheese swirl, easy baking, party, strawberry, strawberry cake, strawberry cream cheese cake, strawberry earthquake cake
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