I used to dread making desserts for potlucks. Trying to frost a cake perfectly while rushing out the door always ended in a stressful mess. Then I discovered the magic of the earthquake cake—a dessert that actually frosts itself while baking in the oven. Now, this easy strawberry earthquake cake is the one recipe my friends and family request at every single party.
It takes a basic boxed cake mix and completely transforms it. Instead of baking a dry sponge and adding icing later, you swirl a rich cream cheese mixture directly into the raw batter. As it bakes, the cake cracks, and the cream cheese sinks, creating a moist strawberry earthquake cake that tastes like it came from a professional bakery.
Whether you are hosting a weekend gathering or just want a homemade treat without the hassle, this recipe is a lifesaver. (If you love easy fruit desserts, you might also enjoy our Most Decadent Moist Coconut Cake Recipe !)
What is an Earthquake Cake? (The Science Behind the Cracks)
If you have never baked one before, you might wonder why it is called an “earthquake” cake. The answer lies in baking science.
According to baking authorities like King Arthur Baking’s guide on batter density, when you place a heavy, dense ingredient (like our cream cheese mixture) on top of a light, aerated cake batter, gravity takes over during the baking process. The heavy cream cheese sinks to the bottom of the pan. As the strawberry cake batter heats up and expands, it pushes its way to the top, causing the surface to split and crack—creating those signature “earthquake fault lines.”
The result is a cake that has pockets of creamy cheesecake baked right inside!
The Ingredients You Will Need
For the Strawberry Base:
- Strawberry Box Cake Mix: One standard box (around 15.25 oz).
- Oil, Water, and Eggs: Follow the exact measurements printed on the back of your cake mix box.
- Fresh Strawberries (Optional): Diced berries for an extra flavor boost.
For the Cream Cheese Swirl:
- Cream Cheese: One 8 oz block. It must be completely softened to room temperature.
- Butter: Unsalted and melted.
- Powdered Sugar: To sweeten the filling.
- Vanilla Extract: Just a splash for depth.
The Mix-ins:
- White Chocolate Chips: These melt to create sweet, soft pockets.
- Shredded Coconut: Sweetened shredded coconut adds a great texture.
How to Make Strawberry Earthquake Cake (Step-by-Step)
- Prep the Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Heavily grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. (Pro Tip: Use a high-quality spray to prevent sticking).
- The Bottom Layer: Sprinkle the shredded coconut and white chocolate chips evenly across the bottom of the pan.
- Mix the Batter: In a large bowl, prepare the strawberry cake mix according to the package directions. Pour this batter directly over the coconut and chocolate chips.
- Create the Swirl Mixture: In a separate bowl, use a hand mixer to beat the softened cream cheese, melted butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth.
- Swirl it In: Drop large spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture over the strawberry batter. Use a butter knife to gently drag the cream cheese through the batter in a figure-eight motion. Do not over-mix!
- Bake: Bake for 40 to 45 minutes.
- Cool: Let the cake cool in the pan for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Easy Strawberry Earthquake Cake Variations
- Strawberry Earthquake Cake From Scratch: Use your favorite homemade strawberry batter instead of a box mix. Keep the swirl the same!
- With Fresh Strawberries: Fold 1 cup of fresh berries into the batter for a natural boost.
- Strawberry Earthquake Cake Without Coconut: Simply leave the coconut out; it still tastes great.
- Chocolate Strawberry Version: Use dark chocolate chips for a “chocolate-covered strawberry” flavor.
- The Potluck Winner: For a strawberry earthquake cake for potluck events, dust with extra powdered sugar before serving.
Pro Tips from J.ZaiB
- Room Temperature Dairy: Never use cold cream cheese, or your swirl will be full of lumps. If you are in a rush, follow this guide from Allrecipes on how to soften cream cheese quickly using simple kitchen methods.
- Heavy Greasing is Required: Because of the melted chocolate chips and heavy cream cheese, this cake loves to stick to the pan. Use a high-quality baking spray or butter the 9×13 pan very generously.
- The Hot Knife Trick: Cutting this gooey dessert can be messy. To get clean, professional slices, dip your knife in hot water and wipe it dry between every single cut.
- Serving Temperature: This cake tastes best when it is slightly warm, but it cuts into perfect squares much more easily if you chill it in the fridge first.
- Don’t Over-Swirl: Barely marble the cream cheese into the batter. If you mix it too much, the two layers will blend together, and you will lose the signature “earthquake” cracks.
- Ignore the Toothpick Test: A toothpick inserted into the center will always come out wet because of the gooey cheesecake filling. Judge doneness by the edges—they should be golden brown and pulling away from the sides of the pan.
- Ingredient Prep: For the best texture, ensure your eggs are also at room temperature before mixing them into the strawberry cake batter.
Make Ahead and Storage Instructions
If you are searching for a reliable strawberry earthquake cake make ahead recipe, this is it. The moisture from the cream cheese actually makes this dessert taste better on the second day!
- To Store: Cover the 9×13 pan tightly with plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- To Freeze: Wrap individual slices tightly in foil and place them in an airtight container for up to 2 months.
- To Reheat: The cream cheese filling gets firm in the fridge. Microwave a slice for 15 seconds to soften it right back up.
What to Serve With This Dessert
This rich dessert pairs wonderfully with different drinks and party snacks.
- For a Winter Party: Serve a warm slice alongside our Viral Italian-Style Thick Hot Chocolate Recipe. for a comforting night in.
- At a Holiday Gathering: Place this cake on your dessert table right next to The Best Easy Christmas Cookies to give your guests a variety of textures.
- Planning a Big Event? If you are hosting a crowd, check out our complete The Ultimate New Year’s Eve Party Menu for savory appetizers that balance out this sweet treat perfectly.
Easy Strawberry Earthquake Cake
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Heavily grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.
- Layer the Mix-ins: Sprinkle the shredded coconut and white chocolate chips evenly across the bottom of the greased pan.
- Mix the Batter: Prepare the strawberry cake mix according to the instructions on the back of the box. Pour the batter into the pan over the coconut and chocolate chips.
- Prepare the Swirl: In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, melted butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until completely smooth.
- The Swirl Technique: Drop large spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture over the strawberry batter. Use a butter knife to gently swirl in a figure-eight motion. Do not over-mix!
- Bake: Bake for 40 to 45 minutes. The edges should be golden brown and the center will be slightly jiggly.
- Cool: Let the cake cool in the pan for at least 30 minutes. This is crucial to allow the gooey earthquake center to set properly.
- Serve: Slice the cake into 12 even squares. Serve warm for a gooey texture, or at room temperature. You can add a dollop of whipped cream on top if desired!
Notes
- Important: Never use cold cream cheese. If you forgot to take it out of the fridge, follow this guide from Allrecipes on how to soften cream cheese quickly.
- Doneness: The toothpick test will not work because of the cream cheese filling. Judge doneness by looking for the edges to pull away slightly from the pan.
- Storage: Keep leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use strawberry pie filling?
Yes! If you want a more intense fruit flavor, you can drop small spoonfuls of strawberry pie filling right next to your cream cheese dollops before swirling.
Is this the Pioneer Woman strawberry earthquake cake version?
The famous Pioneer Woman version is slightly different and usually focuses on chocolate or German chocolate bases. Our recipe is adapted specifically for a lighter, fruitier strawberry profile, making it much easier to prep using a box mix.
What pan size should I use?
You must use a 9×13 inch baking pan. The cream cheese displaces the cake batter as it bakes. If you use a smaller pan (like an 8×8 or 9×9), the batter will overflow and spill onto your oven floor.
Can I use a yellow cake mix?
Absolutely. If you cannot find a strawberry mix, you can make a strawberry earthquake cake with yellow cake mix or white cake mix. Just fold in a cup of fresh strawberries or 1/2 cup of strawberry jam into the plain batter.
What is the correct baking time?
The standard baking time is 40 to 45 minutes at 350°F (175°C). However, every oven is different. Start checking the cake around the 38-minute mark.
How many calories are in a slice?
While it varies slightly based on the brand of cake mix you use, a standard slice (cut into 12 pieces) contains roughly 350 to 400 calories.
Final Thoughts
Gone are the days of stressing over perfectly frosted potluck desserts. With this easy strawberry earthquake cake, you get all the flavor of a complex, layered bakery treat with a fraction of the effort. The oven does all the hard work for you!
If you try this recipe and love how it turns out, snap a quick photo and tag us on Instagram at @viralfoodhacks. We love seeing your baking wins!
Want to try another incredibly soft and delicious recipe? Head over to our Most Decadent Moist Coconut Cake Recipe next!