Strawberry Earthquake Cake (Print version)

Marbled strawberry and cream cheese dessert with white chocolate and fresh berries

# What you'll need:

→ Cake Base

01 - 1 box (15.25 oz) strawberry cake mix
02 - 3 large eggs
03 - 1/2 cup vegetable oil
04 - 1 cup water

→ Cream Cheese Filling

05 - 8 oz cream cheese, softened
06 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
07 - 2 cups powdered sugar
08 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

→ Add-Ins & Topping

09 - 1 cup white chocolate chips
10 - 1 cup fresh strawberries, chopped
11 - 1/2 cup sweetened shredded coconut (optional)
12 - 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)

# Method:

01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish thoroughly with cooking spray or butter.
02 - In a large bowl, combine strawberry cake mix, eggs, vegetable oil, and water. Beat with electric mixer or whisk until completely smooth and well blended, about 2 minutes. Spread batter evenly into prepared baking dish.
03 - In a separate bowl, beat softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy, approximately 2-3 minutes. Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract; continue beating until fully combined and fluffy.
04 - Drop spoonfuls of cream cheese mixture randomly over the surface of the cake batter, leaving some spaces visible.
05 - Use a butter knife or skewer to gently swirl the cream cheese mixture through the cake batter in circular or figure-eight motions. Do not overmix; maintain distinct marbled patterns.
06 - Sprinkle white chocolate chips, chopped strawberries, coconut, and pecans evenly over the entire surface of the cake.
07 - Bake for 40-45 minutes until edges are golden brown and center is set. A toothpick inserted should come out with a few moist crumbs but not wet batter. Avoid overbaking to maintain moist texture.
08 - Allow cake to cool in pan for at least 30 minutes before serving. Serve warm or at room temperature. The cake will have a deliciously messy, earthquake-like appearance.

# Expert advice:

01 -
  • The cream cheese ribbon creates these tender pudding pockets that make every bite different
  • White chocolate and strawberries are basically best friends and they prove it here
  • Looks like you spent hours but comes together in under 20 minutes of active time
02 -
  • Swirl gently and briefly because too much mixing turns the distinct layers into muddy marble
  • The center may look underbaked when you pull it out but it will continue cooking as it cools
  • Room temperature ingredients prevent the cream cheese from seizing up when you mix it
03 -
  • Use a light hand when swirling for the prettiest presentation
  • Sprinkle a little sea salt over the top before baking to make those white chocolate chips sing

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