Strawberry Earthquake Cake

In our house, baking is more than just following recipes; it’s about creating moments. And let me tell you, the Strawberry Earthquake Cake has become a seismic event in our dessert repertoire! From the moment the aroma of strawberries and warm cake fills the kitchen, to the first bite of its gooey, cream cheese-swirled goodness, this cake is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Even my notoriously picky teenager declared it a “10 out of 10,” a rating usually reserved for only the most exceptional culinary creations. This cake isn’t just delicious; it’s fun to make and even more fun to share. The unique “earthquake” effect, with its cracked and uneven top, adds a rustic charm that belies the sophisticated flavor within. If you’re looking for a dessert that’s both impressive and incredibly easy, look no further. This Strawberry Earthquake Cake is ready to shake up your baking routine in the best possible way.

Ingredients: The Building Blocks of Strawberry Delight

This Strawberry Earthquake Cake recipe utilizes simple, readily available ingredients, but it’s the combination and quality that truly make it shine. Let’s break down each component and understand its role in creating this delightful dessert.

• Yellow Cake Mix (1 box, 18.25 ounces): The foundation of our cake, a yellow cake mix provides convenience and a tender crumb. Look for a good quality brand for the best results. The pre-measured ingredients in the mix ensure consistency, making this recipe wonderfully easy for bakers of all skill levels. You can opt for a classic yellow cake mix or even a butter recipe yellow cake mix for a richer flavor. The cake mix provides the perfect sweetness and structure to hold up the creamy and fruity components of the earthquake cake.
• Cream Cheese (1 package, 8 ounces, softened): This is the secret weapon that elevates this cake from ordinary to extraordinary. Softened cream cheese is crucial for achieving a smooth and creamy texture that swirls beautifully into the cake batter and creates that signature gooey layer. Full-fat cream cheese is recommended for the richest flavor and best texture, but you can use reduced-fat if you prefer, although it may slightly alter the overall richness. Ensure your cream cheese is properly softened to avoid lumps and ensure it blends seamlessly with the other wet ingredients.
• Butter (1/2 cup, 1 stick, melted): Melted butter adds moisture, richness, and a lovely buttery flavor to the cake. Unsalted butter is preferred so you can control the overall saltiness of the cake, but if you only have salted butter on hand, simply omit any extra salt that might be called for in other variations of the recipe. Melting the butter ensures it incorporates smoothly into the batter, contributing to a tender and moist crumb. The butter also helps to create a slightly crisp edge to the cake as it bakes, contrasting nicely with the gooey interior.
• Large Eggs (3): Eggs act as a binding agent, holding the cake together and adding structure. They also contribute to the cake’s moisture and richness. Large eggs are standard in most baking recipes, providing the right balance of yolk and white. Make sure your eggs are fresh for the best baking results. Eggs are essential for emulsifying the ingredients and creating a cohesive batter that bakes into a tender and well-structured cake.
• Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon): A touch of vanilla extract enhances the overall flavor profile, adding warmth and depth. Pure vanilla extract is recommended for the best flavor, but you can also use imitation vanilla extract if that’s what you have available. Vanilla beautifully complements both the cream cheese and strawberry flavors, tying all the elements of the cake together. It might seem like a small ingredient, but vanilla extract plays a significant role in rounding out the taste of the dessert.
• Powdered Sugar (1/4 cup): Powdered sugar, also known as confectioners’ sugar, is sprinkled over the top of the cake before baking. As the cake bakes, the powdered sugar melts and creates a slightly crackled, sugary crust that contributes to the “earthquake” effect and adds a touch of sweetness and visual appeal. It also helps to balance the richness of the cream cheese and the sweetness of the strawberry pie filling. The fine texture of powdered sugar ensures it dissolves evenly and creates a delicate, sweet topping.
• Strawberry Pie Filling (1 can, 21 ounces): The star of the show, strawberry pie filling provides the vibrant strawberry flavor and juicy texture that makes this cake so irresistible. Choose a good quality strawberry pie filling with plenty of real strawberries. You can opt for a classic strawberry pie filling or even one with added spices like cinnamon for a warmer flavor note. The pie filling not only infuses the cake with strawberry flavor but also contributes to the gooeyness and moisture of the final product. The pockets of strawberry pie filling throughout the cake are bursts of fruity sweetness that complement the creamy cake base.

Instructions: Baking Your Strawberry Earthquake Cake

Creating this Strawberry Earthquake Cake is surprisingly simple, even for novice bakers. Follow these step-by-step instructions to bake your own delicious dessert:

1. Preheat Your Oven and Prepare Your Pan: Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). This ensures your oven is at the correct temperature when you place the cake in, promoting even baking. While the oven is preheating, grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan. Greasing prevents the cake from sticking to the pan, and flouring helps to create a clean release after baking. You can use cooking spray for greasing, or butter or shortening. For flouring, a light dusting of all-purpose flour works perfectly. Tap out any excess flour to prevent a powdery coating on the cake.
2. Combine the Cake Batter Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, softened cream cheese, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract. It’s important that the cream cheese is softened to room temperature to ensure it blends smoothly and doesn’t leave lumps in the batter. Melt the butter and let it cool slightly before adding it to the bowl to prevent it from cooking the eggs. Add the eggs and vanilla extract.
3. Mix Until Smooth: Using an electric mixer (hand mixer or stand mixer), beat the ingredients together until they are completely smooth and well combined. Start on a low speed to prevent the dry cake mix from flying out of the bowl, and then increase the speed to medium. Mix for about 2-3 minutes, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed to ensure all ingredients are incorporated. The batter should be creamy and homogenous, with no streaks of cream cheese or dry cake mix remaining.
4. Pour Batter into Prepared Pan: Pour the smooth cake batter evenly into the prepared 9×13 inch baking pan. Use a spatula to spread the batter to the edges of the pan, ensuring an even layer. This will help the cake bake uniformly. The batter will be relatively thick due to the cream cheese, which is normal for this recipe.
5. Spoon Strawberry Pie Filling Over Batter: Take the can of strawberry pie filling and spoon it evenly over the surface of the cake batter. Do not stir the pie filling into the batter; instead, gently dollop spoonfuls across the top. Aim to distribute the pie filling somewhat evenly, but don’t worry about perfect coverage. The weight of the pie filling will cause it to sink slightly into the batter during baking, creating those delicious pockets of strawberry goodness.
6. Sprinkle with Powdered Sugar: Evenly sprinkle the powdered sugar over the top of the strawberry pie filling. Use a fine-mesh sieve or a spoon to distribute the powdered sugar in a thin, even layer. This creates the signature crackled top of the earthquake cake as it bakes. The powdered sugar will caramelize slightly in the oven, adding a touch of sweetness and a visually appealing crust.
7. Bake to Golden Perfection: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. Baking times can vary slightly depending on your oven, so it’s always best to check for doneness using a skewer test. The cake is done when the skewer emerges with just a few moist crumbs attached, but no wet batter. The top of the cake should be golden brown and the edges slightly pulling away from the sides of the pan.
8. Cool Completely Before Serving: Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and place it on a wire rack to cool completely. It’s crucial to let the cake cool fully before cutting and serving. This allows the cake to set properly and prevents it from being too crumbly. Cooling also enhances the gooey texture of the cream cheese layer. Resist the temptation to cut into it while it’s still warm, as it will be much easier to slice and serve once completely cooled.

Nutrition Facts: A Sweet Treat in Moderation

While Strawberry Earthquake Cake is undeniably delicious, it’s important to be mindful of its nutritional content, especially when enjoying it as part of a balanced diet. Here’s a general overview of the nutrition facts per serving. Please note that these are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredient brands and serving sizes.

• Servings: Approximately 12 servings per 9×13 inch cake.
• Calories per Serving: Around 350-450 calories. The exact calorie count will depend on the specific cake mix, cream cheese, and pie filling used.
• Total Fat: 15-20 grams. This includes saturated and unsaturated fats, primarily from the butter and cream cheese.

It’s important to enjoy Strawberry Earthquake Cake as an occasional treat due to its higher calorie, fat, and sugar content. Pairing it with a lighter meal or enjoying a smaller serving can help maintain a balanced diet.

Preparation Time: Quick and Easy Dessert

The beauty of Strawberry Earthquake Cake lies not only in its taste but also in its simplicity and speed of preparation. From start to finish, you’ll be amazed at how quickly this dessert comes together.

• Prep Time: Approximately 15-20 minutes. This includes gathering ingredients, softening cream cheese, melting butter, and mixing the batter. The use of a cake mix significantly cuts down on prep time compared to scratch-made cakes.
• Bake Time: 40-45 minutes. The baking time is relatively standard for a cake of this size.
• Cooling Time: At least 1-2 hours (recommended). While you can technically serve it slightly warm, allowing the cake to cool completely is crucial for achieving the best texture and sliceability. Cooling also allows the flavors to meld and deepen.
• Total Time (excluding cooling): Around 55-65 minutes. If you factor in cooling time, plan for at least 2-3 hours total from start to serving.

Despite the cooling time, the active preparation and baking time are quite short, making Strawberry Earthquake Cake a fantastic option for potlucks, last-minute gatherings, or when you simply crave a delicious homemade dessert without spending hours in the kitchen.

How to Serve: Perfect Ways to Enjoy Your Cake

Strawberry Earthquake Cake is delicious on its own, but here are some delightful ways to serve it and elevate the dessert experience:

• Classic Slice: The simplest and most satisfying way to serve it is as a classic slice. Cut the cooled cake into squares or rectangles and serve directly from the pan. The rustic, uneven top adds to its charm.
• With a Scoop of Vanilla Ice Cream: The warm (or room temperature) cake paired with a cold scoop of vanilla ice cream is a timeless combination. The creamy ice cream complements the gooey cake and the strawberry flavors beautifully.
• Topped with Whipped Cream: A dollop of freshly whipped cream adds lightness and a touch of elegance. You can use store-bought whipped cream or make your own for an extra special touch. Consider flavoring your whipped cream with a hint of vanilla or almond extract.
• Fresh Strawberries: Enhance the strawberry flavor by serving slices of cake with fresh strawberries on the side. The bright, juicy strawberries provide a refreshing contrast to the rich cake.
• Strawberry Glaze Drizzle: For an extra layer of strawberry sweetness, drizzle a simple strawberry glaze over the cake slices. You can make a glaze by whisking together powdered sugar with a bit of strawberry juice or puree.
• Chocolate Syrup Drizzle: While it’s a strawberry cake, a drizzle of chocolate syrup can surprisingly complement the flavors. The combination of strawberry, cream cheese, and chocolate is a classic and delicious trio.
• Dusting of Powdered Sugar: For a simple and elegant presentation, lightly dust the cake slices with powdered sugar just before serving. This enhances the visual appeal and adds a subtle touch of sweetness.
• Warm with Coffee or Tea: Strawberry Earthquake Cake is a wonderful accompaniment to a warm cup of coffee or tea, especially in the afternoon or evening. The sweetness of the cake balances the bitterness of coffee or tea perfectly.

Additional Tips: Elevating Your Earthquake Cake

Want to take your Strawberry Earthquake Cake to the next level? Here are some helpful tips and variations to ensure baking success and customize your cake:

1. Use Room Temperature Cream Cheese: This is crucial for a smooth batter. Softened cream cheese blends effortlessly with the other ingredients, preventing lumps and ensuring a creamy texture throughout the cake. Take the cream cheese out of the refrigerator at least 30 minutes to an hour before you plan to bake.
2. Don’t Overmix the Batter: Overmixing can lead to a tough cake. Mix just until the ingredients are combined and smooth. Once the cake mix is incorporated, be gentle with the mixing. Overworking the gluten in the cake mix can result in a denser, less tender cake.
3. Evenly Distribute Pie Filling: While perfect distribution isn’t necessary, try to spoon the strawberry pie filling somewhat evenly across the batter surface. This ensures that each slice of cake has a good amount of strawberry goodness.
4. Adjust Baking Time Based on Your Oven: Oven temperatures can vary. Start checking for doneness around 40 minutes, and continue baking until a skewer comes out clean. If the top is browning too quickly, you can loosely tent the pan with foil for the last part of baking.
5. Let it Cool Completely (Really!): Patience is key. Cooling the cake thoroughly is essential for it to set properly and be easy to slice. Warm cake will be softer and more prone to crumbling. Cooling allows the cream cheese layer to firm up and the flavors to meld.
6. Try Different Pie Fillings: While strawberry is classic, feel free to experiment with other pie fillings! Cherry, blueberry, raspberry, or even apple pie filling would all be delicious variations. Each pie filling will bring a unique flavor profile to the earthquake cake.
7. Add Nuts for Texture: For added crunch and flavor, sprinkle chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts over the powdered sugar before baking. Toasted nuts enhance the flavor even further. The nuts will add a delightful textural contrast to the soft cake and gooey filling.
8. Make it Gluten-Free: For a gluten-free version, use a gluten-free yellow cake mix. Ensure all other ingredients are also gluten-free to accommodate dietary needs. Gluten-free cake mixes have come a long way and can produce excellent results in this recipe.

FAQ: Your Strawberry Earthquake Cake Questions Answered

Still have questions about making the perfect Strawberry Earthquake Cake? Here are some frequently asked questions and their answers to help you bake with confidence:

Q1: Can I use a different size pan?
A: While a 9×13 inch pan is recommended for this recipe, you can use a different size, but baking time may need adjustment. For an 8×8 inch pan, the cake will be thicker and may require a longer baking time. Keep an eye on it and use the skewer test to determine doneness. For a larger sheet pan, the cake will be thinner and may bake faster.

Q2: Can I make this cake ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! Strawberry Earthquake Cake is a great make-ahead dessert. In fact, it’s often even better the next day after the flavors have had time to meld. Store it covered at room temperature for up to 2-3 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Q3: My cake cracked a lot on top, is that normal?
A: Yes! The cracked top is the signature “earthquake” effect of this cake and is completely normal and desired. It’s caused by the powdered sugar creating a crust as it bakes and the cake rising beneath it.

Q4: Can I freeze Strawberry Earthquake Cake?
A: Yes, you can freeze it. Let the cake cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil or place it in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

Q5: Can I reduce the sugar in this recipe?
A: You can slightly reduce the powdered sugar sprinkled on top, but reducing the sugar in the cake mix or pie filling is not recommended as it may affect the texture and overall flavor balance. If you’re concerned about sugar content, consider serving smaller portions.

Q6: What if I don’t have cream cheese? Can I substitute it?
A: Cream cheese is a key ingredient for the unique texture and flavor of Earthquake Cake. While you could try substituting with mascarpone cheese for a similar richness, it won’t be quite the same. It’s best to use cream cheese for the authentic Earthquake Cake experience.

Q7: My pie filling sank to the bottom, what did I do wrong?
A: It’s natural for the pie filling to sink slightly into the batter, but if it completely sank to the bottom, the batter may have been too thin or the pie filling too heavy. Ensure you are using the correct amount of cake mix and that your cream cheese and butter are properly incorporated for a batter with the right consistency.

Q8: Can I add a frosting to this cake?
A: While Earthquake Cake is traditionally served without frosting, you certainly could add one if you desire. A simple cream cheese frosting or a light vanilla glaze would complement the flavors nicely. However, many people enjoy the cake just as it is with its signature crackled top.

Strawberry Earthquake Cake is more than just a dessert; it’s an experience. Its simplicity, combined with its incredible flavor and unique texture, makes it a recipe you’ll want to make again and again. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to bake a cake that’s sure to cause a delicious tremor in your kitchen!

Print