Strawberry Earthquake Cake (Printer-friendly)

Rich strawberry cake swirled with cream cheese, white chocolate chips, and coconut for a decadent cracked dessert.

# 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 Layer

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

→ Add-Ins

08 - 1 cup fresh strawberries, chopped
09 - 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
10 - 1 cup white chocolate chips

# How to Prepare:

01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9x13-inch baking pan thoroughly.
02 - Combine strawberry cake mix, eggs, oil, and water in a large bowl. Beat until completely smooth and well incorporated.
03 - Pour the cake batter evenly into the prepared baking pan, spreading to corners.
04 - Sprinkle chopped strawberries, shredded coconut, and white chocolate chips evenly over the surface of the batter.
05 - Beat cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, continuing to beat until fully combined and fluffy.
06 - Drop large spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture randomly across the top of the cake batter.
07 - Using a knife, gently swirl the cream cheese mixture into the batter creating a marbled pattern. Be careful not to overmix.
08 - Bake for 45 minutes until edges are set and center is just slightly wobbly.
09 - Allow cake to cool for at least 30 minutes before serving. Serve warm or at room temperature.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The cream cheese layer creates these incredible gooey pockets that make every bite feel like finding hidden treasure
  • Its one of those desserts that looks impressive but requires zero actual skill or patience
  • The strawberry white chocolate coconut combination hits every craving at once
02 -
  • The center continues to set as it cools, so do not make the mistake of baking until completely firm in the oven
  • Over swirling blends the layers too much and you lose the beautiful cracked earthquake effect that makes this special
  • This cake actually tastes better the next day when all the flavors have had time to mingle and develop
03 -
  • Run your knife under hot water between swirls for cleaner lines through the batter
  • If the cream cheese mixture is too soft to dollop, chill it for 10 minutes until it holds its shape better

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