Introduction
Strawberry Earthquake Cake is a whimsically named dessert that promises a riot of flavors and textures, perfect for those who love a little surprise in their sweets. This cake gets its name from the way the ingredients shift and settle during baking, creating a beautifully uneven, “cracked” surface that’s both appealing and delicious. Combining the fresh, juicy sweetness of strawberries with the rich decadence of a chocolate cake base, this recipe is an irresistible treat for any occasion, offering a unique twist on traditional cake recipes.
What’s Unique About This Recipe
The uniqueness of the Strawberry Earthquake Cake lies in its delightful combination of contrasting textures and flavors. The base of the cake is rich and chocolatey, while the top is dotted with fresh strawberries and pockets of creamy cheese filling. As the cake bakes, these elements mingle and create an “earthquake” effect—cracks and crevices that make each slice uniquely appealing. It’s a playful dessert that’s as fun to make as it is to eat.
Ingredients
- For the Cake:
- 1 box of chocolate cake mix (and ingredients required by the mix, typically water, oil, and eggs)
- 1 cup of chopped fresh strawberries
- 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- For the Filling:
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 egg
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Nutrition
Each serving of Strawberry Earthquake Cake approximately contains:
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
- Sodium: 320mg
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 30g
- Protein: 5g
Step by Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Cake Mix
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.
- Prepare the chocolate cake mix according to the package instructions. Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan.
Step 2: Make the Cream Cheese Filling
- In a medium bowl, blend the softened cream cheese with sugar, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Step 3: Assemble the Cake
- Spoon dollops of the cream cheese mixture over the chocolate cake batter.
- Sprinkle the chopped strawberries and chocolate chips evenly over the top.
- Using a knife, gently swirl the cream cheese mixture, strawberries, and chocolate chips into the batter, creating a marbled effect.
Step 4: Bake
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 35-40 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center is slightly wobbly.
- Let the cake cool in the pan before slicing.
Serving Tips
Serve the Strawberry Earthquake Cake warm or at room temperature, ideally with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to complement its rich flavors.
Storage Tips
Store leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For best results, bring it to room temperature before serving or gently warm it in the microwave.
FAQs
Q: Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh? A: Yes, frozen strawberries can be used but thaw and drain them well to avoid adding extra moisture to the cake.
Q: What if I don’t have a chocolate cake mix? A: You can substitute any basic cake mix you have on hand and add cocoa powder (about 1/4 cup) to achieve the chocolate flavor, adjusting the liquid in the recipe as needed.
This Strawberry Earthquake Cake is a joyful explosion of flavors that brings smiles and surprise to the table. It’s a fantastic choice for celebrations or casual gatherings where you want to offer something a little out of the ordinary. Its simple preparation, using a box mix as a base, makes it accessible to bakers of all skill levels, ensuring delicious results that are both visually striking and delightfully tasty.