Name: Strawberry Earthquake Cake Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: PT-489053H18M54S
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 box strawberry cake mix; Ingredients listed on the box (usually eggs, oil, water); 1½ cups fresh or frozen strawberries, chopped; 1 cup white chocolate chips or chunks; 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut; ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional); 8 oz cream cheese, softened; ½ cup unsalted butter, softened; 2½ cups powdered sugar; 1 tsp vanilla extract

Jump to Recipe·5.2 from 7 reviews

Imagine all your favorite flavors of summer wrapped up in a single bite — that’s what Strawberry Earthquake Cake delivers! It’s a wild, swirly wonder of strawberry cake, juicy berries, creamy cheese, white chocolate, and coconut, all baked to gooey perfection. This recipe is one of those joyful, crowd-pleasing treats that makes every bite a little celebration. Whether you’re serving it warm for a cozy night in or presenting it chilled at a picnic, you’ll want to make Strawberry Earthquake Cake for any and every occasion.

Strawberry Earthquake Cake Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Strawberry Earthquake Cake is in its balance of simple, pantry-friendly items and a few magical add-ins. Each ingredient brings something special — richness, sweetness, color, or that irresistible swirl.

Strawberry cake mix: The shortcut base with all the strawberry flavor you crave, delivering vibrant color and pure nostalgia.
Ingredients for the cake mix (usually eggs, oil, water): These create the tender foundation that supports all the delicious add-ins.
Fresh or frozen strawberries (1½ cups, chopped): They burst with juicy fruit flavor and gorgeous flecks of ruby red in every slice.
White chocolate chips or chunks (1 cup): Luscious bites of creamy sweetness that melt into the cake as it bakes.
Sweetened shredded coconut (1 cup): Adds texture and a summery, tropical twist that pairs beautifully with both strawberry and cream cheese.
Chopped pecans or walnuts (½ cup, optional): A crunchy, earthy contrast that takes the cake from tasty to unforgettable.
Cream cheese (8 oz, softened): The superstar of the swirl, creating pockets of tangy, creamy magic.
Unsalted butter (½ cup, softened): Adds silkiness and buttery goodness to the luscious cream cheese topping.
Powdered sugar (2½ cups): Sweetens and thickens the swirl, balancing the tang of the cream cheese beautifully.
Vanilla extract (1 tsp): A dash of warmth and depth that ties all the flavors together.

How to Make Strawberry Earthquake Cake

Step 1: Prep the Baking Dish

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish really well — you want every slice of your Strawberry Earthquake Cake to come out with all its gooey layers intact. This step is quick, but crucial for a perfect cake presentation!

Step 2: Mix the Strawberry Cake Batter

Prepare the cake mix according to the instructions on the box, using the required eggs, oil, and water. This creates that iconic strawberry base that anchors everything. Pour the batter into your prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly, setting the stage for all those fun mix-ins.

Step 3: Add the Fruity and Crunchy Goodness

Sprinkle your chopped strawberries, white chocolate chips, sweetened coconut, and nuts (if you’re adding them) right on top of the batter. Don’t stress about perfect distribution — a little randomness means every slice of Strawberry Earthquake Cake gets its own delightful combination of textures and flavors!

Step 4: Make the Cream Cheese Swirl

In a separate bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, unsalted butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. You’re looking for a smooth, thick, deliciously sweet mixture. This swirl is what makes the “earthquake” drama — those creamy ribbons erupt as the cake bakes.

Step 5: Swirl and Bake

Drop generous spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture over the top of your cake. Use a butter knife or skewer to gently swirl the cream cheese and cake batter together, artistic swirls encouraged! Slide the pan into the oven and bake for 45–50 minutes. The top will be golden, but the center should still have a bit of jiggle — remember, a slightly gooey middle is not only ok, it’s exactly what you’re after in a Strawberry Earthquake Cake.

Step 6: Cool and Serve

Let your cake cool for at least 15–20 minutes before slicing. The flavors settle, the textures come together, and your patience will be rewarded. Enjoy it warm for melty swirls, or let it chill for bar-style squares perfect for picnics and potlucks.

How to Serve Strawberry Earthquake Cake

Garnishes

Dress up your Strawberry Earthquake Cake with a dollop of whipped cream, a drizzle of melted white chocolate, or extra sliced strawberries on top. If you’re feeling playful, a sprinkle of toasted coconut or a dusting of powdered sugar adds a lovely finishing touch.

Side Dishes

This cake is rich and indulgent, so pair it with something cool and light — a scoop of vanilla ice cream works beautifully, or a simple fruit salad for a refreshing contrast. Enjoy it alongside a cold glass of milk, strawberry lemonade, or even a cup of tea for a cozy afternoon treat.

Creative Ways to Present

Cut your cake into generous squares for serving at parties, or use a biscuit cutter to create fun rounds for a brunch spread. For a dazzling dessert plate, layer cubes of Strawberry Earthquake Cake with whipped cream and more fresh strawberries in parfait glasses — it’s festive and utterly irresistible!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store Strawberry Earthquake Cake tightly covered in the refrigerator for up to five days. The combination of cream cheese and real fruit means this treat stays moist and delicious, and the flavors just get better after a day.

Freezing

Yes, you can freeze this cake! Cut it into individual slices and wrap each one tightly in plastic wrap, then pop into a freezer-safe bag or container. When a craving hits, just thaw a slice overnight in the fridge or for an hour on the counter.

Reheating

To recapture that “just-baked” gooeyness, warm your slice in the microwave for 10–20 seconds. The cream cheese swirl softens and the white chocolate gets a little melty, making every bite as irresistible as the day you baked it. You can also enjoy it chilled straight from the fridge if you prefer a firmer texture.

FAQs

Can I use boxed white cake mix and add strawberry flavor?

Absolutely! While a boxed strawberry cake mix keeps it classic, you can use white cake mix and add a few drops of strawberry extract and a bit of red food coloring. Toss in extra chopped strawberries for authentic flavor.

How do I know when the cake is done?

Look for golden edges and a mostly set center. The middle should still seem a little jiggly — that gooeyness is what makes Strawberry Earthquake Cake unique. If you insert a toothpick, a few moist crumbs are perfect; don’t wait for it to come out completely clean.

Can I make Strawberry Earthquake Cake gluten-free?

Yes, just swap in your favorite gluten-free strawberry cake mix, prepared per package instructions. All the other mix-ins and toppings should be naturally gluten-free, but always double-check labels to be safe!

Can I use other berries instead of strawberries?

Absolutely — try blueberries, raspberries, or even a mix for a colorful twist. Just remember that juicier berries can add extra moisture, so you may want to bake a few minutes longer to set the center.

What if I don’t have white chocolate chips?

Feel free to use milk or dark chocolate chips instead! Or, simply skip them and let the coconut and cream cheese swirl shine. The beauty of Strawberry Earthquake Cake is its flexibility and forgiving nature.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a show-stopping dessert that’s both wildly fun and deeply comforting, Strawberry Earthquake Cake is guaranteed to steal the spotlight. Give it a try — you’ll fall in love with its cheerful looks, gooey swirls, and that finger-licking, joy-filled flavor in every single bite!