Strawberry Earthquake Cake

Ingredients:

  • 1 box (15.25 oz) strawberry cake mix
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1 cup shredded coconut
  • 1 cup chopped pecans
  • 1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips
  • 1/2 cup strawberry preserves
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • Additional chopped pecans for garnish (optional)

Directions:

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking dish.
  2. In a large bowl, combine strawberry cake mix, melted butter, eggs, and milk. Mix until smooth.
  3. Stir in shredded coconut, chopped pecans, and semisweet chocolate chips until evenly distributed.
  4. Pour the cake batter into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
  5. Drop spoonfuls of strawberry preserves over the cake batter, then use a knife to swirl it into the batter.
  6. In another bowl, beat together cream cheese, softened butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
  7. Spoon the cream cheese mixture over the cake batter in dollops.
  8. Use a knife to swirl the cream cheese mixture into the cake batter.
  9. Bake in preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the cake is set and golden brown on top.
  10. Remove from oven and let cool in the pan for at least 30 minutes before serving.
  11. Garnish with additional chopped pecans if desired.
  12. Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes | Total Time: 60-65 minutes
  13. Kcal: 350 kcal per serving | Servings: Makes 12 servings

FAQs:

  1. What is Strawberry Earthquake Cake?
    • Strawberry Earthquake Cake is a rich and decadent dessert featuring layers of strawberry cake, cream cheese, and often coconut and pecans. The cake gets its name from the way it appears after baking, with cracks and crevices resembling the aftermath of an earthquake, caused by the cream cheese mixture bubbling up through the cake.
  2. How do I make Strawberry Earthquake Cake?
    • To make Strawberry Earthquake Cake, start by spreading sweetened shredded coconut and chopped pecans in the bottom of a greased baking dish. Prepare a strawberry cake mix according to the package directions and pour it over the coconut and pecans. In a separate bowl, beat together cream cheese, butter, and powdered sugar until smooth, then dollop this mixture over the cake batter. Bake until the cake is set and the cream cheese mixture has created an “earthquake” effect. Allow the cake to cool before serving.
  3. Can I use fresh strawberries in Strawberry Earthquake Cake?
    • While Strawberry Earthquake Cake typically uses strawberry cake mix for convenience, you can enhance the flavor by folding in fresh, diced strawberries into the cake batter. Be sure to drain any excess liquid from the strawberries to prevent the cake from becoming too moist.
  4. How should I store Strawberry Earthquake Cake?
    • Store Strawberry Earthquake Cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. Due to the cream cheese layer, it’s important to keep the cake chilled to maintain its texture and freshness. Allow slices to come to room temperature before serving for the best flavor.
  5. Can I make Strawberry Earthquake Cake ahead of time?
    • Yes, you can make Strawberry Earthquake Cake ahead of time. Bake the cake as directed and let it cool completely. Cover the cake tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it in the refrigerator until ready to serve. This makes it a convenient dessert option for parties and gatherings, as it can be prepared a day or two in advance.

Leave a Comment