Description
Strawberry Earthquake Cake is a luscious vanilla cake layered with a creamy, tangy cream cheese topping studded with fresh strawberries and white chocolate chips. This delightful dessert combines moist cake with a rich, slightly golden topping for a heavenly treat enjoyed warm, optionally paired with vanilla ice cream.
Ingredients
Cake Ingredients
- 1 box vanilla cake mix
- 3 large eggs (room temperature)
- 1 cup water
- ½ cup vegetable oil
Cream Cheese Topping
- 8 ounces cream cheese (softened)
- ½ cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 2½ cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup diced strawberries (plus extra for topping)
- 2 cups white chocolate chips
Optional Serving
- Vanilla ice cream (for serving)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan thoroughly to prevent the cake from sticking.
- Mix Cake Batter: In a large bowl, combine the vanilla cake mix, eggs, water, and vegetable oil. Mix until the batter is smooth and uniform. Pour this batter evenly into the prepared pan.
- Bake Cake Base: Bake in the preheated oven for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, indicating the cake is fully baked.
- Prepare Cream Cheese Topping: While the cake bakes, beat together the softened cream cheese and melted butter until creamy and smooth. Add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and salt, then mix until the mixture is well combined and has a creamy texture.
- Add Toppings and Cream Cheese Dollops: Once the cake is baked, remove it from the oven. Evenly scatter the diced strawberries and white chocolate chips over the cake surface. Using a spoon, drop spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture evenly over the top.
- Bake Topping: Return the cake to the oven and bake for an additional 15–20 minutes, or until the cream cheese topping is set and has a slightly golden hue.
- Cool the Cake: Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for at least 30 minutes to set properly.
- Serve: Serve the cake warm, optionally topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent dessert experience.
Notes
- Ensure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature for easier mixing and a smoother topping consistency.
- Dicing strawberries small helps them distribute evenly and blend well with the topping.
- Allow the cake to cool adequately to let the topping set without sliding off.
- Using fresh strawberries rather than frozen will give the best texture and flavor.
- This cake is best enjoyed warm, but it can be stored covered in the refrigerator and gently warmed before serving.
