Who can resist a dessert that’s not only delicious but fun to prepare? This Strawberry Quake Cake is a delightful combination of sweet, tangy, and melt-in-your-mouth goodness.
With swirled cream cheese filling, bursts of fresh strawberry flavor, and a rich, moist texture, this cake is perfect for any occasion and will definitely steal the show.
Why You’ll Love This Strawberry Quake Cake
This isn’t just another dessert—it’s a decadent, gooey, and satisfying treat that’s as fun to bake as it is to devour. Here’s what makes it irresistible:
- Simple to Make – No need for advanced skills! Just mix, layer, and bake for a dessert that looks like it came from a bakery.
- Moist and Rich – The cream cheese swirl adds a smooth and creamy texture that pairs beautifully with the strawberry cake base.
- Ideal for Any Event – Whether it’s a family gathering, a party, or just a dessert craving, this cake will wow your guests every time.
- Customizable – You can make it your own by adding things like fresh strawberries, white chocolate chips, or even a glaze for extra flavor.
- Bake-Shop Quality at Home – This easy-to-make cake brings the feeling of a professional bakery right into your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Before we jump into baking, here’s a list of what you’ll need for this Strawberry Quake Cake. Don’t worry if you don’t have all of the ingredients—I’ve suggested some easy alternatives!
For the Cake Base:
- 1 box strawberry cake mix – This serves as the base. If you don’t have strawberry, you can substitute with vanilla or white cake mix and add a couple of drops of strawberry extract.
- 1 cup milk – Keeps the cake moist. You can use almond or oat milk for a dairy-free version.
- 3 large eggs – These bring the cake structure and richness. Use room temperature eggs for best results.
- ½ cup vegetable oil – This makes the cake soft and tender. You can swap it for melted butter if you prefer.
For the Gooey Cream Cheese Swirl:
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened) – The key ingredient for the creamy swirl. Full-fat cream cheese gives the best results.
- ½ cup powdered sugar – Sweetens the cream cheese filling without making it overly sweet.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Enhances the flavors and gives a warm, comforting aroma.
For Extra Deliciousness:
- 1 cup white chocolate chips – Adds rich, sweet bursts of chocolate throughout the cake.
- ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional) – These add a crunchy, nutty flavor. You can leave them out if you prefer a nut-free version.
½ cup shredded coconut (optional) – Adds extra texture and a hint of tropical flavor.
Substitutions and Variations
Here are some alternatives and creative ideas if you’d like to change things up:
- Dairy-Free: Swap out regular milk and cream cheese for plant-based versions.
- Nut-Free: Simply omit the nuts, and the cake will still be just as scrumptious.
- Extra Berries: If you love strawberries, toss in fresh or freeze-dried berries for even more fruity goodness.
How to Make Strawberry Quake Cake
This cake is simple to make but so rewarding! Follow these easy steps to create your own version of Strawberry Quake Cake.
Preheat and Prep:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish, and dust with a little flour to prevent the cake from sticking.
Prepare the Cake Batter:
- In a large bowl, mix together the cake mix, eggs, oil, and milk. Stir until smooth and free of lumps.
- Spread the batter evenly into your prepared baking dish.
Make the Cream Cheese Layer:
- In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until creamy.
- Gradually add in the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until it’s smooth and fluffy.
Add the Strawberry Filling:
- Spoon the strawberry pie filling or homemade strawberry compote over the cream cheese mixture.
- Gently swirl the strawberry filling into the cream cheese and batter using a knife or skewer. Don’t overmix; you want those beautiful, marbled layers!
Bake:
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 40-45 minutes.
Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the cake portion. It should come out clean (don’t test the cream cheese or strawberry layers, though).
Cool and Serve:
- Let the cake cool for at least 20 minutes before slicing.
- You can sprinkle powdered sugar on top or garnish with fresh strawberries for an extra touch.
Pro Tip: For an added indulgence, serve this cake warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream!
Pro Tips and Variations
Here are a few tips to make sure your Strawberry Quake Cake comes out perfectly, plus some ways you can make it even more exciting.
Pro Tips:
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: For a smoother batter, bring your eggs and cream cheese to room temperature before mixing.
- Don’t Overmix the Batter: Overmixing can make the cake dense. Just mix until everything is incorporated for a light, moist texture.
- Swirl the Cream Cheese Carefully: For the best “earthquake” look, gently swirl the cream cheese and strawberry layers. Don’t overdo it!
- Check the Center: Ovens can vary, so check your cake around 35 minutes. If a toothpick inserted into the cake part comes out clean (with a few crumbs), it’s done.
Variations to Try:
- Berry Mix: While strawberries are the star of this recipe, you can also add blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries to give the cake a vibrant twist.
- Nut-Free Version: If you don’t want to add nuts, feel free to leave them out. The cake will still be rich and satisfying without them.
- Chocolate Lover’s Delight: Swap the white chocolate chips for dark chocolate, or drizzle chocolate ganache on top after baking
- Vegan-Friendly: To make this cake vegan, use egg replacements and dairy-free milk, butter, and cream cheese.
What Other Variations Can I Make?
The versatility of this Strawberry Quake Cake makes it so much fun to experiment with. Here are a few more variations you can try:
- Chocolate Twist: Instead of strawberry filling, go for a rich chocolate ganache or sprinkle chocolate chips into the layers. You could also add cocoa powder to the cake mix for an extra chocolatey experience.
- Tropical Style: Replace the strawberries with diced pineapple, mango, or coconut for a fresh, tropical flavor. You can even pair it with coconut cream cheese frosting.
- Berry Mix: Play around with different berries, such as raspberries, blackberries, or blueberries, either alone or in combination with the strawberries.
- Nutty Delight: For extra crunch, add chopped pecans, walnuts, or almonds to the cream cheese layer before baking.
- Seasonal Flavors: Adapt the cake to whatever’s in season—use pumpkin puree and spices in fall, or fresh peaches in the summer for a twist on the classic.
Conclusion
The Strawberry Quake Cake isn’t just a dessert; it’s an experience. With its rich, gooey cream cheese swirl, sweet strawberry filling, and a soft, moist cake base, it’s the perfect treat for any occasion. Plus, it’s simple enough for even beginner bakers to master.
Whether you choose to stick to the classic recipe or experiment with some of the variations, this cake will quickly become a favorite in your dessert repertoire. Don’t forget to share your delicious creation with others—they’ll be begging you for the recipe!
So go ahead, preheat the oven, grab your ingredients, and bake a dessert that’s sure to impress. Happy baking!
Strawberry Quake Cake
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Course: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
- Servings: 12
- Calories: 350 per serving
Ingredients
For the Cake Base:
- 1 box strawberry cake mix
- 1 cup milk
- 3 large eggs
- ½ cup vegetable oil
For the Gooey Cream Cheese Swirl:
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Extra Deliciousness:
- 1 cup white chocolate chips
- ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
- ½ cup shredded coconut (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Mix the cake batter with cake mix, eggs, oil, and milk, and spread it into the prepared dish.
- Beat the cream cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until smooth. Spoon it over the cake batter and gently swirl with strawberry filling.
- Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the center is set and a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let cool for 20 minutes before serving, dust with powdered sugar or top with fresh strawberries.
Nutrition Info (Per Serving)
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Carbohydrates: 46g
- Sugar: 35g
- Protein: 3g
- Fiber: 1g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
- Sodium: 220mg
FAQs About Strawberry Quake Cake
Can I use fresh strawberries instead of strawberry pie filling?
Yes! Simply chop fresh strawberries and toss them with sugar to make a filling. Simmer them to thicken the mixture before adding to the cake.
Can I prepare this cake in advance?
Absolutely! Store the cake in the fridge for up to 3 days. Let it come to room temperature or heat it slightly before serving.
Can I freeze Strawberry Quake Cake?
Yes, you can! Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.
What if I don’t have cream cheese?
Mascarpone or thick Greek yogurt can serve as alternatives, giving you a lighter but still creamy swirl.
Can I experiment with different cake mix flavors?
Of course! Vanilla, lemon, or even spice cake mix can work wonderfully with the strawberry and cream cheese layers.
Why is it called an “Earthquake Cake”?
The cake’s name comes from its cracked, uneven surface that looks like the aftermath of an earthquake, making it all the more fun to make and eat!