Gooey Strawberry Earthquake Cake (Print View)

Moist strawberry cake swirled with cream cheese filling, white chocolate chips, and fresh diced berries for a decadent marbled dessert.

# What You Need:

→ Cake Base

01 - 1 box (15.25 oz) strawberry cake mix
02 - 3 large eggs
03 - 1/2 cup vegetable oil
04 - 1 cup water

→ Cream Cheese Filling

05 - 8 oz cream cheese, softened
06 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
07 - 2 cups powdered sugar
08 - 1 tsp vanilla extract

→ Add-Ins & Toppings

09 - 1 cup fresh strawberries, diced
10 - 1 cup white chocolate chips
11 - 1/2 cup sweetened shredded coconut (optional)

# How to Make It:

01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Generously grease a 9x13-inch baking pan with cooking spray or butter.
02 - In a large bowl, whisk together the strawberry cake mix, eggs, vegetable oil, and water until just combined. Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pan.
03 - In a separate bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy. Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract; beat until fluffy and well combined.
04 - Drop spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture randomly over the cake batter. Sprinkle diced strawberries and white chocolate chips evenly over the top. Add shredded coconut if desired.
05 - Use a butter knife to gently swirl the cream cheese mixture through the batter, creating a marbled effect. Be careful not to overmix.
06 - Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until edges are set and center is slightly wobbly. The cake should remain gooey inside, so avoid overbaking.
07 - Allow the cake to cool in the pan for at least 30 minutes before slicing and serving. For cleaner cuts, refrigerate for 1 hour before serving.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • The strawberry cake base stays impossibly moist while the cream cheese creates these decadent pockets throughout
  • That wobbly, under baked center is absolutely intentional and basically a texture dream come true
  • White chocolate and strawberries were made to be together and this cake proves it
02 -
  • Under baking is the secret here, checking the cake after 40 minutes is crucial
  • The center will seem underdone but it firms up as it cools into that gooey texture
  • Room temperature ingredients for the cream cheese mixture prevents lumpy filling
  • This cake actually tastes better the next day when flavors have melded
03 -
  • Run your knife under hot water and wipe dry between slices for clean cuts
  • The wobbly center is intentional, dont be tempted to bake it longer
  • Grease your pan really well, especially the corners, to prevent sticking

Go Back