EASY Strawberry Earthquake Cake (Strawberry Cake Mix Dessert)

Strawberry Earthquake Cake is gooey, creamy, and packed with sweet strawberry flavor. A soft strawberry cake base bakes up with pockets of rich cream cheese swirls and melty white chocolate in every bite. It’s an impressive dessert but comes together so easily. Serve it with whipped cream and fresh strawberries for an extra special finish.

Try this Earthquake Cake Recipe for a classic chocolate version of earthquake cake that uses a chocolate cake mix. 

Strawberry Earthquake Cake Recipe (Easy, Gooey, Irresistible Dessert)

This strawberry earthquake cake is a rich and gooey dessert that practically makes itself! It is so easy to make with prepared, ready-to-use ingredients such as a strawberry cake mix, cream cheese, fresh strawberries, and a white chocolate baking bar. 

Layers of a moist strawberry cake, creamy cheesecake swirls, pockets of melty white chocolate, and fresh juicy strawberries – it’s always a crowd favorite and an easy prep dessert where the oven does most of the work. 

What Is An Earthquake Cake?

An “earthquake cake” gets its name from its cracked, uneven surface that forms while baking – like a sweet desert earthquake! As it bakes, the layers shift and swirl together, creating a marbled effect with pockets of cream cheese and mix-ins throughout. 

This strawberry version adds a fruity twist that’s perfect for spring, summer, holidays, or anytime you want something indulgent, unique, and bursting with sweet summertime strawberry flavor. 

How To Make A Strawberry Earthquake Cake (Printable Recipe Card)

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.

In a large bowl, using an electric hand mixer, beat together the strawberry cake mix, milk, melted butter, and eggs until thoroughly combined; about 1-2 minutes. Pour the strawberry cake batter into the prepared baking dish in an even layer. 

In the same bowl, add in the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, half of the diced strawberries, and vanilla extract and beat until smooth. Gently fold in the remaining diced strawberries.

Drop spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture over the strawberry cake batter inside the pan, then sprinkle the chopped white chocolate on top. Do not stir it at all.

Bake for 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the cake comes out clean in the center. 

Serve warm and top with freshly whipped cream and additional chopped fresh strawberries. Enjoy!

Recipe FAQs

Do I Still Add The Ingredients Called For On The Cake Mix Box?

No, you do not need to add the ingredients listed on the cake box. Just the bag of dry ingredients inside the box is all you will use. 

Does The Cake Need Frosting?

No, in fact, I think the cake would much too sweet if you tried to put frosting on it. An earthquake cake is designed to not need or call for a frosting. The cream cheese filling mixture that was spooned on top of the cake batter acts as an integrated icing. A dollop of whipped cream and maybe a fresh strawberry slice is all that is needed. 

Would Frozen Strawberries Be Ok To Use?

Frozen strawberries are not ideal for this recipe because they release a lot more liquid and could prevent the cream cheese layer from setting, creating those signature cracks, and leaving the cake runny. I do not recommend using frozen strawberries. 

What Kind of Baking Pan Should I Use?

A glass baking dish works well because it allows the entire cake to heat and cook evenly, and it also cools down quicker. You can also use a non stick baking pan. I have linked a couple of my favorite 9×13 baking pans in the recipe card below. 

How Should I Serve Strawberry Earthquake Cake?

The best way to serve strawberry earthquake cake is to serve individual slices with a large dollop of whipped topping and some diced fresh strawberries. You can use Cool Whip, store bought spray whipped cream, or make homemade whipped cream. The lighter texture and fluffier taste of whipped cream creates the perfect balance to the gooey and decadent dessert. For an extra special and sweet dessert, serve the cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or strawberry ice cream to really amp up the fruity flavors in the strawberry cake. 

What Kind of White Chocolate Bar Should I Use?

I use the Ghirardelli or Baker’s brand of white chocolate baking bars. You will find them in the baking aisle, usually on the top shelf, above the bags of chocolate chips. Another option is to use a white chocolate candy bar (like the Lindt brand) in the equivalent size. I don’t recommend using white chocolate chips because they are usually not pure white chocolate (like the baking bars are), which will affect the taste slightly, and they tend to burn quicker and faster in the oven.

🍓More Strawberry Desserts

• Strawberry Icebox Cake
• Strawberry Shortcake Cookies
• Strawberry Lemonade Cake
• Strawberry Cake Mix Cookies
• Strawberry Lemon Blondies
• Chocolate Strawberry Cream Pie
• Easy Strawberry Cake (Fresh Strawberries + Cake Mix)
• Strawberry Tres Leches Cake (With Fresh Strawberries)