Get ready for a dessert that’s about to shake up your tastebuds! This Strawberry Earthquake Cake is pure bliss, and I’m SO excited to share the recipe with you! It’s surprisingly simple and absolutely divine.
**Strawberry Earthquake Cake**
This cake gets its name from the “earthquake” effect the cream cheese and strawberry filling creates as it bakes, swirling into the cake for a wonderfully moist and delicious finish.
**Yields:** 12-16 servings
**Prep time:** 20 minutes
**Bake time:** 30-35 minutes
**Ingredients:**
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**For the Cake:**
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* 1 box (15.25 oz) strawberry cake mix
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* Ingredients as listed on the cake mix box (typically 3 large eggs, 1/3 cup vegetable oil, 1 cup water)
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* **For the “Earthquake” Filling:**
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* 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
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* 1/2 cup powdered sugar
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* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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* 1 jar (10-12 oz) strawberry preserves or jam
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* **Optional Topping:**
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* Fresh strawberries for garnish
**Instructions:**
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**Preheat & Prep:** Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan.
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2. **Make the Cake Batter:** In a large bowl, combine the strawberry cake mix with the eggs, oil, and water as directed on the cake mix box. Mix until the batter is smooth and well combined.
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3. **Pour Batter:** Pour the cake batter evenly into the prepared baking pan.
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4. **Prepare the Filling:** In a separate medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar together until smooth and creamy. Stir in the vanilla extract.
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5. **Add the “Earthquake”:** Dollop spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture all over the cake batter. Then, spoon dollops of the strawberry preserves evenly over the cream cheese.
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6. **Create the Swirls:** Using a butter knife or a skewer, gently swirl the cream cheese and preserves into the cake batter. Don’t overmix; you want those distinct ribbons of goodness!
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7. **Bake:** Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean (avoiding the gooey pockets). The cake should be golden brown around the edges.
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8. **Cool:** Let the cake cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before slicing and serving.
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9. **Serve:** Garnish with fresh strawberries if desired. Enjoy this delightful explosion of strawberry and cream cheese goodness!
