- All About Strawberry Earthquake Cake
- Strawberry Earthquake Cake Ingredients
- How To Make Strawberry Earthquake Cake
- How To Serve Strawberry Earthquake Cake
- How To Store Strawberry Earthquake Cake
- Common Questions
- Give This Wunderkind Cake a Whirl
strawberry earthquake cake is my not-so-secret weapon when I want to wow friends but really, I want to keep things ridiculously easy. Ever spend all afternoon wrestling with blender buttons and still not get that five-star restaurant look, only to realize you just wanted something simple? Yeah, same. With strawberry earthquake cake, mess is the point, not the problem. It’s got oozy strawberry bits and a craggy top, and if you’re eyeing other fun strawberry creations, don’t miss this chocolate-strawberry cake or maybe some fun in the sun with this strawberry shortcake ice cream—oh wow, summers, right? But let’s focus on strawberry earthquake cake now: easy, cheerful chaos in a pan.

All About Strawberry Earthquake Cake
Let me level with you—nobody’s gonna hand you a blue ribbon for neatness with this dessert. And that’s honestly the fun part. If you’ve never heard of strawberry earthquake cake, you’re missing out on a colorful, bumpy, silly-looking slice of pure strawberry joy. Picture gooey pockets from the cream cheese and strawberries doing their thing, all wrapped up in a moist cake base. Wild, right?
Folks sometimes get intimidated by scratch cakes. Save yourself the headache! This one uses a boxed cake mix, and it ends up looking like a fancy bakery treat anyway. You pour, you swirl, you bake, and boom—craters, strawberry streaks, all that drama. It’s the kind of thing that makes people say, “How’d you do that?” (I never confess how easy it is.)
Honestly, the best part is when you slice into it and everyone gasps. It’s a dessert that celebrates the messy moments. If you love strawberry-forward bakes, check out this strawberry pound cake or go green and wild with strawberry matcha cake. For now, though, we’re diving deep into this strawberry earthquake cake magic.
Strawberry Earthquake Cake Ingredients
Here’s my “just-get-it-done” groceries list for this beauty. Nothing weird. Nothing that’ll make you stand in the store, scratching your head.
- 1 box strawberry cake mix (your fave brand is just fine)
- 1/2 cup oil
- 1 cup water
- 3 large eggs
- 1 1/2 cups diced fresh strawberries (frozen works too if you’re feeling lazy or they’re out of season)
- 1 (8 oz) brick of cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup white chocolate chips (completely optional, I usually go wild and toss some in)
If you want to go off script—try swapping in blueberries or even raspberries for a different quake. But why mess with a classic, huh?

How To Make Strawberry Earthquake Cake
So, this part is weirdly fun. Don’t stress about technique—seriously, I make more mess than a puppy in mud and it always works out.
First off, get your oven cranking up to 350°F (that’s 180°C if you’re fancy). Grease a big ol’ 9×13 pan. In a bowl, mix the cake mix, oil, water, and eggs. Don’t overthink it—just get it smooth and happy.
Pour that cake batter into your pan but don’t bang on the pan too hard (I’ve made that mistake, splatters everywhere). Sprinkle diced strawberries right on top.
Now, in another bowl, beat the cream cheese, powdered sugar, butter, and vanilla till it’s creamy and you kind of want to eat it with a spoon. Dollop that glorious mixture over the cake. Try for random blobs, because nature doesn’t do neat.
Swirl it up with a butter knife. Get crazy! Then, if you’re feeling wild, sprinkle on the white chocolate chips.
Pop it in the oven and bake for around 40-ish minutes, give or take. Toothpick should come out with maybe a crumb or two (not goopy, though).
Let it cool a bit. And… yeah, that’s it. No secret handshake needed.
How To Serve Strawberry Earthquake Cake
I’ve learned the hard way that serving is half the fun with this treat. The best part? It looks wild no matter what, so relax if it falls onto the plate a little awkward.
Here are some killer serving suggestions:
- Warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream: Instant crowd-pleaser.
- Chilled from the fridge on a hot day: Totally refreshing, trust me.
- Just a dusting of powdered sugar: Makes it look like you tried harder than you did.
- Add a drizzle of chocolate or berry sauce: Okay, now you look like a pro.
One time, my niece decorated her slice with rainbow sprinkles. Was it over the top? Maybe. Did she eat every crumb? Oh yes.
Serving Style Temperature Extra Topping Occasion | |||
Plain | Room temp | None | Afternoon snack |
With Ice Cream | Warm | Vanilla, chocolate, or strawberry | Birthday party |
Chilled | Cold | Powdered sugar | Summer picnic |
“The first time I made strawberry earthquake cake, my family asked for seconds before I’d even sat down. It’s now my go-to for family get-togethers.” — Jess, Home Baker & Strawberry Fanatic
How To Store Strawberry Earthquake Cake
This cake is honestly magical even after chilling overnight. Cover it tightly (plastic wrap over the pan does the trick) and stash in the fridge. It’ll stay fresh for up to four days—if you don’t sneak a piece every time you pass by.
Freezing? Totally doable. I slice it up and freeze individual portions. Later, let them defrost in the fridge for a few hours. The cream cheese bits make it a bit softer when thawed, so don’t be alarmed if things look a little wonky.
Honestly, it almost tastes better the second day. Must be kitchen fairy magic or something. Your midnight snack game just leveled up.
Give This Wunderkind Cake a Whirl
So next time you need something to impress (or maybe you just want cake on a Tuesday) go for this epic strawberry earthquake cake. The gooey strawberry bits, creamy pockets, and awesome looks make it a regular in my family lineup. If you’re loving all things strawberry, don’t miss this Strawberry Earthquake Cake bursting with strawberries or this twist on Strawberry Cheesecake Cake (Earthquake Cake). And if you ever want to jump back into strawberry wonderland, try a wild strawberry matcha cake or just kick back with a slice of strawberry pound cake. Trust me: one slice and you’ll be hooked for life.
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Strawberry Earthquake Cake
Ingredients
Cake Ingredients
- 1 box strawberry cake mix Your favorite brand
- ½ cup oil
- 1 cup water
- 3 large eggs
- 1 ½ cups diced fresh strawberries Frozen works too if out of season
Cream Cheese Swirl
- 1 8 oz brick of cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ⅓ cup white chocolate chips Optional
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C) and grease a 9×13 pan.
- In a bowl, mix the strawberry cake mix, oil, water, and eggs until smooth.
- Pour the cake batter into the prepared pan and sprinkle diced strawberries on top.
- In another bowl, beat the cream cheese, powdered sugar, melted butter, and vanilla until creamy.
- Dollop the cream cheese mixture over the cake batter randomly and swirl with a butter knife.
- Sprinkle white chocolate chips on top if desired.
Baking
- Bake in the preheated oven for around 40 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out with crumbs, not goopy.
- Let the cake cool before serving.
Notes
Nutrition
FAQ about strawberry earthquake cake
Why is it called an earthquake cake?
It’s called an earthquake cake because of the way it looks after baking—cracked, gooey, and uneven—like an edible “earthquake.” The layers shift during baking, creating pockets of cream cheese, strawberries, and cake that bubble up and break through the surface, giving it a messy, deliciously chaotic look.
Does strawberry earthquake cake need to be refrigerated?
Yes, strawberry earthquake cake should be refrigerated due to the cream cheese in the recipe. Let it cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4–5 days. You can enjoy it cold or slightly warmed.
Does Dollar Tree carry strawberry cake mix?
Dollar Tree occasionally stocks strawberry cake mix from brands like Betty Crocker or Pillsbury, but availability varies by location. It’s best to check your local store or order online if you’re planning a recipe in advance.
Why add Sprite to cake mix?
Sprite (or any lemon-lime soda) can make cake mix lighter and fluffier by replacing eggs and oil while still providing moisture and lift. In some strawberry cake recipes, it also enhances the fruity flavor and gives the cake a soft, tender crumb.