Introduction
Are you ready to indulge in a dessert that’s bursting with flavor and sweetness? This Strawberry Earthquake Cake is not just a treat for your taste buds but a feast for your eyes as well! Combining luscious strawberries with rich cream cheese and a moist, fluffy cake, this delightful creation is perfect for any celebration or simply a sweet pick-me-up at home.
Trust me, you won’t want to miss out on this decadent dessert! And if you’d love to receive more delightful recipes like this straight to your inbox, be sure to subscribe!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Strawberry Earthquake Cake is incredibly delicious and surprisingly easy to prepare. Perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, or a relaxing weekend treat, it will bring smiles to everyone’s faces. Imagine the aroma of freshly baked cake mingling with the sweet scent of strawberries wafting through your kitchen!
What makes this cake special?
- 🍓 Flavor Explosion – The perfect blend of strawberries, cream cheese, and cake batter creates a rich, indulgent treat.
- 🎂 Moist & Fluffy Texture – The combination of ingredients ensures every bite is soft and delightful.
- 🔥 Effortless Baking – Even beginner bakers can whip up this dessert without hassle.
- 💖 A Crowd Pleaser – Ideal for any occasion, from birthdays to casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Cake Batter:
- 🍓 200g fresh strawberries, sliced
- 🧈 120g unsalted butter, melted
- 🍚 150g granulated sugar
- 🥚 3 large eggs
- 🥛 240ml milk
- 🍦 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 🌾 180g all-purpose flour
- 🥄 1 tsp baking powder
- 🧂 1/2 tsp salt
Cream Cheese Swirl:
- 🧀 200g cream cheese, softened
- 🍚 100g powdered sugar
- 🥥 50g shredded coconut
Necessary Tools
- 📏 9×13 inch baking dish
- 🥣 Mixing bowls
- ⚡ Electric mixer (or whisk)
- 🥄 Measuring cups and spoons
- 🥄 Spatula
- ✅ Toothpick for testing
Ingredient Swaps and Additions
Feel free to customize this cake!
- 🍇 Swap strawberries for blueberries or raspberries for a delightful twist.
- 🍫 Chocolate Lover? Add a handful of white chocolate chips for an extra indulgence.
- 🌰 No coconut? Simply omit it or replace it with chopped nuts.
- 🍯 Lower sugar option? Use a sugar substitute or reduce the sugar quantity slightly.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1: Prepare the Oven & Dish
Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F) and grease your 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
2: Mix the Cake Batter
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter and granulated sugar. Mix until well combined.
- Beat in the eggs, one at a time, ensuring each is fully integrated before adding the next.
- Pour in the milk and vanilla extract, stirring gently.
- In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually incorporate this dry mixture into the wet ingredients until just combined—don’t overmix!
3: Prepare the Cream Cheese Mixture
- In a separate bowl, blend the softened cream cheese with powdered sugar until smooth and creamy.
4: Assemble the Cake
- Pour half of the cake batter into your prepared dish.
- Layer the sliced strawberries and cream cheese mixture evenly over the batter.
- Dollop the remaining cake batter on top.
- Sprinkle shredded coconut evenly for an extra crunchy texture.
5: Bake the Cake
Bake in your preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
6: Cool & Serve
Let the cake cool for about 10 minutes in the pan before slicing and serving!
Serving Suggestions
This Strawberry Earthquake Cake is delicious on its own, but you can elevate it even further with:
- 🍦 A scoop of vanilla ice cream
- 🍫 A drizzle of chocolate or caramel sauce
- 🍓 Fresh strawberries and mint leaves for garnish
Pro Tips for Success
- 🧀 Softened cream cheese ensures a smooth swirl—take it out of the fridge 30 minutes before using.
- 🍓 Use fresh, ripe strawberries for the best flavor.
- 🕰️ Let the cake cool completely for cleaner slices.
- 🔥 If the cake is browning too quickly, cover it loosely with foil while baking.
Storing and Reheating
Storage:
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months.
Reheating:
- Microwave: Heat individual slices for 15-20 seconds.
- Oven: Warm at 150°C (300°F) for about 10 minutes.
FAQ Section
Can I freeze the Strawberry Earthquake Cake?
Yes! Wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe container. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
Can I use frozen strawberries?
Absolutely! Just ensure they are thawed and drained to avoid excess moisture in the cake.
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes, you can bake it a day in advance. Store it in an airtight container and serve when ready.
Can I make it gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free version.
What if I don’t have a 9×13 baking dish?
You can use a similar-sized dish, but adjust the baking time accordingly.
Conclusion
In just a few simple steps, you’ve created a stunning Strawberry Earthquake Cake that’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser! Whether you’re serving it at a party or savoring it at home, this cake is sure to delight.
Don’t forget to leave your reviews, share your photos, or tag your creation on social media! Happy baking! 🍓🎂
Nutritional Information (per serving)
- Calories: 270
- Fat: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 37g
- Protein: 4g