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Strawberry Earthquake Cake with Cream Cheese Swirl

Close-up of a square slice of Strawberry Earthquake Cake with Cream Cheese Swirl showing the moist yellow cake base and pink/white swirled topping.

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Follow this guide to bake a moist strawberry cake featuring a rich, gooey center and a distinct cream cheese swirl pattern.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 box (15.25 ounces) white cake mix
  • 1 cup water
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 package (3 ounces) strawberry gelatin mix
  • 1 cup boiling water
  • 1 cup cold water
  • 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup fresh or frozen strawberries, sliced

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan.
  2. In a large bowl, combine the cake mix, 1 cup water, 1/2 cup oil, and 4 eggs. Mix on low speed until just combined, then beat on medium speed for two minutes. Pour the batter into the prepared pan.
  3. In a separate bowl, dissolve the strawberry gelatin mix in 1 cup of boiling water. Stir until completely dissolved. Add 1 cup of cold water and mix well. Pour this gelatin mixture evenly over the cake batter.
  4. In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, 1/2 cup sugar, 1 egg, and vanilla extract until smooth.
  5. Drop spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture over the gelatin layer in the cake pan.
  6. Gently scatter the sliced strawberries over the top.
  7. Use a knife or skewer to gently swirl the cream cheese mixture into the layers to create a marbled effect. Do not overmix.
  8. Bake for 45 to 55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. The center will remain slightly gooey.
  9. Let the cake cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before serving.

Notes

  • For a richer flavor, use fresh strawberries instead of frozen. If using frozen, do not thaw them first.
  • If you prefer a firmer swirl, chill the cream cheese mixture slightly before swirling it into the batter.
  • This cake is best served at room temperature or slightly chilled.

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