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Strawberry Earthquake Cake

A delicious and visually stunning cake featuring swirls of cream cheese and strawberry glaze, perfect for potlucks and parties.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 12 servings
Course: Cake, Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American
Calories: 320
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Cake ingredients
  • 1 box strawberry cake mix (plus the oil, eggs, and water called for on the box)
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup powdered (confectioners’) sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 cup fresh strawberries, mashed (about 6–8 medium berries)
  • 1/3 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp water (slurry)
  • Fresh strawberries to taste for garnish
  • Drizzle of white chocolate (optional)

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
  2. Prepare the strawberry cake mix according to the box directions (usually eggs, oil, and water). Mix until smooth but do not overbeat. Pour the batter into the prepared dish and spread evenly.
  3. In a medium bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth and lump-free.
  4. Drop spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture over the cake batter in a scattering pattern.
  5. Use a butter knife to gently swirl the cream cheese into the batter, keeping the 'earthquake' effect.
Baking
  1. Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the top is set and a toothpick inserted near the center comes out mostly clean.
  2. While the cake bakes, make the glaze: combine the mashed strawberries, granulated sugar, and lemon juice in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir until the sugar dissolves and the mixture simmers.
  3. Stir in the cornstarch slurry and simmer 1–2 minutes until the glaze thickens slightly.
  4. Let the cake cool for 10–15 minutes, then spoon or drizzle the strawberry glaze over the top.
Serving
  1. Garnish with sliced fresh strawberries and optional white chocolate drizzle.

Notes

For a lighter version, use reduced-fat cream cheese or Greek yogurt blended with a little cream cheese. Use thawed frozen strawberries, but drain excess liquid first if fresh strawberries aren’t available.