Decadent Strawberry Earthquake Cake with Cream Cheese Swirl

Decadent Strawberry Earthquake Cake with Cream Cheese Swirl

When it comes to desserts that delight the senses, nothing beats a slice of Decadent Strawberry Earthquake Cake with Cream Cheese Swirl. Imagine a soft, luscious cake that perfectly balances sweet and tangy flavors, with the cream cheese swirl delivering a velvety, rich texture. Did you know that this indulgent treat earned its name due to the cracks and swirls that resemble earthquake damage? Much like any great dessert, its roots are steeped in fun; it’s ideal for family gatherings or cozy winter evenings, guaranteed to entice everyone. If you love our popular chocolate lava cake, then you’ll find this strawberry sensation just as irresistible, if not more!

What is Decadent Strawberry Earthquake Cake with Cream Cheese Swirl?

So, what makes the Decadent Strawberry Earthquake Cake with Cream Cheese Swirl so special? Let’s start with that catchy name! Did an earthquake actually shake it up while it baked? Or did the cream cheese swirl just decide to be rebellious? Either way, we know how the saying goes: “The way to a man’s heart is through his stomach.” So whether you’re baking for loved ones or hosting a gathering, this cake delivers on all fronts. It’s a deliciously unexpected delight, bursting with fresh strawberries and fluffy cream cheese – a combination that will have your friends asking for seconds (or thirds)!

Why You’ll Love This Decadent Strawberry Earthquake Cake with Cream Cheese Swirl

The Decadent Strawberry Earthquake Cake with Cream Cheese Swirl isn’t just a treat; it’s a true celebration. Picture this: a rich cake adorned with vibrant strawberries that practically sing summer’s praises. Cooking at home not only allows you to save on costs, but it also gives you control over the quality of ingredients, making it a satisfying endeavor! Plus, it’s so easy to throw together that even the youngest bakers can get involved. The tactile experience of mixing and pouring will have everyone engaged. And let’s not forget those delightful toppings – perhaps a dollop of fresh whipped cream or a sprinkle of mint? Treat your guests to a slice of this cake, and they’re bound to rave about it!

How to Make Decadent Strawberry Earthquake Cake with Cream Cheese Swirl

Quick Overview

What’s great about Decadent Strawberry Earthquake Cake with Cream Cheese Swirl is its remarkably simple preparation, yet it feels incredibly rewarding. With a wonderfully soft texture and an explosion of fruity flavor, this cake is ready to impress. The total prep time is about 20 minutes, plus baking, which makes it a fantastic choice for any occasion.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create this delightful dessert:

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ½ cup milk
• 1 cup fresh strawberries, diced
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• ¼ cup light brown sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Ensure you gather all these ingredients before starting for a smooth baking experience!

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish.

2. Prepare the Cream Cheese Mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, light brown sugar, and vanilla extract. Beat until smooth and creamy. Set aside.

3. Mix the Cake Batter: In a large bowl, cream the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.

4. Add the Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and baking soda. Gradually add the dry mix to the creamed mixture, alternating with the milk. Mix until just combined.

5. Fold in Strawberries: Gently fold in the diced fresh strawberries into the cake batter.

6. Layer the Batter: Pour half of the cake batter into the prepared baking dish, followed by spooning the cream cheese mixture over it, then topping with the remaining cake batter. Use a knife to swirl the cream cheese mixture lightly – but don’t overdo it!

7. Bake: Place in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

8. Cool and Serve: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 15 minutes before slicing. Serve warm or at room temperature, and enjoy!

Top Tips for Perfecting Decadent Strawberry Earthquake Cake with Cream Cheese Swirl

• Ingredient Substitutions: For a nut-free version, simply omit any nuts and be sure to use gluten-free flour if necessary.
• Timing Matters: To avoid over-baking, start checking for doneness a few minutes before the suggested baking time.
• Common Mistakes to Avoid: Ensure your ingredients are at room temperature for a better mixing outcome and to avoid lumps in the batter.

Storing and Reheating Tips

After indulging in your Decadent Strawberry Earthquake Cake with Cream Cheese Swirl, you might have some leftovers (if you’re lucky!). To keep it fresh, wrap the cake in plastic wrap or transfer slices to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. If you’d like to freeze it, slice and wrap pieces individually, then store in the freezer for up to 3 months. For reheating, pop a slice in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds to retain its soft, fluffy texture.

Embrace the rich, sweet, and creamy delight of Decadent Strawberry Earthquake Cake with Cream Cheese Swirl, and bring joy to your family gatherings with this easy and fabulous recipe! Happy baking!

Decadent Strawberry Earthquake Cake with Cream Cheese Swirl

A soft, luscious cake bursting with fresh strawberries and a rich cream cheese swirl, perfect for any occasion.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 50 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 10 minutes mins

Course cake, Dessert

Cuisine American

Servings 12 servings

Calories 320 kcal

Ingredients

  

Cake Ingredients

• 1.5 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 0.5 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 0.5 tsp baking soda
• 0.5 cup milk
• 1 cup fresh strawberries, diced

Cream Cheese Mixture

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 0.25 cup light brown sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

 

Preparation

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
• In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, light brown sugar, and vanilla extract. Beat until smooth and creamy. Set aside.

Mixing Cake Batter

• In a large bowl, cream the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy.
• Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
• In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and baking soda.
• Gradually add the dry mix to the creamed mixture, alternating with the milk. Mix until just combined.
• Gently fold in the diced fresh strawberries into the cake batter.

Baking

• Pour half of the cake batter into the prepared baking dish, followed by spooning the cream cheese mixture over it, then topping with the remaining cake batter.
• Use a knife to swirl the cream cheese mixture lightly – but don’t overdo it!
• Place in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Cooling and Serving

• Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 15 minutes before slicing.
• Serve warm or at room temperature, and enjoy!

Notes

For a nut-free version, simply omit any nuts and be sure to use gluten-free flour if necessary. To avoid over-baking, start checking for doneness a few minutes before the suggested baking time. Ensure your ingredients are at room temperature for a better mixing outcome and to avoid lumps in the batter. Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days in the refrigerator or freeze for up to 3 months.

Keyword Baking, Cream Cheese Swirl, Dessert Recipe, Earthquake Cake, Strawberry Cake