Strawberry Earthquake Cake Recipe Card Recipe
If you have a soft spot for classic, crowd-pleasing desserts that bring layers of flavor and texture to the table, then this Strawberry Earthquake Cake Recipe Card is sure to become your new favorite. Imagine a moist yellow cake infused with luscious strawberry pie filling and fresh strawberries, all crowned with a smooth strawberry cream cheese glaze that gently drips into the crevices as it bakes—a true “earthquake” of flavors and colors that will make every bite unforgettable. It’s not only a dessert but also a conversation starter, perfect for family gatherings or a sweet treat after dinner.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Keeping this Strawberry Earthquake Cake Recipe Card simple yet spectacular requires just a handful of ingredients. Each one plays an essential role in balancing sweetness, texture, and that irresistible strawberry flavor that makes this cake so special.
- Yellow cake mix: Provides a tender and fluffy base that soaks up all the strawberry goodness perfectly.
- Eggs, oil, and water: Standard cake mix requirements that keep your batter moist and rich.
- Strawberry pie filling (21 oz can): Offers that iconic sweet and slightly tart strawberry punch that’s the heart of the cake.
- Fresh strawberries (1–2 cups, chopped): Adds fresh texture and bursts of natural strawberry flavor.
- Cream cheese (8 oz, softened): Creates a luscious, tangy glaze that complements the sweetness beautifully.
- Strawberry preserves or jam (1/3 cup): Intensifies the strawberry flavor in the glaze with a perfect hint of sweetness.
- Milk or whipped topping (1–2 tbsp): Lightens the glaze for easy drizzling and a silky finish.
- Optional whipped topping or ice cream: For serving and adding an extra creamy indulgence.
How to Make Strawberry Earthquake Cake Recipe Card
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Pan
The first step is all about setting yourself up for success. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s at the perfect temperature when your cake goes in. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish well so your cake doesn’t stick, making cleanup easier and ensuring the slices come out beautifully.
Step 2: Mix the Cake Batter
Follow the instructions on your yellow cake mix box, which usually involves combining the mix with eggs, oil, and water. Whisk everything until smooth—this simple batter is the base upon which all your strawberry magic will happen.
Step 3: Pour Batter and Add Strawberry Pie Filling
Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pan. Next, spoon the strawberry pie filling over the top in dollops; don’t worry about being perfect. Use a knife to gently swirl the filling into the batter. This step creates that marbled, “earthquake” effect inside the cake that gives this recipe its charming and unique personality.
Step 4: Sprinkle Fresh Strawberries
Scatter the chopped fresh strawberries evenly over the pie filling. These little gems add a juicy bite and fresh strawberry notes that set this cake apart from ordinary desserts.
Step 5: Whisk and Drizzle the Cream Cheese Glaze
In a small bowl, whisk together softened cream cheese, strawberry preserves, and milk (or whipped topping) until smooth and creamy. The glaze is where tanginess meets sweetness in perfect harmony. Drizzle this mixture generously over the cake, letting it sink and swirl with the other layers.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Bake your masterpiece for 40 to 45 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the edges turn golden brown and the center is mostly set but still wonderfully moist. Resist the urge to overbake—this cake thrives on a tender, slightly gooey crumb.
Step 7: Cool and Garnish
Once out of the oven, allow your Strawberry Earthquake Cake Recipe Card to cool slightly. Top with extra fresh strawberries and a swirl of whipped topping if you like, for that extra wow factor when serving.
How to Serve Strawberry Earthquake Cake Recipe Card
Garnishes
Bringing this cake to life never gets old. Fresh strawberry slices, dollops of whipped cream, or even a dusting of powdered sugar all add an elevated finishing touch. You can even drizzle with a bit of extra strawberry jam warmed slightly to create a glossy, inviting look.
Side Dishes
This cake stands beautifully on its own but pairs wonderfully with simple sides like creamy vanilla ice cream or a light fruit salad. These options balance the cake’s rich sweetness with refreshing contrasts, turning your dessert into a full sensory experience.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re feeling playful, serve the cake in glass parfait dishes, layering it with more fresh strawberries and whipped cream for a deconstructed earthquake look. Alternatively, cut it into small squares for a festive dessert platter or to pack in lunchboxes for a sweet surprise.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your leftovers fresh by covering the cake tightly with plastic wrap or placing it in an airtight container. Refrigerate and enjoy within 3 to 4 days for the best taste and texture—this cake stays moist and flavorful, making it perfect for snacking days after baking.
Freezing
You can freeze slices of this strawberry delight wrapped individually in plastic wrap and foil to preserve freshness. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw them overnight in the fridge. The Strawberry Earthquake Cake Recipe Card freezes very well, allowing you to enjoy that strawberry goodness anytime.
Reheating
If you prefer your cake slightly warm, reheat in the microwave for about 15 seconds or in a low oven until just warmed through. This brings back the gooey, indulgent feel as if it just came out of the oven.
FAQs
Can I use homemade strawberry filling instead of canned?
Absolutely! Fresh homemade strawberry filling can add a fantastic, natural flavor that elevates the cake even further. Just ensure it has enough syrupy consistency to swirl nicely without making the cake too wet.
Is it necessary to use cream cheese in the glaze?
The cream cheese adds a lovely tang and creamy texture that balances the sweetness of the cake and strawberries. You can experiment with mascarpone or even Greek yogurt for a lighter version, but cream cheese is truly the classic choice.
Can this cake be made gluten-free?
Yes! Use a gluten-free yellow cake mix and ensure your pie filling and preserves are gluten-free as well. The strawberry glaze and fresh strawberries naturally don’t contain gluten, so this recipe is easy to adapt.
What if I don’t have fresh strawberries on hand?
If fresh strawberries aren’t in season, frozen strawberries are a good substitute after they have been thawed and drained to avoid excess moisture. They still add lovely flavor and texture to your cake.
How do I avoid the cake getting soggy with all the strawberry topping?
Swirling and layering are key to preventing sogginess. By gently swirling the pie filling and adding fresh strawberries on top rather than mixing them fully into the batter, you create distinct pockets of moisture that bake without saturating the entire cake.
Final Thoughts
This Strawberry Earthquake Cake Recipe Card has everything you could want in a dessert—moist cake, bold strawberry flavor, creamy glaze, and that gorgeous homemade look that impresses without stress. I wholeheartedly encourage you to give it a try soon. Once you do, this cake will happily take center stage at your dessert table and stay in your heart as a personal favorite.
Print
Strawberry Earthquake Cake Recipe Card Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Strawberry Earthquake Cake is a luscious, moist yellow cake swirled with strawberry pie filling and fresh strawberries, topped with a creamy strawberry glaze made from cream cheese and strawberry preserves. Perfect as a dessert for spring and summer gatherings, this cake combines the convenience of a boxed cake mix with fresh fruit and a rich, tangy topping to deliver a stunning and delicious treat that’s sure to impress.
Ingredients
Cake Base
- 1 box yellow cake mix
- Ingredients required on the cake mix box (typically oil, water, and 3 eggs)
Filling and Toppings
- 1 can strawberry pie filling (21 oz)
- 1–2 cups fresh strawberries, chopped
Strawberry Glaze
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/3 cup strawberry preserves or jam
- 1–2 tbsp milk or whipped topping
Optional
- Additional whipped topping or ice cream for serving
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish thoroughly to prevent sticking.
- Make Cake Batter: Prepare the yellow cake batter according to the instructions on the box, which usually requires adding oil, water, and eggs.
- Pour Batter: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out smoothly.
- Add Strawberry Pie Filling: Spoon the entire can of strawberry pie filling evenly over the surface of the cake batter. Use a knife to gently swirl the filling into the batter for a marbled effect.
- Add Fresh Strawberries: Scatter the chopped fresh strawberries evenly over the pie filling and batter layer.
- Make the Strawberry Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the softened cream cheese, strawberry preserves, and milk (or whipped topping) until smooth and creamy.
- Drizzle Glaze: Drizzle the prepared strawberry cream cheese glaze evenly over the top of the cake mixture.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 40–45 minutes until the edges are golden brown and the center is mostly set but still slightly jiggly.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the cake to cool slightly in the pan. For extra indulgence, top with fresh strawberries and a dollop of whipped topping or serve alongside ice cream.
Notes
- You can adjust the amount of fresh strawberries according to your preference for more or less fruit.
- For a richer glaze, use full-fat cream cheese and whole milk or heavy cream.
- To make cleanup easier, line the baking dish with parchment paper before greasing.
- This cake is best served the same day but can be refrigerated for up to 2 days.
- Warm the cake slightly before serving if refrigerated to soften the cream cheese glaze.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/12 of cake)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 44g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: Strawberry Earthquake Cake, strawberry cake, yellow cake with strawberry, cream cheese glaze, fruity dessert, easy cake recipe
