You know those moments when you take a bite of something so delicious that you can’t help but close your eyes and let out an audible sigh of contentment? That’s exactly how I feel about Strawberry Earthquake Cake! This cake is a delightful combination of fresh strawberries, rich cream cheese, and fluffy cake mix, topped with a beautiful glaze that’s nothing short of miraculous. It’s a dessert that not only tantalizes your taste buds but also brings back sweet memories of summer picnics with my family.
I remember the first time I made this cake; I was trying to impress a friend who was coming over, and I honestly could not decide between strawberry shortcake and a classic poke cake. Then it hit me – why not combine the two? The result exploded (figuratively, of course) with flavor and texture, and I’ve been making it ever since. So, let’s dive into this fantastic Strawberry Earthquake Cake that will have everyone asking for seconds!
What’s in Strawberry Earthquake Cake?
Strawberries: Fresh, juicy strawberries are the star of this dessert. I love using ripe strawberries, as they provide a natural sweetness that shines through. If strawberries are out of season, frozen ones will work in a pinch, but be sure to thaw and drain them well.
Cream Cheese: This luscious cream adds a smooth texture and a rich flavor that complements the strawberries beautifully. I prefer using full-fat cream cheese for the best flavor.
Cake Mix: The base of this cake comes from a simple yellow cake mix. It’s the ultimate time-saver and allows for an easy and delightful outcome. I usually grab a brand that doesn’t have too many artificial additives.
Sugar: We all know that a little sugar is necessary for sweetness! Granulated sugar enhances the flavor, bringing out the natural sweetness of the strawberries.
Eggs: The eggs help bind the ingredients together and provide moisture, creating a fluffy texture that everyone will love.
Powdered Sugar: This sweet and fine sugar is used for the glaze, giving it a smooth consistency that makes it a delightful topping.
Is Strawberry Earthquake Cake Good for You?
Now, let’s talk about the nutrition bit. I mean, it’s cake, so we won’t pretend it’s a kale salad, right? But here’s the scoop:
Strawberries: Packed with vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants, strawberries are definitely a healthy choice! They’re low in calories and can contribute to heart health.
Cream Cheese: While delicious, cream cheese is high in fat, so it’s good to keep portion sizes in check. That said, it does add protein and calcium!
Overall, this Strawberry Earthquake Cake can fit into a balanced diet if you enjoy it in moderation. And let’s be real – it’s a dessert, and life is too short not to enjoy dessert!
Ingredients
– 1 box yellow cake mix
– 3 large eggs
– 1 cup water
– 1 cup fresh strawberries, sliced
– 8 oz cream cheese, softened
– 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
*Serves: 12*
How to Make Strawberry Earthquake Cake?
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan.
2. In a bowl, mix the cake mix with water and eggs until just combined. Be careful not to over-mix; a few lumps are okay.
3. Pour half of the batter into the prepared baking pan.
4. In another bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
5. Drop spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture over the batter. It doesn’t have to be perfect; it will “earthquake” as it bakes!
6. Top the cream cheese with the remaining batter, and then sprinkle the sliced strawberries and granulated sugar evenly on top.
7. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
8. Allow it to cool slightly before drizzling with more powdered sugar mixed with a splash of milk to make a glaze, if desired.
Extra Tasty Tips & Variations
You can totally take this cake to the next level! Here are a few fun variations and tips:
– **Berry Medley:** Swap out strawberries for other berries like blueberries or raspberries. The colorful mix will make it even more visually appealing.
– **Drizzle Delight:** For added decadence, drizzle some chocolate or caramel sauce on top after glazing.
– **Less Sweet:** If you’re not crazy about super sweet desserts, cut down a bit on the sugar in the glaze; the cake’s natural flavors will still shine through.
This Strawberry Earthquake Cake is sure to be a hit, whether for birthdays, family gatherings, or just a cozy night in! I hope you give it a try, and when you do, I’d love to hear all about your experience – your version might just inspire me to try something new! Happy baking!