Strawberry Earthquake Cake

Strawberry Earthquake Cake is more than just a dessert; it’s an experience. The first time I baked this cake, the aroma alone was enough to draw my entire family into the kitchen, their eyes wide with anticipation. And when it emerged from the oven, with its beautifully cracked top and the promise of gooey, fruity goodness within, it was nothing short of spectacular. The first bite? Pure bliss. The combination of the moist cake, the tangy cream cheese swirl, and the bursts of sweet strawberries is simply irresistible. It’s become a family favorite, requested at every gathering, and I’m thrilled to share this recipe with you so you can bring the same joy to your loved ones. Prepare to be amazed by the delicious simplicity and show-stopping presentation of this Strawberry Earthquake Cake – it’s truly a recipe that will rock your world!

Ingredients

• All-Purpose Flour: The foundation of our cake, providing structure and a tender crumb.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the cake and contributes to its moist texture.
• Baking Powder: A leavening agent that helps the cake rise and become light and airy.
• Salt: Enhances the flavors of all the ingredients and balances the sweetness.
• Unsalted Butter: Adds richness, flavor, and moisture to the cake. It should be melted for easy incorporation.
• Eggs: Bind the ingredients together, add richness, and contribute to the cake’s structure.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile of the cake, adding warmth and depth.
• Whole Milk: Adds moisture and helps to create a tender crumb.
• Cream Cheese: The star of the “earthquake” effect, creating a tangy and creamy swirl throughout the cake. It should be softened for smooth mixing.
• Powdered Sugar: Sweetens the cream cheese layer and provides a smooth texture.
• Sliced Strawberries: Fresh or frozen (thawed and drained) strawberries bring a burst of fruity sweetness and vibrant color to the cake.

Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan. This step is crucial for preventing the cake from sticking and ensuring easy removal after baking. Using a light-colored pan is recommended to prevent over-browning on the bottom.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. Whisking is important to evenly distribute the baking powder and salt throughout the flour, ensuring consistent leavening and flavor in the final cake.
3. Incorporate Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the melted unsalted butter, eggs, vanilla extract, and whole milk. Make sure the melted butter is not too hot, as it could cook the eggs. Whisk until the mixture is well combined and smooth.
4. Combine Wet and Dry: Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Using a spatula or wooden spoon, gently mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter at this stage. Overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in a tougher cake. A few streaks of flour are okay at this point.
5. Prepare Cream Cheese Swirl: In a separate medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar. Beat with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy. It’s essential that the cream cheese is softened to room temperature to prevent lumps and ensure a smooth, easily spreadable mixture.
6. Assemble the Cake: Pour the cake batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Dollop spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture evenly over the top of the cake batter. Don’t worry about making it perfect; the swirling action will create a beautiful marbled effect.
7. Add Strawberries: Scatter the sliced strawberries evenly over the cream cheese layer. Gently press them down slightly into the cream cheese. The strawberries will sink slightly into the cake as it bakes, creating pockets of fruity goodness.
8. Create the Earthquake Effect: Using a knife or toothpick, gently swirl the cream cheese mixture and strawberries into the cake batter. Don’t over-swirl; you want to create a marbled effect rather than completely blending the layers. This swirling is what gives the cake its signature “earthquake” cracks and unique appearance.
9. Bake to Perfection: Bake in the preheated oven for 40-50 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. The baking time may vary depending on your oven, so it’s important to check for doneness using a skewer test. The top of the cake should be golden brown, and the edges should be slightly pulling away from the sides of the pan.
10. Cool Completely: Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Allowing the cake to cool completely is essential before slicing and serving. This allows the cake to set and prevents it from crumbling. Cooling also enhances the flavors and makes it easier to cut clean slices.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 12

Calories per serving: Approximately 350-450 calories (Note: Calories can vary based on specific ingredient brands and strawberry quantity).

• Total Fat: 18-25g
• Saturated Fat: 10-15g
• Cholesterol: 80-100mg

(Note: These are estimated nutritional values and may vary. For precise nutritional information, use a nutrition calculator with the specific brands and quantities of ingredients used.)

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 20-25 minutes

Bake Time: 40-50 minutes

Total Time: Approximately 1 hour 5 minutes – 1 hour 15 minutes

This Strawberry Earthquake Cake is surprisingly quick and easy to prepare, perfect for both novice and experienced bakers. The majority of the time is spent baking, allowing you to relax or prepare other parts of your meal or gathering while the delicious aroma fills your kitchen. The active hands-on time is minimal, making it a fantastic choice for a delicious dessert without spending hours in the kitchen.

How to Serve

This Strawberry Earthquake Cake is incredibly versatile and can be served in a variety of ways to suit any occasion. Here are some delightful serving suggestions:

• Classic Slice: Enjoy a simple slice of the cake as is. The flavors are perfectly balanced on their own, making it a satisfying dessert without any fuss.
• Whipped Cream Delight: Top each slice with a dollop of freshly whipped cream. The light and airy whipped cream complements the richness of the cake and the tanginess of the cream cheese, creating a delightful textural contrast.
• Strawberry Sauce Drizzle: Drizzle warm or cold strawberry sauce over the cake slices. This intensifies the strawberry flavor and adds an extra layer of sweetness and moisture. Homemade strawberry sauce is especially delicious, but a good quality store-bought sauce works wonderfully too.
• Fresh Strawberry Garnish: Garnish each slice with a few fresh strawberry slices. This enhances the visual appeal and reinforces the strawberry flavor. You can also add a sprig of mint for a touch of freshness and color.
• Ice Cream Pairing: Serve warm slices of the cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or strawberry ice cream. The warm cake and cold ice cream create a delightful temperature contrast, and the flavors complement each other beautifully.
• Coffee or Tea Accompaniment: Pair a slice of Strawberry Earthquake Cake with a cup of hot coffee or tea. The cake’s sweetness balances the bitterness of coffee, and the warm beverages enhance the comforting flavors of the cake.
• Brunch Treat: Serve smaller squares of the cake as part of a brunch spread. It’s a delightful sweet addition to savory brunch items and is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
• Potluck Dessert: This cake is perfect for potlucks and gatherings because it’s easy to transport and serves a crowd. Its impressive appearance and delicious taste make it a guaranteed hit.

Additional Tips for the Perfect Earthquake Cake

To ensure your Strawberry Earthquake Cake turns out perfectly every time, here are some additional tips and tricks:

1. Use Room Temperature Ingredients: For the cream cheese layer, make sure your cream cheese is softened to room temperature. This will ensure a smooth and lump-free mixture that is easy to spread and swirl. Similarly, using room temperature eggs helps them emulsify better into the batter, resulting in a more cohesive and tender cake.
2. Don’t Overmix the Batter: Overmixing the cake batter can lead to a tough cake. Mix the wet and dry ingredients until just combined. A few streaks of flour are okay. Once the wet and dry ingredients are combined, gentle mixing is key to maintaining a tender crumb.
3. Adjust Sugar to Strawberry Sweetness: The sweetness of strawberries can vary depending on the season and ripeness. If your strawberries are particularly sweet, you might consider slightly reducing the granulated sugar in the cake batter. Conversely, if they are tart, you might want to keep the sugar amount as is.
4. Fresh vs. Frozen Strawberries: Fresh strawberries are ideal for their vibrant flavor and texture. However, frozen strawberries can also be used if thawed and thoroughly drained. Make sure to drain frozen strawberries well to prevent excess moisture from making the cake soggy. Tossing them with a tablespoon of flour before adding them to the cake can also help absorb excess moisture.
5. Customize with Other Fruits: While this is a Strawberry Earthquake Cake, you can experiment with other fruits. Blueberries, raspberries, or a mix of berries would also work beautifully. Consider seasonal fruits for variations throughout the year. Peaches or blackberries could be delicious alternatives.
6. Add a Hint of Lemon: A teaspoon of lemon zest or a tablespoon of lemon juice in the cake batter or cream cheese layer can brighten the flavors and complement the sweetness of the strawberries. The acidity of lemon enhances the overall taste profile and adds a touch of freshness.
7. Check for Doneness Early: Start checking for doneness around 40 minutes of baking time. Ovens can vary, and it’s better to slightly underbake than overbake the cake. A skewer inserted into the center should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs attached, but not wet batter.
8. Cool Completely Before Slicing: Patience is key! Let the cake cool completely in the pan before attempting to slice it. This allows the cake to set properly and prevents it from crumbling when cut. Cooling also allows the flavors to meld and deepen, resulting in a more delicious cake.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?

A: Yes, you can use frozen strawberries. Make sure to thaw them completely and drain off any excess liquid before adding them to the cake. Patting them dry with paper towels can also help. Tossing them with a tablespoon of flour before adding to the cake batter can further help prevent sogginess.

Q2: Can I make this cake ahead of time?

A: Absolutely! Strawberry Earthquake Cake is a great make-ahead dessert. You can bake it a day in advance and store it covered at room temperature or in the refrigerator. If storing in the refrigerator, bring it to room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving for the best texture.

Q3: How do I store leftover Strawberry Earthquake Cake?

A: Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Refrigeration will help extend its freshness, especially if you live in a warm climate.

Q4: Can I double the recipe for a larger crowd?

A: Yes, you can easily double the recipe to bake in a larger 13×19 inch pan. You may need to slightly increase the baking time, so keep an eye on it and check for doneness with a skewer.

Q5: Can I use a different type of cream cheese?

A: Full-fat cream cheese is recommended for the best flavor and texture in the cream cheese swirl. However, you can use reduced-fat cream cheese if you prefer. Avoid using whipped cream cheese as it may not hold its shape as well during baking.

Q6: What if I don’t have vanilla extract? Can I substitute something else?

A: While vanilla extract enhances the flavor, you can substitute it with almond extract for a slightly different flavor profile, or use a different flavoring extract that complements strawberries, like lemon extract. If you don’t have any extracts, you can simply omit it; the cake will still be delicious.

Q7: My cake cracked a lot. Is that normal?

A: Yes, the “earthquake” cracks are a signature characteristic of this cake! The cracks are caused by the cream cheese layer sinking slightly and the cake rising around it. Embrace the cracks – they are part of the cake’s charm and contribute to its unique texture.

Q8: Can I add nuts to this cake?

A: Yes, you can add chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for added texture and flavor. Sprinkle about 1/2 cup of chopped nuts over the cream cheese layer along with the strawberries before baking. Toasting the nuts beforehand can enhance their flavor even more.

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