Strawberry Earthquake Cake

Name: Strawberry Earthquake Cake
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 240 min
Ingredients: 2 cups All-purpose flour (spooned and leveled); 1.5 cups Granulated sugar; 1 tbsp Baking powder; 1 tsp Baking soda; 1 tsp Vanilla extract; 0.5 cup Unsalted butter (softened, room temperature); 3 large Eggs (room temperature); 8 oz Cream cheese (softened, room temperature); 1 cup Powdered sugar (for cream cheese mixture); 2 cups Whipped cream (chilled, store-bought or homemade); 2 cups Fresh strawberries (diced or sliced, washed and hulled)

Delicious Strawberry Earthquake Cake topped with fresh strawberries and cream

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Creamy, juicy, and instantly crowd-pleasing, Strawberry Earthquake Cake is the kind of dessert that makes every celebration feel a little sweeter. With a tender cake base layered under a strawberry cream cheese filling and topped with fluffy whipped cream, this dessert is equal parts comforting and exciting — the perfect make-ahead treat for parties or a simple family weekend dessert. Fun fact: many people first try this as a potluck favorite and end up bringing it to every get-together after that.

This recipe is special because it’s surprisingly simple to assemble, requires everyday pantry ingredients, and yields a dessert that looks and tastes like you spent hours on it. If you love classic layered desserts, you’ll recognize the same winning combination of cream cheese and fresh fruit as in our classic Earthquake Cake, which inspired this version and is a great companion read for technique tips at classic Earthquake Cake. Ready to dive in? Let’s get baking — your friends and family will thank you.

What is Strawberry Earthquake Cake?

Why call it an earthquake cake — did it rumble into existence? The name is playful: imagine a soft cake “cracked” under a luscious, pillowy strawberry cream layer that lands messy and glorious on top. Curious? Who wouldn’t be? Is it dramatic? Maybe. Delicious? Absolutely. Legend has it that the cake “shakes up” ordinary desserts with its combination of cake, tangy cream cheese, and bright strawberries — and as the old saying goes, “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach.” Ready to try something fun and unforgettable? Give this recipe a whirl and see why it steals the spotlight.

Why You’ll Love This

This cake is irresistible for three big reasons:

Show-stopping texture and flavor: A soft, buttery cake base meets a silky cream cheese and whipped cream filling studded with fresh strawberries for a delightful contrast of tender crumb and creamy fruitiness.
Budget-friendly and efficient: Made with common ingredients you likely already have, it’s much cheaper than buying a fancy bakery cake and easier than assembling multiple components from scratch.
Versatile toppings: Fresh strawberries, extra whipped cream, or a drizzle of strawberry sauce can elevate the cake for any occasion — birthdays, potlucks, or simple family desserts.

If you enjoyed our richer bar-style desserts, you might also like the lighter flair of our Golden Oreo Strawberry Cheesecake Bars recipe for another strawberry-forward option at Golden Oreo Strawberry Cheesecake Bars recipe. Now grab your mixing bowls — this one’s calling your name.

How to Make:

Quick Overview

This Strawberry Earthquake Cake is easy, fast, and satisfying. The batter mixes in one bowl, bakes into a tender sheet cake, and the filling whips up in minutes. The standout element is the creamy strawberry-cream cheese layer that settles into the cake as it cools — creating the “earthquake” effect that gives the dessert its fun name. Prep time: about 20 minutes. Bake time: 25–30 minutes. Chill time: at least 4 hours or overnight.

Ingredients

2 cups All-purpose flour (spooned and leveled)
1.5 cups Granulated sugar
0.5 cup Unsalted butter, softened (room temperature)
3 large Eggs (room temperature)
1 tbsp Baking powder
1 tsp Baking soda
1 tsp Vanilla extract
8 oz Cream cheese, softened (room temperature)
2 cups Whipped cream, chilled (store-bought or homemade)
1 cup Powdered sugar (for cream cheese mixture)
2 cups Fresh strawberries, diced or sliced (washed and hulled)

Directions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray and set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups all-purpose flour and 1.5 cups granulated sugar. Add 0.5 cup softened unsalted butter, 3 large eggs, 1 tablespoon baking powder, 1 teaspoon baking soda, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Beat with a hand mixer or stand mixer on medium until batter is smooth and no lumps remain, scraping the bowl once or twice.
Pour the batter evenly into the prepared 9×13-inch dish and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the cake springs back lightly when touched.
While the cake bakes, prepare the filling. In a separate bowl, beat 8 ounces softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Gradually add 1 cup powdered sugar and continue beating until fluffy and fully incorporated.
Gently fold in 2 cups chilled whipped cream into the sweetened cream cheese until well combined. Add 2 cups fresh strawberries (diced or sliced) and fold carefully so the berries stay intact and distribute evenly.
When the cake is done, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool completely in the pan. Cooling is essential so the filling sets without melting into the warm cake.
Once cooled, spread the strawberry cream cheese filling evenly over the top of the cake. Cover the pan and chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or overnight to let the layers set and flavors meld.
Before serving, optionally top with additional whipped cream and fresh strawberry slices for decoration. Slice and serve chilled for the best texture and presentation.

Strawberry Earthquake Cake

What to Serve With

Fresh fruit salad or a simple mixed berry compote to double down on fruity flavors.
A tall glass of iced tea or lemon-infused water to balance sweetness.
Vanilla ice cream or a light mascarpone cream for extra creaminess.
For brunch, pair with a green salad tossed in a citrus vinaigrette to contrast richness.

Top Tips for Perfecting

Ingredient temperatures: Bring eggs and cream cheese to room temperature for smoother mixing and no lumps.
Strawberries: Use ripe, firm strawberries for the best texture and flavor; too many juices will thin the filling.
Whipped cream: If using homemade whipped cream, beat to soft peaks before folding to keep the filling light and airy.
Chilling: Don’t skip the chilling step — the cake firms up and slices cleanly after refrigeration.
Common mistake: Spreading the filling over a warm cake will make it runny. Allow the cake to cool completely.

Storing and Reheating Tips

Refrigerator: Store covered in the fridge for up to 3–4 days. Keep it chilled to maintain texture.
Freezing: You can freeze slices in an airtight container for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.
Reheating: Serve cold or at room temperature — reheating is not recommended because the whipped cream and fresh strawberries are best chilled.

FAQs

What if I don’t have fresh strawberries?
You can use thawed frozen strawberries, but drain excess liquid well and pat dry to avoid a watery filling.

Can I make the cake ahead of time?
Yes — make it the day before or 24 hours ahead. Chilling overnight actually improves the flavor and texture.

Is there a non-dairy option?
Swap cream cheese for a vegan cream cheese and use dairy-free whipped topping. Note texture may vary slightly.

Can I use a different berry?
Absolutely. Blueberries, raspberries, or a mixed berry medley work well. Adjust sugar if berries are tart.

How do I get clean slices when serving?
Use a sharp knife warmed under hot water, wipe between slices, and cut with a gentle sawing motion.

Conclusion

Strawberry Earthquake Cake is a wonderfully simple, crowd-pleasing dessert that delivers big on flavor, texture, and visual appeal without a lot of fuss. It’s easy enough for weeknight baking and special enough for celebrations — a true winner for families or potlucks. If you want to see another popular variation and inspiration for assembly, check out this detailed recipe for Strawberry Cheesecake Cake (Earthquake Cake) for additional tips and photos. Give this recipe a try, share it with loved ones, and enjoy the happy rumble of compliments.