Description
Strawberry Earthquake Cake is a luscious and visually stunning dessert featuring layers of moist red velvet cake filled and frosted with a creamy, fluffy strawberry-cream cheese mixture and fresh strawberries. This easy-to-make cake is perfect for special occasions and strawberry lovers craving a rich yet fresh treat.
Ingredients
Scale
Cake
- 1 box red velvet cake mix
- Fresh strawberries for garnish
Filling and Frosting
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, chopped
- 1 1/4 cups strawberry preserves
- 1 (8 oz) block cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 2 1/2 cups heavy cream, whipped
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pans: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 8-inch round cake pans to prevent sticking and ensure easy cake removal.
- Bake the Cake Layers: Prepare the red velvet cake mix according to the package instructions. Divide the batter evenly among the three prepared pans. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Allow the cake layers to cool completely before assembling.
- Prepare the Cream Cheese Mixture: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, melted butter, and powdered sugar together until smooth and creamy. This forms the base of your filling and frosting.
- Fold in Whipped Cream: Gently fold the whipped heavy cream and vanilla extract into the cream cheese mixture to create a fluffy and light filling that complements the cake layers.
- Assemble First Layer: Place one cake layer on your serving plate. Spread a layer of the cream mixture evenly over the cake, followed by a generous layer of strawberry preserves and chopped fresh strawberries.
- Assemble Second Layer: Repeat the layering with the second cake layer, followed by the cream mixture, strawberry preserves, and chopped strawberries to create the signature earthquake effect.
- Add Final Layer and Frost: Top with the third cake layer. Use the remaining cream mixture to frost the entire cake smoothly.
- Decorate and Chill: Decorate the top with fresh strawberries and optionally drizzle extra strawberry preserves for added appeal. Refrigerate the cake for at least 1 hour before slicing to allow the layers to set and the flavors to meld.
Notes
- For best results, make sure the cream cheese is fully softened before mixing to avoid lumps.
- Chilling the cake helps the layers hold together and enhances slicing.
- You can substitute frozen strawberries if fresh are unavailable, but drain excess liquid before using.
- Use room temperature ingredients for better mixing and texture.
- This cake can be made a day ahead and kept refrigerated tightly covered.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Strawberry Earthquake Cake, red velvet cake, strawberry cake, cream cheese frosting, easy dessert, layered cake, strawberry preserves, fresh strawberries
