Indulge your senses with a strawberry earthquake cake, a delightful dessert that combines rich chocolate, creamy layers, and fresh strawberries. This visually stunning cake is perfect for any occasion, bringing together the sweetness of strawberries and the decadence of chocolate. Whether for a birthday, celebration, or just because, this cake will become a favorite in your household. Let’s dive into the recipe and create this showstopper!
Ingredients
– 1 box chocolate cake mix
– 1 cup water
– 1/2 cup vegetable oil
– 3 large eggs
– 1 cup fresh strawberries, diced
– 1 cup chocolate chips
– 1 package cream cheese, softened
– 1 cup powdered sugar
– 1 cup whipped cream
– Fresh strawberries for garnish
Servings and Cooking Time
This recipe yields 12 servings. Preparation time is 20 minutes, and cooking time is approximately 30-35 minutes.
Nutritional Value
Per serving (1 slice): Calories: 350, Fat: 20g, Carbohydrates: 40g, Protein: 4g. This nutritional information is based on a single slice of the cake.
Step-by-Step Cooking Process
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
2. In a large bowl, combine the chocolate cake mix, water, vegetable oil, and eggs. Mix until smooth.
3. Fold in the diced strawberries and chocolate chips into the batter.
4. Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
5. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
6. While the cake bakes, beat the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar until creamy.
7. Once the cake is cool, spread the cream cheese mixture on top.
8. Top with whipped cream and garnish with fresh strawberries.
9. Drizzle melted chocolate over the top for an extra touch.
10. Slice and serve your delicious strawberry earthquake cake!
Alternative Ingredients
You can substitute chocolate cake mix with vanilla or strawberry cake mix for a different flavor. Additionally, use dairy-free cream cheese and whipped cream for a vegan version.
Serving and Pairings
This strawberry earthquake cake pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. It also complements a cup of tea or coffee, making it a perfect dessert for gatherings.
Storage and Reheating
Store leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For longer storage, you can freeze individual slices wrapped tightly in plastic wrap for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
Cooking Mistakes
- Overmixing the batter can lead to a dense cake.
- Not greasing the baking dish properly may cause sticking.
- Ensure the cake is completely cool before frosting to avoid melting.
- Use fresh strawberries; frozen ones can make the cake soggy.
- Don’t skip the cream cheese layer—it adds essential flavor!
Helpful Tips
- For a richer flavor, add a splash of vanilla extract to the batter.
- Let the cake cool completely before adding toppings.
- Experiment with different fruits for toppings—blueberries or raspberries work well too.
- Use high-quality chocolate for the best results.
FAQs
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes, you can bake the cake a day in advance. Just store it in the refrigerator after it cools completely, and add the toppings before serving.
What can I use instead of eggs?
You can use flax eggs or applesauce as a substitute for eggs in this recipe. Use 1/4 cup of applesauce or 1 tablespoon of flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons of water per egg.
Is it possible to make this cake gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the chocolate cake mix with a gluten-free cake mix to make it gluten-free.
How do I prevent the strawberries from sinking?
Tossing the diced strawberries in a bit of flour before adding them to the batter can help them stay suspended throughout the cake.
Can I use frozen strawberries?
While fresh strawberries are recommended for best results, you can use frozen strawberries; just be sure to thaw and drain them to avoid excess moisture in the cake.
Conclusion
The strawberry earthquake cake is a delightful dessert that combines the richness of chocolate with the freshness of strawberries. With its unique flavors and textures, this cake is sure to impress your friends and family. Easy to make and visually stunning, it’s the perfect treat for any occasion. Enjoy every slice!
Strawberry Earthquake Cake
Ingredients
- 1 box chocolate cake mix
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup fresh strawberries diced
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- 1 package cream cheese softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 cup whipped cream
- Fresh strawberries for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
- In a large bowl, combine the chocolate cake mix, water, vegetable oil, and eggs. Mix until smooth.
- Fold in the diced strawberries and chocolate chips into the batter.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- While the cake bakes, beat the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar until creamy.
- Once the cake is cool, spread the cream cheese mixture on top.
- Top with whipped cream and garnish with fresh strawberries.
- Drizzle melted chocolate over the top for an extra touch.
- Slice and serve your delicious strawberry earthquake cake!
Nutrition
