Gooey Strawberry Earthquake Cake
A delightful blend of moist chocolate cake and fresh strawberries with a creamy, gooey center, perfect for any gathering.
Ingredients
Cake Base
- 1 box chocolate cake mix store-bought or homemade
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 3 large eggs
Creamy Filling
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened for a creamy texture
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar for sweetness
- 1 tsp vanilla extract for flavor depth
Additional Ingredients
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and chopped for freshness and moisture
- 1 cup chocolate chips semi-sweet or dark
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts optional, for crunch
- as needed additional strawberries for garnish
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven according to the package instructions for the chocolate cake mix, or follow your homemade recipe.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the chocolate cake mix, water, vegetable oil, and eggs. Mix until smooth.
- In another bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth, then gradually mix in powdered sugar and vanilla extract.
- Fold the chopped strawberries into the cake batter gently, ensuring they don’t break down too much.
Baking
- Pour half of the cake batter into a prepared 9x13 inch baking pan and spread evenly.
- Drop spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture over the batter.
- Pour the remaining cake batter over the cream cheese layer, covering it completely.
- Sprinkle chocolate chips on top, and add nuts if using.
- Bake according to the cake mix package instructions. Check for doneness using a toothpick.
- Let the cake cool in the pan for a bit to set the gooey texture before serving.
Serving
- Serve warm, garnished with additional fresh strawberries if desired.
Notes
For best results, ensure the cream cheese is softened before mixing. Don't overmix the batter for a tender texture. Allow the cake to cool before serving, and try pairing with whipped cream or ice cream for added flavor.