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Strawberry earthquake cake with gooey cream cheese swirls and fresh strawberries on top.

Strawberry Earthquake Cake Recipe | Gooey & Decadent Dessert

Bake strawberry earthquake cake for a gooey, decadent dessert. Layers of strawberries, cream cheese, coconut, and cake combine into a sweet, irresistible treat perfect for parties or family gatherings.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Course Dessert
Cuisine American-Inspired, Retro comfort dessert
Servings 12
Calories 320 kcal

Equipment

  • Mixing bowls
  • Electric mixer or whisk
  • 9x13-inch baking dish
  • Spatula
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons

Ingredients
  

  • 1 box strawberry cake mix (prepared with eggs, oil, and water per package)
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • ½ cup melted butter
  • ½ cup melted butter
  • 1 cup shredded coconut
  • 1 cup chopped pecans
  • 1 cup fresh strawberries, sliced or diced
  • Optional: ½ cup chocolate chips, whipped cream, or powdered sugar for garnish

Instructions
 

  • Prepare base: Grease baking dish. Sprinkle coconut, pecans, and strawberries evenly across bottom.
  • Mix cream cheese layer: Beat cream cheese, melted butter, and powdered sugar until smooth. Spoon dollops over base.
  • Prepare cake batter: Mix strawberry cake according to package directions. Pour gently over cream cheese mixture.
  • Bake: Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 40–45 minutes. Cake will rise unevenly with cracks and gooey pockets.
  • Cool and garnish: Let cool slightly. Drizzle with chocolate syrup or dust with powdered sugar.
  • Serve: Slice into squares and enjoy warm or chilled.

Notes

  • Tip: Use room-temperature cream cheese for smooth mixing.
  • Make-ahead: Bake and refrigerate, then garnish before serving.
  • Variations: Add chocolate chips, swap pecans for walnuts, or mix in blueberries for a berry twist.
  • Serving idea: Pair with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for extra indulgence.
 
Keyword gooey cream cheese cake, potluck cake recipe, retro dessert, strawberry earthquake cake