Are you ready to experience a dessert that combines rich flavors with a stunning presentation? The strawberry earthquake cake is a deliciously moist chocolate cake topped with a delightful strawberry cream. This cake is not only a treat for the taste buds but also for the eyes. Perfect for gatherings, celebrations, or a sweet indulgence, this cake is sure to impress everyone at the table.
Ingredients
– 1 box of chocolate cake mix
– 1 cup of water
– 1/3 cup of vegetable oil
– 3 large eggs
– 1 cup of strawberries, hulled and sliced
– 8 oz cream cheese, softened
– 1 cup powdered sugar
– 1 cup whipped cream
– Fresh strawberries for garnish
Servings and Cooking Time
This recipe serves 8 people. Preparation time is approximately 20 minutes, and cooking time is about 30 minutes.
Nutritional Value
Each serving (1 slice) contains approximately:
– Calories: 350
– Protein: 4g
– Carbohydrates: 50g
– Fat: 15g
– Sugar: 25g
This nutritional information is based on one serving.
Step-by-Step Cooking Process
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a cake pan.
2. In a large bowl, combine the chocolate cake mix, water, vegetable oil, and eggs.
3. Beat the mixture on medium speed for 2 minutes until smooth.
4. Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan.
5. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
6. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
7. While cooling, prepare the frosting by beating together cream cheese and powdered sugar.
8. Fold in whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until well combined.
9. Once the cake is cool, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly on top.
10. Garnish with fresh strawberries and a dusting of powdered sugar.
Alternative Ingredients
If you want a lighter version, consider using a sugar-free cake mix or swapping cream cheese for Greek yogurt. You can also use frozen strawberries if fresh ones aren’t available.
Serving and Pairings
This strawberry earthquake cake pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. A light herbal tea or a glass of sparkling water complements it well, enhancing the cake’s flavors.
Storage and Reheating
Store any leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the cake for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
Cooking Mistakes
- Overmixing the batter can lead to a dense cake.
- Not greasing the pan can cause the cake to stick.
- Using cold ingredients can affect the cake’s texture.
- Forgetting to check the oven temperature can lead to uneven baking.
- Not allowing the cake to cool completely before frosting can melt the frosting.
Helpful Tips
- Use room temperature ingredients for better mixing.
- For a richer chocolate flavor, add a tablespoon of espresso powder to the batter.
- Ensure your oven is preheated to avoid baking issues.
- Experiment with different fruits for garnishing.
FAQs
Can I use a different flavor of cake mix?
Yes, you can substitute the chocolate cake mix with vanilla or strawberry cake mix for a different flavor profile.
How can I make the cake more moist?
Adding an extra egg or using buttermilk instead of water can enhance moisture in the cake.
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can bake the cake a day in advance and frost it right before serving.
Is it possible to make this cake gluten-free?
Yes, use a gluten-free chocolate cake mix to make this dessert suitable for gluten-sensitive individuals.
What can I do with leftover strawberries?
Leftover strawberries can be used in smoothies, salads, or as a topping for yogurt.
Conclusion
The strawberry earthquake cake is a delightful dessert that combines the richness of chocolate with the freshness of strawberries. Its unique appearance and delicious flavors make it a perfect choice for any occasion. Try this recipe today and impress your family and friends with a slice of heaven!
Strawberry Earthquake Cake
Ingredients
- 1 box of chocolate cake mix
- 1 cup of water
- 1/3 cup of vegetable oil
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup of strawberries hulled and sliced
- 8 oz 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 cake pan.
- In a large bowl, combine the chocolate cake mix, water, vegetable oil, and eggs. Beat for 2 minutes.
- Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
- In a separate bowl, beat together cream cheese and powdered sugar.
- Fold in whipped cream until well combined.
- Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly on the cooled cake.
- Garnish with fresh strawberries and a dusting of powdered sugar.
Nutrition
