Strawberry Earthquake Cake


For the Chocolate Cake Base:

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • ¾ cup granulated sugar
  • ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ½ cup milk
  • ¼ cup vegetable oil
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 cup boiling water (added last)

For the Strawberry Layer:

  • 1 cup sliced fresh strawberries
  • 2 tbsp granulated sugar (optional, for added sweetness)
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice (to enhance strawberry flavor)

For the Frosting:

  • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 3 cups powdered sugar
  • ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 2–3 tbsp milk
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • Optional: Diced strawberries or strawberry jam for added flair

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper.

Step 2: Prepare the Chocolate Cake Batter

  1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
  2. Add the milk, vegetable oil, egg, and vanilla extract. Beat until smooth and well combined.
  3. Gradually stir in the boiling water. The batter will become thin—this is normal!

Step 3: Arrange the Strawberries

  1. Spread the sliced strawberries evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking pan.
  2. Sprinkle with 2 tablespoons of sugar and a dash of lemon juice if desired.

Step 4: Pour the Batter

Carefully pour the chocolate batter over the strawberries, ensuring they’re fully covered. Do not mix—the magic happens during baking!

Step 5: Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for 35–40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. As the cake bakes, watch the strawberry layer rise slightly, creating the iconic "earthquake" ripple effect.

Step 6: Cool Completely

Let the cake cool completely in the pan before frosting. This ensures the frosting won’t melt and allows the flavors to settle.

Step 7: Make the Frosting

  1. In a medium mixing bowl, cream the softened butter until light and fluffy.
  2. Gradually add the powdered sugar, cocoa powder, milk, and vanilla extract. Beat until smooth and spreadable.
  3. If desired, fold in diced strawberries or a spoonful of strawberry jam for extra freshness.

Step 8: Frost and Serve

Spread the frosting generously over the cooled cake. Slice and serve immediately—or chill briefly for firmer frosting.

Tips for Success

  • Use Fresh Strawberries : Ripe, juicy strawberries provide the best flavor and texture.
  • Don’t Skip the Boiling Water : Adding boiling water to the batter might seem unusual, but it’s key to achieving a moist, tender crumb.
  • Be Patient While Cooling : Allowing the cake to cool fully prevents soggy frosting and enhances the overall structure.
  • Customize the Frosting : Experiment with different extracts (like almond or raspberry) or add crushed cookies for crunch.

Variations to Try

  • Raspberry Twist : Replace strawberries with raspberries for a tart alternative.
  • White Chocolate Frosting : Swap the cocoa powder for white chocolate chips for a sweeter finish.
  • Nutty Topping : Sprinkle chopped pecans or almonds over the frosting for added texture.
  • Gluten-Free Option : Use gluten-free flour and ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free for those with dietary restrictions.

Conclusion

This Strawberry Earthquake Cake brings drama and deliciousness to any gathering. Its striking appearance and irresistible combination of chocolate and strawberries make it a crowd favorite. So gather your ingredients, fire up the oven, and prepare to witness the seismic delight of this unforgettable dessert!

Happy baking—and happy eating! 🍴✨