Strawberry Earthquake Cake Recipe: A Deliciously Destructive Dessert

This decadent Strawberry Earthquake Cake is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser! Its moist, intensely flavorful cake is punctuated by a delightful crackly top, earning its dramatic name. This recipe focuses on achieving the perfect balance of sweet strawberries and rich chocolate cake, creating a truly unforgettable dessert experience. Let's dive into creating this seismic sensation!

What Makes this Strawberry Earthquake Cake Special?

Unlike your average cake, this recipe boasts a unique texture and visual appeal. The "earthquake" effect comes from the batter's method of baking, resulting in that signature cracked top. This isn't just a pretty face though; the cracks allow for a wonderfully moist crumb, while the intense strawberry flavor adds a refreshing twist to classic chocolate cake. We'll cover all the secrets to achieving this perfect result.

Ingredients You'll Need:

For the Cake:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
• 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup buttermilk
• ½ cup vegetable oil
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 cup boiling water

For the Strawberry Filling:

• 16 ounces fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch

For the Chocolate Ganache (Optional):

• 1 cup heavy cream
• 8 ounces semi-sweet chocolate, finely chopped

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Preparing the Strawberry Filling:

1. Combine sliced strawberries, sugar, lemon juice, and cornstarch in a saucepan over medium heat.
2. Cook, stirring frequently, until the strawberries soften and the mixture thickens (about 5-7 minutes).
3. Remove from heat and let cool completely.

Baking the Earthquake Cake:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease and flour a 9x13 inch baking pan.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. Add buttermilk, oil, eggs, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
4. Gradually pour in the boiling water while mixing on low speed. The batter will be thin.
5. Pour the batter into the prepared pan.
6. The Key to the Earthquake: Do not spread the batter evenly. Leave it slightly uneven and lumpy for the best crackled top.
7. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs.
8. Let the cake cool completely in the pan before adding the filling and ganache.

Assembling the Cake:

1. Once the cake is completely cool, spread the cooled strawberry filling evenly over the top.
2. Optional: Melt the chocolate for the ganache by heating the heavy cream until simmering, then pouring it over the chopped chocolate. Stir until smooth and glossy. Let it cool slightly before drizzling over the strawberry layer.

Tips for Earthquake Cake Success:

• Don't overmix the batter. Overmixing will develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in a tough cake.
• Use fresh strawberries for the best flavor and texture.
• Let the cake cool completely before adding the filling to prevent the filling from melting.
• Get creative with the toppings! Whipped cream, fresh mint, or even a dusting of powdered sugar would be delicious additions.

Serving Suggestions:

This Strawberry Earthquake Cake is perfect for birthdays, potlucks, or any occasion that calls for a show-stopping dessert. Serve it at room temperature or slightly chilled. Enjoy!

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