Amazing Strawberry Earthquake is a playful, poke-style cake where strawberry gelatin “earthquakes” through a white cake base, topped with whipped cream and fresh berries for a wobbly, fruity delight—ideal for summer parties, birthdays, or potlucks with no-bake assembly after poking. This 30-minute (plus chilling) recipe yields 12–16 servings, with make-ahead ease for festive fun. For more berry baking, explore our Perfect Cranberry Banana Bread Recipe, which adds tart fruit for similar vibrancy.
Why You’ll Love Amazing Strawberry Earthquake
This dessert wows with effortless “quake” effect—no advanced skills needed—and a burst of strawberry flavor from gelatin soaking the cake, balanced by creamy topping. It’s customizable (add nuts or coconut), gluten-free adaptable with mixes, and perfect for crowds, pairing with herbed sides from our Fresh Herb Pasta Guide. At ~250 calories per serving, it’s indulgent yet light, like the jiggle in our Baby Lemon Impossible Pies Recipe. The red-soaked layers and berry crown make it a visual stunner, akin to layered charm in the Lemon Herb Tahini Recipe. For gluten-free cake mix, try swaps from our Oat-Flour Pasta Experiment.
Perfect Amazing Strawberry Earthquake Recipe
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes (for cake)
Chill Time: 4 hours
Total Time: 5 hours
Servings: 12–16
Category: Dessert, Cake
Method: Oven/No-Bake
Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
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Cake Base
- 1 box white cake mix (plus ingredients on box: eggs, oil, water)
- 1 (3 oz) package strawberry gelatin
- 1 cup boiling water
- ½ cup cold water
Topping
- 8 oz whipped topping (thawed; or homemade whipped cream)
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced
- Optional: ½ cup chopped pecans or coconut (for crunch)
Instructions
- Bake Cake: Preheat oven per cake mix box (usually 350°F). Prepare and bake white cake in a 9×13-inch pan. Cool 15 minutes.
- Poke Cake: Using a fork, poke holes every ½-inch across the cake (to bottom).
- Make Gelatin: Dissolve strawberry gelatin in 1 cup boiling water; stir 2 minutes. Add ½ cup cold water. Pour slowly over cake, filling holes. Refrigerate 4 hours or overnight until set.
- Top and Serve: Spread 8 oz whipped topping over cake. Arrange sliced strawberries on top; sprinkle optional pecans/coconut. Chill until serving.
Nutrition (Per Serving): ~250 calories.
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Storage and Shelf Life
Store covered in fridge up to 5 days; gelatin holds jiggle but softens. Freeze slices up to 1 month (wrapped); thaw in fridge. Signs of spoilage: moldy berries, separated whipped topping, or off-smelling gelatin—discard if present. (Pro tip: Like storing cakes in our Perfect Cranberry Banana Bread Recipe, freeze for moisture.)
Tips and Variations
For the best “quake,” poke deep holes while cake is warm—gelatin soaks evenly for jiggly effect. Use fresh strawberries for peak flavor; seedless gelatin avoids grittiness. Variations: Add rum to gelatin for adults, or layer with bananas. For vegan, use egg-free mix and coconut whipped topping. Inspired by poke cakes? Our Make-Ahead Ravioli Freezer Guide offers chilling hacks. For a classic external take, try this Strawberry Earthquake Cake recipe from Allrecipes, which pokes for dramatic results.
Conclusion
Amazing Strawberry Earthquake is a jiggly, berry-packed hit for fun desserts—sweet, soaked, and simple. With easy steps, it’s your go-to cake. From gelatin picks to storage, success every poke. Bake ahead, top and share with loved ones! Pair with our Fresh Herb Pasta Guide for savory balance.