Strawberry Earthquake Cake (Print Version)

# Ingredients:

→ Cake Base

01 - 1 box strawberry cake mix, plus ingredients called for on box

→ Cream Cheese Swirl

02 - 8 ounces cream cheese, softened to room temperature
03 - 1/2 cup powdered sugar
04 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

→ Strawberry Glaze

05 - 1 cup fresh strawberries, mashed
06 - 1/3 cup granulated sugar
07 - 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
08 - 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water

→ Optional Garnish

09 - Fresh strawberries for topping
10 - White chocolate for drizzling

# Instructions:

01 - Heat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish. Mix up your strawberry cake batter according to the box directions.
02 - Beat together your softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla until it's smooth and creamy. Drop spoonfuls of this mixture over your cake batter and swirl it in with a knife for a marbled effect.
03 - Pop it in the oven for 30-35 minutes, checking with a toothpick to make sure it's done. Let it cool completely in the pan.
04 - Cook your mashed strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice in a saucepan until bubbly. Stir in the cornstarch mixture and cook until it thickens up. Let it cool to room temperature.
05 - Pour that cooled strawberry glaze over your cake and spread it around. Top with fresh strawberries and a drizzle of white chocolate if you're feeling fancy.

# Notes:

01 - Frozen strawberries work well for the glaze - just thaw them first
02 - Add extra lemon zest to the glaze for more tang
03 - Can be made in a springform pan for a fancier presentation