Moist Strawberry Earthquake Cake (Print Version)

# Ingredients:

→ Cake Base

01 - 1 box strawberry cake mix
02 - Additional ingredients as called for on cake mix box

→ Cream Cheese Swirl

03 - 8 ounces cream cheese, softened to room temperature
04 - 1/2 cup powdered sugar
05 - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

→ Fresh Strawberry Glaze

06 - 1 cup ripe strawberries, mashed
07 - 1/3 cup granulated sugar
08 - 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
09 - 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water

→ Toppings

10 - Fresh strawberries for garnish
11 - White chocolate for drizzling

# Instructions:

01 - Turn your oven on to 350°F and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
02 - Make the strawberry cake batter following the box directions. Pour it into your greased baking dish, making sure it's even.
03 - Beat together your softened cream cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla until it's smooth and creamy. Drop spoonfuls all over the cake batter, then swirl it around with a knife to make pretty patterns.
04 - Slide your cake into the oven and bake for about 30-35 minutes. You'll know it's done when a toothpick comes out clean from the center. Let it cool completely in the pan.
05 - Mix mashed strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice in a saucepan. Heat until bubbly, stirring now and then. Add your cornstarch mixture and cook until it thickens up, about 1-2 minutes. Let it cool down to room temperature.
06 - Pour your cooled strawberry glaze over the cake, spreading it around. Top with fresh strawberry slices and drizzle with melted white chocolate if you're feeling fancy.

# Notes:

01 - This cake works great with frozen strawberries too - just thaw and mash them up first.
02 - For extra flavor, try adding some lemon zest to the glaze.
03 - Want a smoother glaze? Just strain those strawberries before cooking.