### Chocolate Strawberry Earthquake Cake

#### Recipe Description
Indulge in this delightful Chocolate Strawberry Earthquake Cake, featuring a rich chocolate base swirled with creamy cheesecake and topped with fresh strawberries. Perfect for any occasion, this cake is a crowd-pleaser that combines the flavors of chocolate, cream cheese, and strawberries in every bite.

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### Full Ingredients
– **1 box of chocolate cake mix** (15.25 oz)
– **1 cup of water**
– **1/2 cup of vegetable oil**
– **3 large eggs**
– **1 cup of powdered sugar**
– **8 oz cream cheese, softened**
– **1 cup of fresh strawberries, chopped**
– **1 cup of shredded coconut** (optional)
– **1 cup of chopped pecans or walnuts** (optional)
– **1/2 cup of chocolate chips** (optional)
– **1 teaspoon of vanilla extract**

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### Full Instructions

#### Preparing the Batter
1. **Preheat your oven** to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large mixing bowl, **combine the chocolate cake mix**, water, vegetable oil, and eggs. **Whisk until well combined**.
3. **Mix on medium speed** for about 2 minutes until the batter is smooth and creamy.
4. In a separate bowl, **beat together the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar** until smooth.
5. Add the **vanilla extract** to the cream cheese mixture and mix until fully incorporated.

#### Preparing the Strawberries
1. **Wash and chop** the fresh strawberries into small pieces.
2. If using coconut and nuts, **chop the pecans or walnuts** into smaller pieces.
3. In a small bowl, **toss the chopped strawberries with a tablespoon of flour** to prevent sinking.

#### Assembling the Cake
1. **Grease and flour** a 9×13 inch baking pan.
2. Pour **half of the chocolate cake batter** into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly.
3. **Spoon dollops of the cream cheese mixture** over the chocolate batter.
4. **Sprinkle the chopped strawberries** evenly over the cream cheese layer, along with coconut and nuts if using.
5. Pour the **remaining chocolate cake batter** over the top, covering the strawberries and cream cheese mixture.

#### Cooking Process
1. **Bake in the preheated oven** for 40-45 minutes. Check for doneness with a toothpick.
2. Once baked, **let the cake cool in the pan** for about 10-15 minutes.
3. **Gently loosen the edges** of the cake from the pan and **invert onto a wire rack** to cool completely.

#### Serving the Cake
1. **Dust the top with powdered sugar** for presentation.
2. **Cut the cake into squares** and serve.

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### Notes
– Feel free to customize the cake by adding chocolate chips, coconut, or nuts based on your preference.
– This cake can be served warm or at room temperature and is perfect for gatherings or special occasions.

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### Prep Time
– **20 minutes**

### Cook Time
– **40-45 minutes**

### Total Time
– **1 hour 5 minutes**

### Yield
– **12 servings**