Follow these easy steps to create the Strawberry Cream Cheese Earthquake Cake:

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan.
2. Mix Cake Batter: In a large bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, water, vegetable oil, and eggs. Mix until smooth and well combined.
3. Prepare Cream Cheese Filling: In another bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until creamy.
4. Combine Ingredients: Pour half of the cake batter into the prepared baking pan. Spread evenly.
5. Add Cream Cheese Mixture: Spoon the cream cheese mixture over the cake batter, being careful not to touch the edges of the pan.
6. Add Strawberries: Sprinkle the diced strawberries evenly over the cream cheese mixture.
7. Top with Remaining Batter: Pour the remaining cake batter over the strawberries, covering them completely.
8. Add Preserves: Drop spoonfuls of strawberry preserves over the top of the cake batter. Use a knife to swirl gently through the batter for the earthquake effect.
9. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
10. Cool: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 15-20 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
11. Optional Topping: If desired, sprinkle chopped nuts on top once the cake has cooled.

These steps will guide you in creating this incredible cake effortlessly.