Earthquake Cake is a delightful dessert that combines the rich flavors of chocolate, coconut, and pecans in a wonderfully unique way. This cake’s name comes from the swirling of cream cheese throughout the batter, creating a lava-like effect that resembles an earthquake! If you’re looking for a cake that is sure to impress at your next gathering, this recipe is a fantastic choice. Plus, it pairs perfectly with options like apple cheesecake bites for a dessert spread.
Why Make This Recipe
The Earthquake Cake is perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, or simply when you’re craving a comforting dessert. Its layers of flavors and textures make every bite a delicious surprise. Additionally, the simplicity of using a boxed cake mix means you’ll have more time to enjoy with family and friends instead of spending hours in the kitchen. You may also find 100 Calorie Blueberry Ricotta Cake Recipe useful.
Ingredients
- 1 cup flaked coconut
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 1 box German chocolate cake mix (prepared per package directions with oil, eggs, and water)
- 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese
- 4 cups confectioners’ sugar
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup chocolate chips (or to taste)
How to Make It
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
- Sprinkle coconut, chopped pecans, and chocolate chips evenly across the bottom of the pan.
- Prepare the German chocolate cake mix according to package instructions.
- Pour the cake batter gently over the coconut and nut mixture.
- In a saucepan, melt the butter and cream cheese together over medium heat.
- Remove from heat and beat in the confectioners’ sugar and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Drop spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture over the cake batter and use a knife to swirl slightly.
- Bake for 35-45 minutes. The cake is done when the center is set but still slightly gooey.
- Let cool slightly before slicing and serving warm.
How to Serve It
This cake is best served warm, allowing the cream cheese swirls to be soft and gooey. You can enjoy it as is, or add a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for added indulgence. For another delightful dessert experience, consider serving it along with apple bundt cake.
How to Store It
To keep your Earthquake Cake fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you’d like to keep it longer, you can refrigerate it for up to a week. Just remember to allow it to come back to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture. You may also find Apple Butter Coffee Cake Oat Crumble Glaze useful.
Helpful Tips
- Make sure the cream cheese is softened before mixing for a smoother consistency.
- Feel free to experiment with additional toppings like caramel sauce or nuts on top before baking.
- If you prefer a less sweet cake, consider reducing the amount of confectioners’ sugar in the cream cheese mixture.
Optional Variations
For a twist on this classic Earthquake Cake, you might try a variety of flavors. You could consider using a red velvet cake mix for a festive touch or substituting the coconut with other ingredients like crushed Oreos for a completely different flavor profile. You may also find Apple Crisp Cheesecake With Crumble Topping useful.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I use if I don’t have pecans?
You can substitute walnuts or almonds for a different nutty flavor, or simply omit them if you prefer a nut-free cake.
Can I freeze the Earthquake Cake?
Yes, this cake freezes well. Just make sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in a freezer-safe container.
Is it possible to make this cake gluten-free?
Yes, just use a gluten-free chocolate cake mix, and you can enjoy a gluten-free version of this delicious dessert.
Conclusion
The Earthquake Cake is a delightful dessert that is sure to please a crowd. If you’re looking for some additional inspiration, you can check out the Earthquake Cake Recipe on Allrecipes for a classic take, or try Earthquake Cake With a Cream Cheese Layer for a slightly different version. Another great option is the Classic Earthquake Cake from 12 Tomatoes. If you’re following a low-carb diet, you might be interested in the Keto Earthquake Cake recipe. Lastly, for a comforting traditional recipe, you can explore the Earthquake Cake Recipe on Small Town Woman. Enjoy your baking adventure!
Print
Earthquake Cake
- Total Time: 60 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delightful dessert combining rich chocolate, coconut, and pecans with a unique cream cheese swirl effect.
Ingredients
- 1 cup flaked coconut
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 1 box German chocolate cake mix (prepared per package directions with oil, eggs, and water)
- 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese
- 4 cups confectioners’ sugar
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup chocolate chips (or to taste)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
- Sprinkle coconut, chopped pecans, and chocolate chips evenly across the bottom of the pan.
- Prepare the German chocolate cake mix according to package instructions.
- Pour the cake batter gently over the coconut and nut mixture.
- In a saucepan, melt the butter and cream cheese together over medium heat.
- Remove from heat and beat in the confectioners’ sugar and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Drop spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture over the cake batter and use a knife to swirl slightly.
- Bake for 35-45 minutes. The cake is done when the center is set but still slightly gooey.
- Let cool slightly before slicing and serving warm.
Notes
Serve warm, with options such as vanilla ice cream or whipped cream. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 230mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
Keywords: Earthquake Cake, Chocolate Cake, Dessert, Baking, Easy Cake Recipe