Brace yourself for a baking adventure! Earthquake Cake is an irresistibly decadent treat that layers coconut, pecans, German chocolate cake, and a luscious cream cheese swirl for an epic explosion of flavors and textures. With its gooey tunnels, melted chocolate pockets, and a signature “cracked” top, every bite of Earthquake Cake is a delicious surprise—perfect for potlucks, celebrations, or whenever you crave something extraordinary. This recipe stands out not just for its showstopping looks but for how simple it is to achieve such wow factor!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Earthquake Cake comes together with easy-to-find staples, but don’t be fooled—each ingredient has a starring role, creating layers of flavor, crunch, and gooey goodness. Gather these kitchen essentials and get ready for a dessert like no other!
- Shredded Coconut (1 cup, sweetened): Brings a chewy, sweet base layer that pairs perfectly with creamy and chocolate notes.
- Chopped Pecans (1 cup): Add buttery crunch and a lovely nutty aroma to every bite.
- German Chocolate Cake Mix (1 box, 15.25 oz + box ingredients): Delivers easy chocolaty richness and dependable structure to the cake.
- Cream Cheese (1 package, 8 oz, softened): Creates a tangy, velvety ripple that’s downright irresistible when baked in.
- Unsalted Butter (1/2 cup, melted): Makes the cream cheese swirl extra rich and deliciously smooth.
- Powdered Sugar (3 1/2 cups): Sweetens the cream cheese layer and gives it that classic gooey texture.
- Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon): Adds warmth and depth, bringing all the flavors together seamlessly.
- Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips (1 cup): Melt into pockets of chocolatey heaven throughout the cake.
How to Make Earthquake Cake
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Preheat
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Take a 9×13-inch baking dish and grease it generously (a light spray or a swipe of butter works perfectly). This keeps those fabulous gooey layers from sticking, so your Earthquake Cake’s “crust” turns out just right.
Step 2: Layer the Coconut and Pecans
Sprinkle the shredded coconut evenly over the bottom of the greased dish. Follow with the chopped pecans. These layers will become toasted and caramelized during baking, forming the delicious foundation of your cake.
Step 3: Mix and Add the Cake Batter
Prepare the German chocolate cake mix following the instructions on the box (usually by adding eggs, oil, and water as directed). Pour this rich, chocolatey batter carefully over the coconut and pecans, covering them entirely for those essential hidden “surprises.”
Step 4: Make the Cream Cheese Mixture
In a medium bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, melted butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and luscious. Don’t worry if it’s a bit thick; this helps it hold its shape atop the cake batter.
Step 5: Add Cream Cheese Mixture and Chocolate Chips
Drop big spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture all over the cake batter. No need to spread—let it sit in generous clumps. Sprinkle chocolate chips liberally over the top. As everything bakes, these will melt into the cake and create that classic Earthquake Cake effect with irresistible gooey swirls.
Step 6: Bake and Cool
Slide your masterpiece into the oven and bake for 45–50 minutes, or until the top is mostly set but still has some jiggly, molten spots. The cake will crack and ripple, revealing the magic inside! Once done, let your Earthquake Cake cool slightly so the layers can set (trust us, it’s worth the wait).
How to Serve Earthquake Cake
Garnishes
Dress up each square of Earthquake Cake with a dusting of powdered sugar, a dollop of whipped cream, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. A light drizzle of chocolate or caramel sauce adds even more wow factor and flavor!
Side Dishes
This cake is rich and indulgent on its own, but a simple bowl of fresh berries or a fruit salad makes a delightful, fresh counterpoint. A tall glass of cold milk or hot coffee is the perfect companion to every gooey forkful.
Creative Ways to Present
For a party, cut the cake into neat squares and serve cupcake-style in decorative liners. Or serve warm Earthquake Cake in mugs with a scoop of ice cream for a cozy dessert twist. Individual ramekins also make for elegant, single-serve showstoppers!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you somehow have leftovers, cover the cake loosely with foil or plastic wrap and store at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer freshness, pop the cake into the fridge—just take it out about 15 minutes before you’re ready to enjoy for best flavor and softness.
Freezing
Earthquake Cake freezes beautifully! Let the cake cool completely, then slice into portions. Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. Store in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to three months; just thaw at room temperature or overnight in the fridge when a craving strikes.
Reheating
To restore that fresh-from-the-oven magic, microwave a slice for 15–20 seconds or warm in a 300°F (150°C) oven for about 5 minutes. The heat revives those gooey chocolate and cream cheese pockets, making every bite taste bakery-fresh again.
FAQs
Can I use a different cake mix for Earthquake Cake?
Absolutely! While German chocolate cake mix is classic, you can experiment with devil’s food, red velvet, or even yellow cake mix for a fun twist. Each will bring its own flavor personality to your Earthquake Cake.
Should Earthquake Cake be served warm or cold?
It’s delicious either way. Warm slices are ultra-gooey with melty chocolate, while chilled cake firms up the layers and intensifies the flavors. I love it a smidge warm, but you truly can’t go wrong.
Can I add extra mix-ins to Earthquake Cake?
Yes! Feel free to stir in butterscotch chips, white chocolate, or even a sprinkle of toffee bits. Just be careful not to overload, or the cake might not bake evenly—keep to around a cup of add-ins total.
Does Earthquake Cake need to be refrigerated?
If it’s going to be out for more than a day, especially in warm weather, it’s best to refrigerate Earthquake Cake due to the cream cheese layer. Otherwise, it’s fine covered at room temp for a short time.
Can I make Earthquake Cake gluten free?
Definitely! Simply swap in your favorite gluten-free chocolate cake mix and double-check that all your other ingredients are gluten free. You’ll get all the same delicious cracks, swirls, and chocolate pockets.
Final Thoughts
Earthquake Cake is the kind of dessert that brings joy to every table—it’s dramatic, delectable, and wonderfully easy to throw together. I hope you’ll give it a try and let the rich layers and gooey surprises spark plenty of smiles in your home. Happy baking!
Print
Earthquake Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the decadent delight of Earthquake Cake, a rich and gooey dessert featuring layers of German chocolate cake, coconut, pecans, cream cheese, and chocolate chips. This easy-to-make treat is sure to impress and satisfy your sweet tooth.
Ingredients
Cake:
- 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 1 box (15.25 oz) German chocolate cake mix (plus ingredients listed on the box)
Cream Cheese Filling:
- 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 3 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Topping:
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Layer Base: Sprinkle shredded coconut and chopped pecans over the bottom of the pan.
- Prepare Cake: Mix German chocolate cake batter as per instructions and pour over the coconut and pecans.
- Make Filling: Beat cream cheese, melted butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth. Drop spoonfuls over the cake batter without spreading.
- Add Topping: Sprinkle chocolate chips over the top.
- Bake: Bake for 45–50 minutes until mostly set with gooey pockets and a slightly cracked top. Cool before serving.
Notes
- The cream cheese creates an ‘earthquake’ effect as it sinks while baking.
- For extra richness, lightly swirl the cream cheese mixture into the batter.
- Store leftovers covered at room temperature or refrigerate for extended freshness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece
- Calories: 460
- Sugar: 41g
- Sodium: 370mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 54g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *