If you have a sweet tooth and love desserts that feel like a warm hug in cake form, then this Earthquake Cake Recipe is an absolute must-try. Picture a luscious German chocolate cake base, layered with a heavenly combination of shredded coconut, crunchy pecans, and pockets of creamy, gooey cream cheese goodness, all crowned with melty chocolate chips. The magic happens when the cream cheese mixture sinks into the cake during baking, creating a delightful “earthquake” effect of ooey-gooey richness that will have everyone asking for seconds. It’s comfort food with a twist, perfect for sharing with family and friends or treating yourself on any day that deserves a little celebration.
Ingredients You’ll Need
All you need to make this scrumptious Earthquake Cake Recipe are simple, familiar ingredients that come together to create incredible flavor and texture. Each item adds a vital element—from the moist, rich cake base to the crunchy pecans and that irresistibly creamy topping.
- German chocolate cake mix: This is the foundation of your cake, delivering a rich, chocolatey flavor with minimal effort.
- Shredded sweetened coconut: Adds chewy sweetness and tropical notes that enhance the cake’s texture.
- Chopped pecans: Offers a lovely crunch and a nutty contrast that balances the sweetness.
- Cream cheese (softened): Brings a tangy creaminess that melts into the cake, creating those signature gooey pockets.
- Unsalted butter (melted): Enriches the cream cheese mixture, giving it a smooth, luscious texture.
- Powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the cream cheese layer for perfect consistency.
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips: Sprinkled on top, they melt just enough to add bursts of chocolate bliss with every bite.
How to Make Earthquake Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Baking Dish and Nut-Coconut Layer
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish. Evenly spread the shredded sweetened coconut and chopped pecans across the bottom of the dish. This layer will toast gently under the cake, adding flavor and crunch that shines through every slice.
Step 2: Make the German Chocolate Cake Batter
Next, prepare the cake mix according to the instructions on the box. This creates the moist and fudgy base that supports all the other delicious layers. Once mixed, carefully pour this batter over the coconut and pecan bed, spreading it evenly to cover the nuts and coconut fully.
Step 3: Prepare the Cream Cheese Mixture
In a medium bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, melted butter, and powdered sugar until smooth and creamy. This luscious mixture is the heart of the earthquake effect—it will sink slightly as the cake bakes, creating soft pockets of gooey richness that make each bite irresistible.
Step 4: Add the Cream Cheese Dollops and Chocolate Chips
Spoon dollops of the cream cheese mixture evenly over the cake batter. Be sure not to stir; these dollops create the signature swirls and texture. Finally, sprinkle semi-sweet chocolate chips all over the top for a delightful melty finish.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Place the dish in the oven and bake for 45 to 50 minutes. The edges will set while the center remains slightly gooey—this perfect balance is what makes the Earthquake Cake Recipe so unique. Once baked, let the cake cool in the pan for at least 15 minutes before serving warm and watching everyone’s faces light up.
How to Serve Earthquake Cake Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate this cake even further, consider sprinkling a few extra chopped pecans or a light dusting of powdered sugar just before serving. Fresh whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side perfectly complements the gooey richness and adds a refreshing contrast.
Side Dishes
Earthquake Cake is best enjoyed as a spectacular dessert, but it pairs beautifully with fresh fruit like strawberries or raspberries to balance the sweetness. A cup of robust coffee or a creamy latte is also ideal to round out this indulgent treat.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the cake in individual ramekins or jars, layering extra coconut or nuts on top for texture and visual appeal. You could even use it as a decadent filling for a trifling or cake-based parfait—any way you slice it, this recipe shines.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftovers (which is rare!), store the Earthquake Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. The cake maintains its moist, gooey texture and even tastes better the next day as the flavors meld together.
Freezing
You can freeze leftovers by wrapping slices tightly in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe container or bag. Frozen cake can be kept for up to two months and thawed overnight in the refrigerator for a quick treat anytime.
Reheating
To enjoy the cake warm again, reheat individual slices in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds. This softens the cream cheese pockets and melts the chocolate chips, bringing back that freshly baked charm effortlessly.
FAQs
Can I use a different cake mix for this Earthquake Cake Recipe?
Absolutely! While German chocolate cake mix adds a classic flavor, you can experiment with other chocolate or even vanilla cake mixes. Just keep in mind the overall taste balance will shift slightly with different bases.
Do I have to use cream cheese in this recipe?
The cream cheese mixture is what creates the signature gooey pockets, so it’s pretty essential. However, some variations swap it with sweetened mascarpone or a cream cheese blend if you want a slightly different texture or flavor.
What if I don’t have pecans? Can I substitute other nuts?
Yes, feel free to use walnuts, almonds, or even skip the nuts if allergies are a concern. Each nut adds its unique texture and nutty notes, but the cake remains delicious either way.
Is this cake suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this Earthquake Cake Recipe is vegetarian-friendly as it contains no meat or gelatin, making it a safe and indulgent choice for vegetarian diets.
Can I make this cake gluten-free?
To make a gluten-free version, choose a gluten-free German chocolate cake mix and verify all other ingredients are gluten-free certified. The method remains the same and the cake still delivers incredible flavor and texture.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about the Earthquake Cake Recipe that makes it a standout in any dessert lineup. Whether you’re baking for a family gathering, holiday, or simply treating yourself, this cake’s fudgy, gooey, nutty, and chocolaty layers come together in a way that’s both comforting and exciting. I highly encourage you to try this recipe and experience the joyful “earthquake” effect yourself—you might just find your new favorite cake!
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Earthquake Cake Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Earthquake Cake is a luscious American dessert that combines the rich flavors of German chocolate cake with gooey pockets of sweetened coconut, chopped pecans, and a creamy cream cheese mixture. This easy-to-make cake features a moist chocolate base topped with dollops of sweet cream cheese frosting and semi-sweet chocolate chips, creating a delightful texture contrast and a visually stunning ‘earthquake’ appearance once baked.
Ingredients
Cake Base
- 1 box German chocolate cake mix (plus ingredients listed on the box)
- 1 cup shredded sweetened coconut
- 1 cup chopped pecans
Cream Cheese Mixture
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 3 1/2 cups powdered sugar
Topping
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions
- Prepare the Baking Dish. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
- Layer Coconut and Pecans. Evenly sprinkle the shredded sweetened coconut and chopped pecans over the bottom of the greased baking dish to create a flavorful base.
- Make Cake Batter. Prepare the German chocolate cake mix according to the package instructions, combining all required ingredients, then pour the batter carefully over the layered coconut and pecans in the dish.
- Mix Cream Cheese Frosting. In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, melted butter, and powdered sugar together until smooth and creamy, ensuring there are no lumps.
- Create Dollops on Cake. Spoon dollops of the cream cheese mixture over the cake batter without stirring, allowing it to sink and create the signature ‘earthquake’ texture.
- Add Chocolate Chips. Sprinkle the semi-sweet chocolate chips evenly over the top of the cream cheese dollops for added richness and texture.
- Bake the Cake. Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45 to 50 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center remains slightly gooey for the perfect texture.
- Cool and Serve. Let the cake cool in the pan for at least 15 minutes to set slightly before serving warm to enjoy the gooey richness at its best.
Notes
- The cream cheese and butter mixture will sink slightly during baking, creating gooey pockets that give the cake its distinctive ‘earthquake’ appearance.
- This cake is best served warm but can be stored at room temperature or refrigerated for up to 3 days without loss of flavor or texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
