If you’re craving a dessert that’s both rich and indulgent, Earthquake Cake is the ultimate treat to satisfy your sweet tooth! With layers of coconut, pecans, cream cheese, and chocolate, this cake is a showstopper—perfect for family dinners, parties, or any occasion where you need something that’ll impress. The name comes from the way the cake cracks and “breaks apart” during baking, creating a wonderfully gooey, fudgy texture that’s irresistible.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup flaked coconut
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 1 box German chocolate cake mix (plus ingredients as directed on the box)
- 1 (8 oz.) package cream cheese, softened
- 4 cups confectioners’ sugar
- ½ cup butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Chocolate chips (for topping)
Directions:
- Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease the bottom and sides of a 9 x 13-inch baking pan. - Layer the Coconut and Pecans:
Evenly layer the flaked coconut and chopped pecans in the bottom of your prepared pan. - Prepare the Cake Mix:
Prepare the German chocolate cake mix according to the package instructions (usually requires water, eggs, and oil). Once mixed, pour the cake batter over the coconut and pecans, ensuring it’s spread evenly. - Prepare the Cream Cheese Topping:
In a separate bowl, beat together the cream cheese, butter, vanilla extract, and confectioners’ sugar until smooth and creamy. Pour this mixture evenly over the cake batter. - Bake the Cake:
Bake the cake in the preheated oven for 40 minutes or more. Check the cake by inserting a toothpick into the center; if the toothpick comes out clean (without gooey batter), it’s done. Be sure to check the bottom part of the cake to make sure it’s fully cooked. - Add the Chocolate Chips:
Once the cake is done baking and out of the oven, sprinkle a handful of chocolate chips on top while it’s still hot. The residual heat will melt the chips, making them soft and gooey on top. - Cool and Serve:
Allow the cake to cool slightly before serving. You can also refrigerate it for a firmer texture. Serve it warm for a gooey, fudgy experience or chilled for a more set consistency.
Why You’ll Love Earthquake Cake:
- Irresistible Texture: The combination of the rich, creamy topping and the moist cake with coconut and pecan layers creates an unforgettable texture that’s both fudgy and slightly chewy.
- Perfectly Sweet: With the sweetness from the coconut, pecans, and chocolate chips, this cake is wonderfully balanced and isn’t overly sugary. The cream cheese topping adds a creamy richness that’s a perfect counterpoint to the rest of the cake.
- Simple Yet Impressive: Despite being made from a boxed cake mix, this dessert looks and tastes like it took hours of effort. The crackly “earthquake” effect that forms as the cake bakes is a visual and textural treat!
- Customizable: Want to add a bit more flavor? You can experiment by adding chopped almonds, toffee bits, or even a handful of butterscotch chips along with the chocolate chips for a unique twist.
Tips and Variations:
- Use Different Nuts: If you’re not a fan of pecans, you can substitute with walnuts, hazelnuts, or almonds. Each nut brings a different flavor that pairs wonderfully with the coconut.
- Make It a Layer Cake: If you want to turn this into a more decadent layered cake, split the batter into two pans and add the coconut, pecans, and cream cheese mixture between the layers.
- Add More Chocolate: If you’re a chocoholic, try adding some cocoa powder to the cake mix to intensify the chocolate flavor, or mix some chocolate chunks directly into the cake batter before baking.
- Top with Whipped Cream: For an extra indulgent dessert, serve this cake with a dollop of fresh whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Benefits of Earthquake Cake:
- Rich in Flavor: Packed with rich flavors from the cream cheese, chocolate, and nuts, this dessert will satisfy any sweet tooth. The combination of textures (creamy, crunchy, and gooey) makes every bite a treat.
- No Fancy Ingredients: Using a boxed cake mix makes this dessert simple and quick to prepare, without sacrificing flavor or wow factor.
- Easy to Make: This dessert is straightforward and easy to make, even for beginners. You can prepare it in under 30 minutes (not including baking time), and the end result will look like it came from a bakery.
FAQs:
Q: Can I make this cake in advance?
A: Yes! Earthquake Cake actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld together. You can make it a day ahead and refrigerate it to let the flavors set.
Q: Can I freeze Earthquake Cake?
A: Yes, you can freeze it! Just let the cake cool completely, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and store it in an airtight container. It will keep for up to 2 months in the freezer. To enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature or warm it up in the microwave.
Q: Can I use a different cake mix flavor?
A: Absolutely! While German chocolate cake is traditional for this recipe, you can use any other cake mix flavor that you prefer, such as chocolate, vanilla, or even red velvet. Just keep in mind that the flavor profile of the cake will change based on your choice.
Final Thoughts:
Earthquake Cake is a rich, decadent dessert that combines all your favorite flavors into one unforgettable treat. The creamy topping, crunchy pecans, and gooey chocolate chips are a perfect match for the moist cake beneath. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or just because, it’s sure to be a hit with everyone at the table! Enjoy!