Earthquake Cake

Earthquake Cake is a decadent and gooey dessert that gets its name from the way it cracks and sinks in spots as it bakes, creating a deliciously messy appearance. Loaded with coconut, pecans, cream cheese, and chocolate, this rich cake is a must-try for any sweet lover.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• A unique and fun cake that looks as great as it tastes
• A combination of textures: crunchy pecans, gooey cream cheese, and moist chocolate cake
• No need for frosting—the creamy filling creates its own topping
• Easy to make with pantry-friendly ingredients
• Perfect for potlucks, holidays, or just because you love chocolate

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Sweetened shredded coconut
• Chopped pecans
• Chocolate cake mix (plus ingredients listed on the box)
• Cream cheese
• Unsalted butter
• Powdered sugar
• Vanilla extract
• Semi-sweet chocolate chips (optional)

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Sprinkle the shredded coconut and chopped pecans evenly on the bottom of the dish.
3. Prepare the chocolate cake batter according to the package instructions.
4. Pour the cake batter over the coconut and pecans.
5. In a separate bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, melted butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
6. Drop spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture over the cake batter.
7. Use a knife or spatula to gently swirl the cream cheese mixture into the batter.
8. Sprinkle chocolate chips on top if using.
9. Bake for 40-45 minutes or until the cake is set but still gooey inside.
10. Let the cake cool for about 10 minutes before serving warm.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 12
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 40-45 minutes
• Total Time: 50-55 minutes

Variations

• Peanut Butter Twist: Add ¼ cup of peanut butter to the cream cheese mixture for a nutty flavor.
• Caramel Drizzle: Drizzle caramel sauce over the cake before serving for an extra indulgent treat.
• Nut-Free Version: Omit the pecans and replace with extra coconut or chocolate chips.
• White Chocolate Swap: Use a white cake mix instead of chocolate and add white chocolate chips.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free chocolate cake mix to accommodate dietary restrictions.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftover Earthquake Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• Reheating: Warm individual slices in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds to enjoy the gooey texture.
• Freezing: Wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

FAQs

How did Earthquake Cake get its name?

The cake gets its name from its cracked and uneven surface, which resembles the aftermath of an earthquake.

Can I use a homemade chocolate cake batter instead of a cake mix?

Yes! You can use your favorite homemade chocolate cake recipe in place of the box mix.

Do I have to add coconut?

No, if you don’t like coconut, you can simply omit it, and the cake will still be delicious.

Can I make Earthquake Cake ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare and bake the cake a day in advance. Just store it covered until ready to serve.

Why is my cake too runny in the middle?

Earthquake Cake is meant to be gooey, but if it’s too runny, it may need more baking time. Let it cool slightly before serving to allow it to set.

Can I add other mix-ins?

Absolutely! Try adding toffee bits, white chocolate chips, or crushed Oreos for extra flavor.

Should I serve Earthquake Cake warm or cold?

It’s best served warm to enjoy the gooey texture, but it’s still tasty at room temperature or chilled.

Can I make this cake in a smaller pan?

If using a smaller pan, the cake will be thicker and may require a longer baking time.

What can I serve with Earthquake Cake?

A scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream pairs perfectly with this rich dessert.

Is Earthquake Cake the same as a dump cake?

No, while both are easy and gooey, Earthquake Cake is more structured with a cake batter base, whereas dump cakes involve layering ingredients without mixing.

Conclusion

Earthquake Cake is a fun and indulgent dessert that delivers layers of flavor and texture in every bite. Whether you’re making it for a gathering or a simple treat at home, its rich chocolate base, creamy filling, and crunchy pecans make it a guaranteed hit. Try one of the variations to customize it to your liking, and enjoy this delightful, earthquake-inspired creation!

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