If you have a craving for a dessert that is rich, gooey, and packed with layers of texture and flavor, then this Earthquake Cake Recipe is about to become your new best friend in the kitchen. Imagine the intense chocolate goodness of German chocolate cake enhanced with pockets of creamy, sweetened cream cheese filling, shredded coconut, crunchy pecans, and melty chocolate chips all baked into one irresistibly decadent masterpiece. This luscious cake earns its name from the way the center cracks and breaks apart, revealing a delightful, fault-line of cream cheese swirls that will have every bite feeling like a mini celebration in your mouth.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Earthquake Cake Recipe lies in its simplicity, yet each ingredient plays a vital role in capturing that perfect balance of rich, creamy, and crunchy textures. From the moist German chocolate cake mix to the luscious cream cheese mixture and the nuts and coconut that bring wonderful contrast, these components work harmoniously to create a dessert that’s as impressive as it is easy to make.
- 1 box German chocolate cake mix: This forms the moist and chocolatey base—make sure to include eggs, oil, and water as instructed on the package for the best texture.
- 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut: Adds a delightful chewy sweetness and tropical flair.
- 1 cup chopped pecans: Introduces a satisfying crunch that complements the cake’s softness perfectly.
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened: The star of the creamy swirl, bringing richness and a subtle tangy flavor.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted: Blended with cream cheese to ensure a smooth, luscious filling.
- 3 1/2 cups powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the cream cheese mixture into a silky topping.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Elevates all flavors while adding a warm aroma.
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips: Melt into gooey pockets of chocolatey delight throughout the cake’s surface.
How to Make Earthquake Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Base Layers
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a 9×13-inch baking pan to prevent any sticky mishaps. Then, evenly sprinkle the sweetened shredded coconut and chopped pecans directly onto the bottom of the pan. This layer will toast slightly during baking, giving wonderful texture and flavor contrast to the soft cake batter that comes next.
Step 2: Mix and Pour the German Chocolate Cake Batter
Follow the package instructions to prepare the German chocolate cake batter, incorporating eggs, oil, and water as directed. Once your batter is ready, gently pour it over the coconut and pecan layer, making sure it’s spread out evenly. This batter will bake around these delicious toppings, absorbing some of their flavors while trapping them in the moist cake.
Step 3: Create the Cream Cheese Swirl Mixture
In a separate bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and melted unsalted butter until creamy and smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing thoroughly to achieve a luscious and sweet filling. This mixture is key to the signature gooey, swirled effect that inspired the name Earthquake Cake Recipe.
Step 4: Swirl the Cream Cheese Mixture Into the Cake Batter
Drop spoonfuls of the cream cheese filling all over the top of the cake batter. Using a knife or skewer, gently swirl the cream cheese mixture into the chocolate batter just enough to create ripples and pockets but not fully combining the two. This is what makes this recipe so uniquely delightful—those beautiful cracks and creamy ribbons will be visible when baked.
Step 5: Add Chocolate Chips and Bake
Sprinkle the semi-sweet chocolate chips evenly over the top. These will melt into bubbly, melty spots that contrast perfectly with the cream cheese swirls. Bake for about 45 to 50 minutes, until the cake is mostly set but still retains a gooey center that is the hallmark of an authentic Earthquake Cake Recipe. Let the cake cool completely before slicing to allow those textures to settle perfectly.
How to Serve Earthquake Cake Recipe
Garnishes
When serving, consider sprinkling a light dusting of powdered sugar or adding a drizzle of warm chocolate sauce for extra decadence. Fresh berries like raspberries or strawberries not only introduce vibrant color but also add a tart balance to the sweetness. A dollop of whipped cream is always a lovely addition that makes each bite feel indulgent and fresh.
Side Dishes
This cake is primarily a dessert, so it pairs wonderfully with simple accompaniments like a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a tall glass of cold milk. For an adult gathering, a cup of strong black coffee or a rich espresso beautifully enhances the chocolate and cream cheese flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Earthquake Cake Recipe isn’t just delicious—it’s also visually interesting. Serve it in rustic slices to showcase the creamy swirls and crackled surface, or cut into smaller squares for bite-sized party treats. For celebrations, try layering slices with whipped cream and fresh fruit in individual glass cups or trifle bowls for a stunning dessert display.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Earthquake Cake keeps beautifully when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Because of its cream cheese filling, refrigeration is important to maintain freshness and prevent spoilage. You can expect it to stay moist and flavorful for up to 4 days.
Freezing
If you want to make this dessert ahead of time or keep it longer, freezing works well. Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. Frozen cake can be kept for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving for best results.
Reheating
To enjoy the cake warm, gently reheat single slices in the microwave for about 15 to 20 seconds or until just warmed through. Avoid overheating to keep the cream cheese filling from becoming too soft or melting completely. You can also let the cake come to room temperature before eating if preferred.
FAQs
Why is it called Earthquake Cake?
The name Earthquake Cake comes from the way the cake’s surface cracks and breaks apart during baking, revealing swirls and pockets of cream cheese that look like earthquake fault lines. It’s a fun and descriptive way to capture this cake’s unique appearance and texture.
Can I make this cake without a boxed mix?
Absolutely, though the boxed German chocolate cake mix simplifies preparation and ensures reliable results. If you prefer, you can use your favorite homemade German chocolate cake recipe instead, just be sure it’s moist and sturdy enough to hold the cream cheese swirls and toppings.
What’s the best way to soften cream cheese for the filling?
Leave the cream cheese out at room temperature for about 30 minutes before using it, or microwave it for 10-15 seconds at a low power setting. Softened cream cheese blends much more smoothly into the butter and sugar, creating a silky filling without lumps.
Can I use different types of nuts or omit them?
You can swap pecans for walnuts or almonds if you like, or leave out the nuts entirely for a nut-free version. The texture will be a bit different, but the luscious cream cheese filling and coconut will still shine through beautifully.
Is this cake suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, Earthquake Cake Recipe is vegetarian-friendly since it doesn’t use any meat products. Just double-check your cake mix and other ingredients to ensure they don’t contain any animal-derived additives if you are strict about your diet.
Final Thoughts
Earthquake Cake Recipe is one of those magical desserts that feels like a celebration every time you make it. Rich, moist, gooey, and loaded with contrasting textures, it’s perfect for impressing friends or treating yourself to something truly special. Don’t be shy—grab those simple ingredients, embrace the fun swirling step, and create a cake that’s sure to cause a delightful commotion at your dessert table!
Print
Earthquake Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Earthquake Cake is a decadent American dessert featuring a rich German chocolate cake base swirled with a creamy, sweetened cream cheese mixture and topped with coconut, pecans, and chocolate chips. The cake bakes to a gooey, fudgy center with cracks and pockets of cream cheese, creating a deliciously textured and indulgent treat perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Cake Base
- 1 box German chocolate cake mix (plus eggs, oil, and water as directed on box)
- 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
- 1 cup chopped pecans
Cream Cheese Swirl
- 8 ounces 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
- Prepare Oven and Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan thoroughly to prevent sticking.
- Add Coconut and Pecans: Evenly sprinkle the sweetened shredded coconut and chopped pecans across the bottom of the greased pan to create a crunchy base layer.
- Mix and Pour Cake Batter: Prepare the German chocolate cake mix according to the package instructions, mixing in the required eggs, oil, and water. Pour the batter evenly over the coconut and pecan base in the pan.
- Make Cream Cheese Mixture: In a separate large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, melted unsalted butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract together until smooth and creamy.
- Swirl Cream Cheese Layer: Drop spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture over the cake batter in the pan. Use a knife to gently swirl the cream cheese into the batter without fully mixing, creating marbled pockets.
- Add Chocolate Chips: Evenly sprinkle the semi-sweet chocolate chips over the top of the swirled batter and cream cheese mixture.
- Bake the Cake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 45 to 50 minutes, or until the cake is mostly set but still has a gooey center with visible cracks and cream cheese pockets.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the cake to cool completely before slicing into 12 servings. This helps the cake set and enhances the texture.
Notes
- The cake center remains soft and gooey, creating the iconic “earthquake” cracks and texture that define this dessert.
- For an extra rich chocolate flavor, substitute semi-sweet chocolate chips with dark chocolate chips or drizzle chocolate sauce on top before serving.
- Ensure the cream cheese is softened to avoid lumps in the cream cheese swirl mixture.
- Do not over-swish the cream cheese into the batter; gentle swirling creates the best marbled effect.
