Name: Earthquake Cake Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: PT-491255H26M38S
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 15.25 oz Chocolate Cake Mix (Any standard mix will do.); 2 cups Powdered Sugar; 1 cup Sweetened Shredded Coconut (Can be substituted or omitted.); 1 cup Chopped Pecans (Or walnuts/slivered almonds.); 1 cup Chocolate Chips; 3 large Eggs (As instructed on the package.); 0.5 cup Vegetable Oil (Ensures a moist cake.); 1 cup Water (For hydration.); 8 oz Cream Cheese (Softened and at room temperature.); 0.5 cup Unsalted Butter (Melted.)

Introduction

Earthquake Cake is a deliciously rich and gooey dessert that combines chocolate, cream cheese, coconut, and nuts for a delightful texture and flavor. Its unique layers create a “shaky” appearance, making it as fun to look at as it is to eat. Perfect for any occasion, this cake is sure to impress your friends and family.

A close-up of a two-layered dessert slice on a white plate, the bottom layer is dark brown, moist chocolate cake with a rich texture, while the top layer is thick, creamy white frosting speckled with small dark bits inside. The frosting layer is smooth and glossy, topped with many dark chocolate chips scattered evenly across. Thin lines of dark chocolate drizzle crisscross the top, giving a shiny and textured look. Small chocolate crumbs are visible near the base of the slice. The background is a blurred white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

15.25 oz Chocolate Cake Mix (Any standard mix will do)

3 large Eggs (As instructed on the package)

0.5 cup Vegetable Oil (Ensures a moist cake)

1 cup Water (For hydration)

8 oz Cream Cheese (Softened and at room temperature)

0.5 cup Unsalted Butter (Melted)

2 cups Powdered Sugar (No substitutes recommended)

1 cup Sweetened Shredded Coconut (Can be substituted or omitted)

1 cup Chopped Pecans (Or walnuts/slivered almonds)

1 cup Chocolate Chips (Variations welcome)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish thoroughly.

Step 2: Evenly sprinkle the sweetened shredded coconut over the bottom of the prepared baking dish, then layer the chopped pecans on top.

Step 3: Prepare the chocolate cake batter according to the package instructions using the eggs, vegetable oil, and water.

Step 4: Pour the cake batter gently over the layered coconut and pecans, making sure to cover them evenly.

Step 5: In a separate bowl, mix the softened cream cheese, melted butter, and powdered sugar together until smooth and creamy.

Step 6: Dollop the cream cheese mixture over the chocolate batter in small spoonfuls, then use a knife or skewer to gently swirl it into the batter.

Step 7: Sprinkle the chocolate chips evenly over the top of the cake mixture.

Step 8: Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the center is set but still slightly gooey for that perfect texture.

Step 9: Remove from the oven and allow the cake to cool in the baking dish for about 15 minutes before serving warm.

Tips & Variations

For a nut-free version, simply omit the pecans and replace them with extra coconut or additional chocolate chips.

Use cream cheese at room temperature to ensure a smooth mixture that swirls easily into the batter.

Try substituting the chocolate chips with white chocolate or butterscotch chips for a different flavor profile.

If you prefer a denser cake, bake a few minutes longer until fully set.

FAQs

Can I make Earthquake Cake without coconut?

Yes, you can omit the shredded coconut or substitute it with extra nuts or more chocolate chips based on your preference. The cake will still be delicious without it.

Is it necessary to use cream cheese in this recipe?

The cream cheese layer adds a rich, tangy contrast to the sweet chocolate cake. While it is a key component to the signature texture and flavor, you could try substituting with mascarpone or ricotta cheese for a variation.