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Earthquake Cake

Published: Jun 16, 2025 by Jamie · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

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Transform your baking experience with this incredible Earthquake Cake, a mind-blowing dessert that combines the rich flavors of German chocolate cake with a stunning, cracked landscape of cream cheese and chocolate.

Earthquake Cake

This show-stopping cake creates a dramatic, cracked surface that resembles the aftermath of a delicious geological event, complete with gooey pockets of cream cheese and melted chocolate chips.

Whether you're looking to impress guests or satisfy your sweet tooth, this Earthquake Cake promises to be a memorable culinary adventure.

Earthquake Cake: A Seismic Sensation of Sweetness

More than just a cake, this recipe is a culinary masterpiece that transforms a simple German chocolate cake into a textural wonderland. Each slice offers a perfect balance of coconut, pecans, cream cheese, and chocolate.

Prepare to wow your family and friends with this extraordinary dessert that's as fun to make as it is to eat.

Serving Suggestions:

Elevate your Earthquake Cake with these delightful pairings:

  • Vanilla ice cream
  • Whipped cream
  • Extra chocolate sauce
  • Toasted coconut
  • Hot coffee or cold milk

Pro Tips for the Perfect Earthquake Cake:

Coconut Cornerstone: Use fresh, high-quality shredded coconut.

Swirling Technique: Create distinct cream cheese swirls.

Chocolate Chip Placement: Distribute chips evenly.

Cooling Crucial: Let cake rest before serving.

Make-Ahead Magic: Tastes even better the next day.

Earthquake Cake

Earthquake Cake Recipe Details:

  • Preparation time: 20 minutes
  • Baking time: 45-50 minutes
  • Cooling time: 30 minutes
  • Servings: 12-15
  • Equipment: 9x13-inch baking pan, mixing bowls

This classic chocolate dessert transforms simple ingredients into an extraordinary treat that will have everyone talking.

Ingredients:

For the Cake Base:

  • 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
  • 1 cup chopped pecans
  • 1 box German chocolate cake mix (plus box ingredients)
  • 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

For the Cream Cheese Layer:

  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 4 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F. Thoroughly grease a 9x13-inch baking pan with butter or non-stick spray to ensure easy removal.
  2. Create the first layer by spreading the shredded coconut evenly across the bottom of the prepared pan. Sprinkle the chopped pecans over the coconut, creating a crunchy foundation for your cake.
  3. Prepare the German chocolate cake mix according to the package instructions. This typically involves mixing the cake mix with eggs, oil, and water until the batter becomes smooth and well combined.
  4. Carefully pour the cake batter over the coconut and pecan layer. Use a spatula to spread the batter evenly, ensuring it reaches all corners of the pan.
  5. In a separate mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and melted butter together until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition to prevent lumps.
  6. Stir in the vanilla extract until the cream cheese mixture is completely incorporated and silky smooth.
  7. Spoon dollops of the cream cheese mixture over the top of the cake batter. Use a knife to gently swirl the cream cheese into the cake batter, creating a marbled effect. Be careful not to overmix – you want distinct swirls throughout the cake.
  8. Sprinkle the semi-sweet chocolate chips evenly over the top of the cake. As the cake bakes, these will melt into gooey pockets of chocolatey goodness.
  9. Bake in the preheated oven for 45 to 50 minutes. The cake is done when the edges are set and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs.

Storage Solutions:

  • Store at room temperature, covered
  • Best consumed within 3-4 days
  • Can be refrigerated
  • Serve slightly warmed for maximum gooeyness
  • Tastes great cold or at room temperature

Whether you're a chocolate enthusiast or simply craving an indulgent dessert, this Earthquake Cake is guaranteed to shake up your dessert game!

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Earthquake Cake

Earthquake Cake

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This classic chocolate dessert transforms simple ingredients into an extraordinary treat that will have everyone talking.

  • Total Time: 58 minute
  • Yield: 12-15 1x

Ingredients

Scale

For the Cake Base:

  • 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
  • 1 cup chopped pecans
  • 1 box German chocolate cake mix (plus box ingredients)
  • 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

For the Cream Cheese Layer:

  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 4 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F. Thoroughly grease a 9x13-inch baking pan with butter or non-stick spray to ensure easy removal.
  2. Create the first layer by spreading the shredded coconut evenly across the bottom of the prepared pan. Sprinkle the chopped pecans over the coconut, creating a crunchy foundation for your cake.
  3. Prepare the German chocolate cake mix according to the package instructions. This typically involves mixing the cake mix with eggs, oil, and water until the batter becomes smooth and well combined.
  4. Carefully pour the cake batter over the coconut and pecan layer. Use a spatula to spread the batter evenly, ensuring it reaches all corners of the pan.
  5. In a separate mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and melted butter together until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition to prevent lumps.
  6. Stir in the vanilla extract until the cream cheese mixture is completely incorporated and silky smooth.
  7. Spoon dollops of the cream cheese mixture over the top of the cake batter. Use a knife to gently swirl the cream cheese into the cake batter, creating a marbled effect. Be careful not to overmix – you want distinct swirls throughout the cake.
  8. Sprinkle the semi-sweet chocolate chips evenly over the top of the cake. As the cake bakes, these will melt into gooey pockets of chocolatey goodness.
  9. Bake in the preheated oven for 45 to 50 minutes. The cake is done when the edges are set and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs.
  • Author: Jamie
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45-50 minutes

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