Why Make This Recipe
Earthquake Cake is a fun and delicious dessert that’s perfect for gatherings and special occasions. This cake is not only tasty but also easy to make, combining the rich flavors of chocolate, coconut, and pecans. The result is a delightful treat that looks impressive and tastes heavenly. It’s a great way to use simple ingredients to create something extraordinary, making it a favorite for both novice and experienced bakers.
How to Make Earthquake Cake
Ingredients:
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 1 cup shredded coconut
- 1 box German chocolate cake mix
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 8 oz cream cheese
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Spread chopped pecans and shredded coconut in the bottom of the pan.
- In a large bowl, mix the cake mix, eggs, water, and vegetable oil until smooth. Pour the batter over the nuts and coconut.
- In another bowl, beat together the cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth. Drop spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture over the cake batter.
- Swirl the cream cheese into the batter with a knife.
- Sprinkle chocolate chips on top.
- Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Allow to cool before serving.
How to Serve Earthquake Cake
Serve your Earthquake Cake by cutting it into squares and placing them on dessert plates. It’s delicious on its own, but you can also add a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream on the side for extra sweetness. This cake is perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, or as a special treat after dinner.
How to Store Earthquake Cake
To store any leftover Earthquake Cake, place it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can refrigerate it. Just make sure to cover it well to keep it fresh. You can also freeze the cake, wrapped tightly in plastic wrap, for up to 2 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator before serving.
Tips to Make Earthquake Cake
- Ensure your cream cheese is soft before mixing to get a smooth texture.
- Don’t skip the step of spreading the pecans and coconut in the bottom; this gives the cake its signature earthquake look.
- You can use dark chocolate chips for a richer flavor if you like.
- Be careful not to overmix the batter; mix just until combined for the best texture.
Variation
You can customize this recipe by swapping the German chocolate cake mix for other flavors, such as devil’s food or chocolate fudge. You can also add in other mix-ins like dried fruits or different nuts according to your taste.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of nut?
Yes, you can use walnuts or almonds instead of pecans.
Is it necessary to use coconut?
While coconut adds flavor and texture, you can omit it if you don’t like it, and the cake will still be delicious.
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can make it a day in advance, and it will still taste great. Just store it properly as mentioned above.
Earthquake Cake
Ingredients
For the cake
- 1 box German chocolate cake mix
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
For the toppings
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 1 cup shredded coconut
- 8 oz cream cheese Should be soft for mixing
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips Dark chocolate can be used for richer flavor
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Spread chopped pecans and shredded coconut in the bottom of the pan.
- In a large bowl, mix the cake mix, eggs, water, and vegetable oil until smooth. Pour the batter over the nuts and coconut.
- In another bowl, beat together the cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth. Drop spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture over the cake batter.
- Swirl the cream cheese into the batter with a knife.
- Sprinkle chocolate chips on top.
Baking
- Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Allow to cool before serving.