Description
Earthquake Cake is a deliciously gooey dessert that combines chocolate, coconut, and cream cheese for a perfect balance of rich flavors and textures. With its cracked, “earthquake” appearance, this cake is as fun to make as it is to eat!
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 box (15.25 oz) chocolate cake mix (any brand)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup shredded coconut
- 1 cup chopped pecans (or walnuts)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
- Prepare the cake mix: Prepare the chocolate cake mix according to the package instructions. Pour the batter into the greased baking dish.
- Add toppings: Sprinkle the shredded coconut and chopped pecans evenly over the cake batter. Do not mix.
- Make the cream cheese filling: In a medium bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, 1/4 cup melted butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth and creamy.
- Layer the cream cheese mixture: Spoon dollops of the cream cheese mixture over the cake batter, spreading it gently across the top (it’s okay if it’s not completely covered).
- Bake: Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the cake is set and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The cream cheese mixture will create a “cracked” or “earthquake” look on top of the cake.
- Optional step: If desired, sprinkle chocolate chips over the top of the cake during the last 5 minutes of baking for extra chocolate flavor.
- Cool and serve: Let the cake cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your gooey, delicious Earthquake Cake!
Notes
- For an extra twist, you can add some caramel bits or toffee pieces to the cake mix for a caramelized flavor.
- This cake can be served warm, at room temperature, or even chilled.
- If you prefer a more decadent dessert, you can drizzle with chocolate syrup or whipped cream before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40-45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/12th of cake)
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 36g
- Sodium: 280mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 47g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 45mg