Earthquake cake recipe is a rich layered dessert baked in a single pan, starting with coconut and pecans on the bottom, topped with chocolate cake batter, chocolate chips, and a sweet cream cheese mixture that cracks as it bakes.
The taste is deeply chocolatey, buttery, and creamy, balanced by the slight crunch of nuts and coconut. The specialty of the earthquake cake recipe lies in its dramatic cracked surface and gooey cream cheese pockets throughout.
I enjoy creating earthquake cake recipe creations and discovering new twists through flavorful additions like caramel, toffee bits, or different cake flavors.
Now I will show step by step details about this earthquake cake recipe.
About This Earthquake Cake Recipe
Earthquake cake recipe delivers a rich chocolate flavor balanced by creamy sweetness from the baked cream cheese layer. The top forms a delicate crust while the center stays soft and slightly gooey.
Pockets of melted chocolate chips create deep cocoa notes throughout the cake. Shredded coconut adds a gentle chewiness, and chopped pecans bring a light crunch that contrasts beautifully against the tender crumb.
The buttery undertone ties everything together, creating a dessert that feels indulgent, comforting, and full of layered texture in every forkful.
How To Prepare Earthquake Cake Recipe?
To make this earthquake cake recipe turn out great, I’ll walk you through every step clearly and helpfully. I include a list of kitchen tools that make baking easier, but you can use what you have. No need for everything to still enjoy this rich, gooey dessert.
Recipe Overview
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 60 minutes
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Difficulty: Easy
Yield: 12 servings
Kitchen Utensils
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Mixing bowls (2)
- Hand mixer or whisk
- Measuring cups
- Spatula
- Wooden spoon
- Oven
Ingredients
- 1 box German chocolate cake mix (15.25 ounces)
- ⅔ cup sweetened shredded coconut
- ⅓ cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- 3 large eggs
- 1⅓ cups water
- ½ cup chopped pecans
- ⅔ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 3¾ cups powdered sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
1. Get Everything Ready
Start by heating your oven to 350°F so it’s nice and hot when the cake goes in. Take a 9×13-inch baking dish and lightly grease it to prevent sticking. Spread the shredded coconut evenly across the bottom of the dish, and then scatter the chopped pecans over the coconut so they form a nice layer.
2. Mix the Cake Batter
In a large mixing bowl, add the cake mix, vegetable oil, water, and eggs. Stir everything together until the batter is smooth and there are no dry streaks left. Make sure it’s well blended but don’t over mix.
3. Build the First Layers
Carefully pour the cake batter over the coconut and pecans in the baking dish. Use a spatula to gently spread it out so it covers the bottom evenly. Then sprinkle the chocolate chips evenly over the top of the batter.
4. Make the Cream Cheese Topping
In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese together with the melted butter until smooth and creamy. Slowly add the powdered sugar, mixing as you go, until the mixture is fully combined and silky.
5. Create the Swirl Effect
Spoon dollops of the cream cheese mixture over the top of the cake batter. Don’t try to spread it evenly—leave it in uneven spoonfuls. As the cake bakes, this uneven layering will create the cracked, swirled “earthquake” look.
6. Bake and Let It Cool
Place the dish in the oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes. The center should be mostly set but still slightly gooey when done. Remove it from the oven and let it cool before cutting. As it cools, the top will crack and sink slightly, giving it that signature earthquake appearance.
Nutrition Facts Of Earthquake Cake Recipe
| Nutrition | Amounts |
|---|---|
| Calories | 520 |
| Carbohydrates | 72g |
| Protein | 6g |
| Fat | 24g |
| Saturated Fat | 10g |
| Sugar | 55g |
| Sodium | 380mg |
Why It’s A Favorite Among Dessert Lovers
Earthquake cake recipe captures the attention of dessert lovers through its rich chocolate base and creamy cream cheese swirls that sink naturally into the cake.
Shredded coconut and chopped pecans add texture, creating a contrast between soft, gooey cake and slight crunch. Melted chocolate chips provide bursts of deep chocolate flavor throughout.
The cracked, swirled top gives a dramatic, homemade appearance that draws people in. The cake feels indulgent, comforting, and luxurious, offering layers of taste and texture that make it memorable and loved by anyone who enjoys chocolate desserts.
Why You Must Make
Earthquake cake recipe deserves a place in every kitchen because it transforms simple ingredients into a dessert that looks impressive and tastes indulgent.
The creamy cream cheese layer mingles with chocolate, coconut, and pecans to create rich flavors and varied textures. Baking produces a naturally cracked, swirled top that makes the cake visually striking without extra effort.
It delivers comfort and sweetness in every slice, leaving a lasting impression on anyone who tries it. Making this cake allows you to enjoy a homemade dessert that feels special and decadent.
How It Works
The earthquake cake recipe works by layering a basic chocolate cake batter over a base of coconut and pecans, then adding dollops of sweetened cream cheese mixture on top.
During baking, the heavier cream cheese sinks slightly, while the cake rises around it, creating cracks and pockets that resemble an earthquake pattern.
Chocolate chips melt into the batter, forming gooey pockets throughout. The coconut and pecans at the bottom toast gently, adding crunch and flavor.
The result is a cake that is moist, layered, and visually striking, with sweet, creamy, and nutty textures distributed naturally.
My Tips For Success!
1. Make sure the cream cheese is soft before mixing. This allows it to blend smoothly with butter and powdered sugar, creating a creamy topping that spreads easily.
2. Lightly grease the baking dish and layer coconut and pecans evenly. This helps the cake release easily and ensures the bottom has a crunchy, flavorful base.
3. Do not over mix the cake batter. Stir until ingredients are just combined so the cake stays tender and soft.
4. Spoon the cream cheese mixture over the batter in dollops rather than spreading completely. This creates the swirled, cracked effect while baking.
5. Watch the baking time closely. Remove the cake when the edges are set and the center still feels slightly soft to keep it moist and gooey.
6. Allow the cake to cool before slicing. Cooling helps the layers settle and keeps the slices neat while maintaining the creamy, rich texture.
My Favorite Ways To Serve It
Earthquake cake recipe can be served warm or at room temperature, making it flexible for different occasions. A scoop of vanilla ice cream on top enhances the creamy filling and contrasts the rich chocolate.
Whipped cream adds lightness and a touch of sweetness, while a drizzle of chocolate or caramel sauce brings extra indulgence.
Toasted coconut or chopped pecans sprinkled on top ads crunch and a decorative touch. It can also be cut into squares for easy sharing at gatherings or plated individually for a more elegant presentation.
When To Serve
Earthquake cake recipe can be served after it has cooled slightly, allowing the cream cheese layer to set while the center remains soft and rich.
It works well as a dessert for family dinners, holiday gatherings, or special celebrations where a show-stopping sweet is desired.
Serving it slightly warm enhances the melted chocolate pockets and creamy texture, while room temperature slices hold their shape beautifully for casual occasions.
It can also be paired with ice cream, whipped cream, or fresh fruit to add a refreshing contrast to the rich, indulgent flavors of the cake.
Best Variations Of Earthquake Cake Recipe
➤ Peanut Butter Earthquake Cake – Add a swirl of peanut butter into the cream cheese layer and sprinkle chopped peanuts over the top for a nutty twist.
➤ Caramel Pecan Earthquake Cake – Drizzle caramel sauce over the coconut and pecans before adding the cake batter. The caramel melts during baking, adding a sweet, sticky layer.
➤ Mint Chocolate Earthquake Cake – Mix a few drops of peppermint extract into the cream cheese topping and use mint chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet.
➤ Mocha Earthquake Cake – Add 1 teaspoon of instant coffee or espresso powder to the cake batter to enhance the chocolate flavor with a subtle coffee note.
➤ Berry Cheesecake Earthquake Cake – Fold fresh or frozen berries into the cream cheese layer for fruity pockets throughout the cake, adding a tart contrast to the rich chocolate.
Cake Storage
Earthquake cake recipe stays fresh for several days when stored properly. Keep it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days.
For longer storage, place it in the refrigerator for up to five days. Make sure the cake has cooled completely before covering to prevent moisture from making the top soggy.
To enjoy, let refrigerated slices sit at room temperature for 15–20 minutes, or warm gently for a few seconds to restore the soft, creamy texture of the cream cheese layer and melted chocolate pockets.
FAQs About The Earthquake Cake Recipe
Can I use a different cake mix?
You can swap German chocolate cake mix for another chocolate cake mix if you prefer a slightly different chocolate flavor, though many traditional recipes use German chocolate specifically.
Do I need to toast the coconut and pecans first?
Toasting nuts and coconut can enhance flavor, but the cake is tasty even without toasting. Some bakers skip this step for convenience.
Why does the cake look cracked on top?
The cracked surface happens because the cream cheese layer swirls and rises differently than the cake batter, giving the “earthquake” look as it bakes.
Can I prepare parts of the cake ahead of time?
Some bakers mix the cake batter and layer it in the pan ahead of time in the fridge and bake fresh later, which helps if you’re prepping for a gathering.
Can I add ice cream or toppings?
Serving pieces with ice cream, whipped cream, or a drizzle of sauce is a popular way to add extra indulgence to each slice
Conclusion
Earthquake cake recipe is a delicious and amazing dessert that brings joy to everyone who tries it. The rich chocolate, creamy cream cheese, crunchy pecans, and sweet coconut create a dessert full of flavor and texture.
Making this earthquake cake recipe for gatherings or serving time always feels rewarding because of the beautiful cracked, swirled top and indulgent center.
I enjoy preparing this earthquake cake recipe every time, watching it bake, and seeing how much people love it. I hope to make it again soon and continue sharing this delightful treat.
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Earthquake Cake Recipe
Equipment
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Mixing bowls (2)
- Hand mixer or whisk
- Measuring cups
- Spatula
- Wooden spoon
- Oven
Ingredients
- 1 box German chocolate cake mix 15.25 ounces
- ⅔ cup sweetened shredded coconut
- ⅓ cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup cream cheese softened
- 3 large eggs
- 1⅓ cups water
- ½ cup chopped pecans
- ⅔ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 3¾ cups powdered sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter melted
Instructions
Get Everything Ready
- Start by heating your oven to 350°F so it’s nice and hot when the cake goes in. Take a 9×13-inch baking dish and lightly grease it to prevent sticking. Spread the shredded coconut evenly across the bottom of the dish, and then scatter the chopped pecans over the coconut so they form a nice layer.
Mix the Cake Batter
- In a large mixing bowl, add the cake mix, vegetable oil, water, and eggs. Stir everything together until the batter is smooth and there are no dry streaks left. Make sure it’s well blended but don’t over mix.
Build the First Layers
- Carefully pour the cake batter over the coconut and pecans in the baking dish. Use a spatula to gently spread it out so it covers the bottom evenly. Then sprinkle the chocolate chips evenly over the top of the batter.
Make the Cream Cheese Topping
- In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese together with the melted butter until smooth and creamy. Slowly add the powdered sugar, mixing as you go, until the mixture is fully combined and silky.
Create the Swirl Effect
- Spoon dollops of the cream cheese mixture over the top of the cake batter. Don’t try to spread it evenly—leave it in uneven spoonfuls. As the cake bakes, this uneven layering will create the cracked, swirled “earthquake” look.
Bake and Let It Cool
- Place the dish in the oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes. The center should be mostly set but still slightly gooey when done. Remove it from the oven and let it cool before cutting. As it cools, the top will crack and sink slightly, giving it that signature earthquake appearance.
Notes
Nutrition Facts Of Earthquake Cake Recipe
Calories: 520 | Carbohydrates: 72g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 24g | Saturated Fat: 10g | Sugar: 55g | Sodium: 380mgHi! I’m Sophia, your trusted cake guide with years of hands-on baking experience. I’m passionate about creating delicious and wholesome cakes that bring happiness to every occasion and home. Whether you’re a beginner or seasoned baker, I’m here to share tips, recipes, and inspiration to make your baking journey enjoyable and rewarding. From classic flavors to healthy twists, my goal is to help you discover the joy of baking and sharing beautiful cakes with family and friends.