Description
Earthquake Cake is a rich and indulgent dessert featuring layers of chocolate cake, sweetened coconut, chopped pecans, and a gooey cream cheese mixture. The “cracked” appearance of the cake as it bakes resembles the aftereffects of an earthquake, revealing the delicious layers underneath. Perfect for chocolate lovers, this cake is a decadent treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
- For the Cake:
- 1 1/2 cups chopped pecans
- 1 1/2 cups sweetened shredded coconut
- 1 box chocolate fudge cake mix
- Large eggs, oil, and water (as required by cake mix package)
- 1 1/4 cups semisweet chocolate chips
- 1 teaspoon canola oil or vegetable oil
- 1/2 tablespoon flour
- For the Cream Cheese Mixture:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 8-ounce package cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- 3 cups powdered sugar
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray a deep 9×13-inch baking pan with nonstick baking spray.
- Prepare the Base Layer: Evenly sprinkle the chopped pecans and shredded coconut across the bottom of the pan.
- Make the Cake Batter: In a large bowl, prepare the chocolate fudge cake mix according to the package instructions (usually with eggs, oil, and water).
- Add Chocolate Chips: In a small bowl, combine 3/4 cup of the chocolate chips with canola oil and flour. Stir to coat, then fold them into the cake batter.
- Assemble the Cake: Spoon the prepared cake batter over the pecans and coconut in the pan.
- Prepare the Cream Cheese Mixture: Melt the butter and let it cool slightly. Beat the softened cream cheese until smooth, then gradually add the melted butter. Slowly mix in the powdered sugar until the mixture is creamy and smooth.
- Add Cream Cheese Mixture: Dollop the cream cheese mixture by rounded tablespoons over the top of the cake batter. Sprinkle the remaining chocolate chips on top.
- Bake the Cake: Bake in the preheated oven for about 40 minutes, or until the cake is set and has a cracked appearance on top.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the cake to cool in the pan before serving. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can refrigerate the cake but bring it to room temperature before serving.
- Variations: Feel free to substitute the pecans with walnuts or omit the nuts altogether. You can also try different flavors of cake mix like vanilla or marble for a unique twist.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 45g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
Keywords: Earthquake Cake