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Earthquake Cake Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 91 reviews
  • Author: Lily
  • Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
  • Yield: 12 servings 1x

Description

Earthquake Cake is a luscious layered dessert featuring a moist chocolate cake base topped with a creamy, sweet cream cheese layer, crunchy coconut and pecans, and melty chocolate chips. This decadent treat combines rich textures and flavors that will delight chocolate lovers and dessert enthusiasts alike.

Ingredients

Scale

Chocolate Cake Layer

  • 15.25 oz Chocolate Cake Mix (Any standard mix will do.)
  • 3 large Eggs (As instructed on the package.)
  • 0.5 cup Vegetable Oil (Ensures a moist cake.)
  • 1 cup Water (For hydration.)

Cream Cheese Topping

  • 8 oz Cream Cheese (Softened and at room temperature.)
  • 0.5 cup Unsalted Butter (Melted.)
  • 2 cups Powdered Sugar (No substitutes recommended.)

Toppings

  • 1 cup Sweetened Shredded Coconut (Can be substituted or omitted.)
  • 1 cup Chopped Pecans (Or walnuts/slivered almonds.)
  • 1 cup Chocolate Chips (Variations welcome.)

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to ensure the cake doesn’t stick during baking.
  2. Add Coconut and Pecans: Evenly sprinkle the sweetened shredded coconut at the bottom of the prepared baking dish, followed by a layer of chopped pecans to create a crunchy base.
  3. Prepare Cake Batter: Prepare the chocolate cake batter according to the package instructions, combining the cake mix, eggs, vegetable oil, and water until smooth.
  4. Pour Cake Batter: Pour the prepared chocolate cake batter over the coconut and pecan layers, spreading it out evenly.
  5. Mix Cream Cheese Layer: In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, melted butter, and powdered sugar until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
  6. Dollop and Swirl: Spoon dollops of the cream cheese mixture over the chocolate cake batter in the pan, then gently swirl using a knife or spatula to create marbled layers.
  7. Add Chocolate Chips: Sprinkle 1 cup of chocolate chips evenly over the top of the batter and cream cheese mixture.
  8. Bake the Cake: Bake in the preheated oven for 45 to 50 minutes, or until the center is set but retains a slightly gooey texture, indicating perfect moisture and richness.
  9. Cool and Serve: Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for 15 minutes. Serve warm for the best flavor and texture experience.

Notes

  • For a nut-free version, you can omit the pecans or substitute them with seeds such as sunflower or pumpkin seeds.
  • You can substitute walnuts or slivered almonds for the pecans according to preference.
  • Ensure the cream cheese is softened to avoid lumps in the topping.
  • To make it extra gooey, slightly reduce baking time by 5 minutes but keep an eye on the center.
  • This cake is best enjoyed warm but also delicious at room temperature.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45-50 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Keywords: Earthquake Cake, Chocolate Cake, Cream Cheese Dessert, Layered Cake, Coconut Cake, Pecan Dessert, Chocolate Chip Cake

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Find it online: https://flavorbylily.com/earthquake-cake-recipe-2/