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Earthquake Cake Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 129 reviews
  • Author: Lily
  • Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
  • Yield: 12 servings 1x

Description

Earthquake Cake is a decadent layered dessert featuring a rich chocolate cake base studded with a creamy, sweetened cream cheese layer swirled through, topped with coconut, pecans, and chocolate chips for a delightful texture and flavor combination. Perfect for celebrations or whenever you crave an indulgent treat.

Ingredients

Scale

Chocolate Cake

  • 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 Layer

  • 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 and prepare baking dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish thoroughly to prevent sticking.
  2. Add coconut and pecans: Evenly sprinkle the sweetened shredded coconut at the bottom of the dish, then layer chopped pecans over the coconut for a crunchy base.
  3. Prepare chocolate cake batter: Prepare the chocolate cake batter according to the package instructions using the cake mix, eggs, vegetable oil, and water.
  4. Pour batter over toppings: Pour the prepared chocolate cake batter evenly over the coconut and pecan layer in the baking dish.
  5. Mix cream cheese layer: In a bowl, mix the softened cream cheese, melted butter, and powdered sugar until smooth and creamy without lumps.
  6. Add cream cheese dollops: Dollop the cream cheese mixture over the chocolate cake batter, then gently swirl with a knife or skewer to create a marbled effect.
  7. Top with chocolate chips: Sprinkle chocolate chips evenly over the top of the batter and cream cheese swirl to add richness and texture.
  8. Bake the cake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes until the cake is set in the center but still slightly gooey, ensuring moistness.
  9. Cool and serve: Allow the Earthquake Cake to cool in the baking dish for about 15 minutes. Serve warm for the best gooey, indulgent experience.

Notes

  • You may substitute pecans with walnuts or slivered almonds as preferred.
  • If you are not a fan of coconut, it can be omitted or replaced with additional nuts for texture.
  • Use room temperature cream cheese to ensure a smooth cream cheese layer without lumps.
  • For a more intense chocolate flavor, consider using semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips.
  • The cake is best enjoyed warm but can also be served at room temperature.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45-50 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Keywords: Earthquake Cake, chocolate cake, cream cheese, coconut, pecans, chocolate chips, layered cake, dessert recipe

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Find it online: https://flavorbylily.com/earthquake-cake-recipe-3/