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Earthquake Cake Recipe

★★★★★

4.6 from 84 reviews
  • Author: Lily
  • Total Time: 55-60 minutes
  • Yield: 12 servings 1x

Description

Earthquake Cake is a decadent layered chocolate dessert featuring a rich chocolate cake base topped with a creamy swirl of sweetened cream cheese, crunchy nuts, shredded coconut, and melted chocolate chips. This indulgent cake combines smooth, nutty, and chocolaty textures in every bite, perfect for celebrations or a special treat.

Ingredients

Scale

Cake Base

  • 1 box chocolate cake mix
  • 1/2 cup milk (or as needed for cake mix)
  • 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
  • 1/2 cup sweetened shredded coconut (optional)

Cream Cheese Swirl

  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup butter, melted
  • 2 cups powdered sugar

Topping

  • 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

Instructions

  1. Prepare Oven and Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a 9×13-inch baking dish thoroughly to prevent sticking.
  2. Add Nut and Coconut Layer: Evenly spread the chopped pecans or walnuts along with the shredded coconut over the bottom of the prepared baking dish, creating a crunchy base.
  3. Mix Cake Batter: In a mixing bowl, prepare the chocolate cake batter according to the instructions on the cake mix box, using milk as specified for the right consistency.
  4. Layer Cake Batter: Pour the prepared chocolate cake batter evenly over the nut and coconut layer in the baking dish, ensuring full coverage.
  5. Prepare Cream Cheese Mixture: In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, melted butter, and powdered sugar together until the mixture is smooth and creamy without lumps.
  6. Add Cream Cheese Swirls: Drop spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture randomly over the chocolate cake batter. Using a knife, gently swirl the cream cheese into the batter for a marbled effect.
  7. Add Chocolate Chips: Sprinkle the semi-sweet chocolate chips evenly on top of the swirled batter for a rich chocolate garnish.
  8. Bake the Cake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes, until the top looks set and has a slight jiggle when moved gently.
  9. Cool and Serve: Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool completely in the pan before slicing into pieces. Serve and enjoy this rich, layered dessert.

Notes

  • You can substitute the chopped nuts with your favorite nuts or omit the coconut if you prefer.
  • For a denser texture, ensure the cream cheese mixture is fully smooth before swirling.
  • Use full-fat cream cheese and butter for the best flavor and texture.
  • Allow the cake to cool completely to help the layers set properly and make slicing easier.
  • Store leftovers covered at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40-45 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Keywords: Earthquake Cake, chocolate cake, cream cheese swirl, layered cake, chocolate dessert, nut topping, coconut, semi-sweet chocolate chips

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