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Earthquake Cake Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 73 reviews
  • Author: Marina
  • Total Time: 60-65 minutes
  • Yield: 12 servings 1x

Description

Earthquake Cake is a decadent layered dessert featuring a moist chocolate cake base topped with a rich cream cheese swirl, shredded coconut, pecans, and chocolate chips. This easy-to-make cake combines a luscious mix of textures and flavors, perfect for chocolate lovers seeking a show-stopping treat.

Ingredients

Scale

Chocolate Cake Base

  • 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 Swirl

  • 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 and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish thoroughly to prevent sticking.
  2. Layer Coconut and Pecans: Evenly sprinkle the sweetened shredded coconut across the bottom of the greased baking dish. Next, scatter the chopped pecans evenly over the coconut layer to create a crunchy base.
  3. Prepare Cake Batter: In a mixing bowl, prepare the chocolate cake batter according to the package instructions by combining the cake mix, eggs, vegetable oil, and water until smooth. Pour this batter evenly over the coconut and pecan layers, gently spreading to cover them fully.
  4. Make Cream Cheese Mixture: In a separate bowl, blend the softened cream cheese, melted butter, and powdered sugar until the mixture is smooth and creamy with no lumps.
  5. Add Cream Cheese Swirl: Dollop spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture over the cake batter in the pan. Using a knife or spatula, gently swirl the cream cheese mixture into the batter to create marbled layers.
  6. Top with Chocolate Chips: Sprinkle the chocolate chips evenly over the top of the cake to add melty chocolate pockets.
  7. Bake the Cake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45 to 50 minutes. The center should be set but still slightly gooey, indicating the perfect moist texture.
  8. Cool and Serve: Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool in the baking dish for about 15 minutes. Serve warm for the best experience, letting the flavors and textures shine.

Notes

  • Ensure the cream cheese is at room temperature to avoid lumps in the swirl mixture.
  • Use unsalted butter to control the saltiness, but salted butter can be substituted if preferred.
  • Sticky shredded coconut can be substituted with unsweetened if you want a less sweet layer.
  • Chopped pecans can be replaced with walnuts or slivered almonds for variation.
  • This cake is best served warm but can be enjoyed at room temperature as well.
  • Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator and gently reheat before serving.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45-50 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Keywords: Earthquake Cake, Cream Cheese Swirl Cake, Chocolate Cake Recipe, Coconut Pecan Cake, Easy Chocolate Dessert

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