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Earthquake Cake Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 134 reviews
  • Author: Ella
  • Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
  • Yield: 12 servings 1x

Description

This indulgent Earthquake Cake is a decadent layered dessert featuring a moist chocolate cake base, a creamy and tangy cream cheese layer, topped with crunchy shredded coconut, chopped pecans, and melty chocolate chips. Baked to perfection, this cake offers a delightful combination of textures and rich flavors that make it a perfect treat for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

Chocolate Cake Mix 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 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. Prepare Oven and Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to ensure the cake doesn’t stick and bakes evenly.
  2. Layer Toppings: Sprinkle the sweetened shredded coconut evenly on the bottom of the greased baking dish, then spread the chopped pecans over the coconut layer to create a nutty, crunchy base.
  3. Make Cake Batter: Prepare the chocolate cake batter according to the package instructions using eggs, vegetable oil, and water. Once mixed, pour the batter evenly over the coconut and pecan layer in the pan.
  4. Prepare Cream Cheese Mixture: In a bowl, mix softened cream cheese, melted butter, and powdered sugar together until smooth and creamy. This will form a luscious, sweet layer to dollop over the cake batter.
  5. Add Cream Cheese Layer: Dollop spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture over the chocolate cake batter broadly, then gently swirl it with a knife or spatula to create a marbled effect without fully mixing.
  6. Top with Chocolate Chips: Sprinkle the chocolate chips evenly over the top to add an extra layer of chocolate flavor and gooey texture during baking.
  7. Bake the Cake: Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 45 to 50 minutes, or until the center is set but still slightly gooey, ensuring a moist and rich 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 maximum indulgence.

Notes

  • Make sure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature to easily blend with butter and powdered sugar.
  • You can substitute pecans with walnuts or slivered almonds according to preference or allergy considerations.
  • For a less sweet version, reduce the amount of powdered sugar slightly in the cream cheese mixture.
  • This cake is best served warm but can be stored covered at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerated for longer freshness.
  • If you prefer a gluten-free version, use a gluten-free chocolate cake mix.
  • Feel free to omit the shredded coconut if you dislike coconut or have allergies.
  • 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, Pecan Cake, Coconut Dessert

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