This earthquake cake holds a special place in my heart because it was the first “fancy” dessert I ever attempted as a teenager. I was terrified when it came out of the oven looking cracked and sunken, until my grandmother explained that’s exactly how it should look! The name comes from the dramatic cracks across the surface as it cools, creating an earthquake-like appearance that’s both rustic and charming.
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Why This Recipe Works
The magic happens in the layering technique. The coconut and pecans create a textured base, while the cake batter forms the foundation. When dolloped on top, the cream cheese mixture creates pockets that sink and swirl during baking, forming the characteristic “earthquake” cracks. The contrast between the dense cake and creamy filling creates an irresistible texture combination.
Why You Must Try This Earthquake Cake Recipe
If you are a chocolate lover and you are also into making cakes, then any recipe that includes chocolate and cream cheese is one you must try. You will love this cake because it’s quick and easy to put together and so outrageously moist, gooey, and flavorful. It will rock your world just like a real earthquake!
If you love chocolate cake, why have a plain one when you could have an earthquake and a chocolate taste explosion? This earthquake cake will send pleasing shockwaves right to your tastebuds!
This earthquake cake from cake mix is supposed to look like a mess, so you don’t have to worry about baking a perfect cake. You could even pretend to be a poor cake maker and watch people’s faces light up when they take their first bite!
Earthquake cake feeds a crowd, which means it’s perfect for potlucks, birthday parties, and other special occasions. Chocolate earthquake cake with cream cheese is impossible to say no to. It is sure to be a favorite of all chocolate cake recipes.
Earthquake Cake Recipe – Ingredients You Will Need
Who doesn’t love a delicious homemade chocolate cake? This chocolate earthquake cake recipe combines a German chocolate cake mix and a luscious cream cheese filling that tastes just like cheesecake. Here’s a list of ingredients:
For the Base Layer:
- Flaked coconut – Creates a sweet, chewy foundation that adds tropical flavor and texture
- Pecans – Provide rich, buttery crunch that complements the chocolate perfectly
For the Cake:
- German chocolate cake mix – Forms the moist chocolate base with deeper cocoa flavor than regular chocolate
- Eggs – Bind the cake batter and provide structure and richness
- Vegetable oil – Keeps the cake incredibly moist and tender
- Water – Activates the cake mix and creates proper batter consistency
For the Cream Cheese Layer:
- Cream cheese – Creates the signature tangy, rich filling that contrasts with the sweet cake
- Butter – Adds richness and helps create a smooth, creamy texture in the filling
- Powdered sugar – Sweetens the cream cheese mixture without adding grittiness
- Vanilla extract – Enhances all flavors and adds aromatic depth to the filling
How to Make Earthquake Cake With Cream Cheese
This earthquake cake from cake mix couldn’t be easier to put together:
- Spread the coconut and pecans over the bottom of the baking dish.
- Pour the cake mix batter over the coconut-pecan mixture.
- Cream together the remaining ingredients with a mixer and dollop scoops of the mixture on top of the cake batter.Â
- Bake for 45 to 50 minutes at 350°F.
- Let the cake cool.
- Slice and serve.
Note: The cake is done when it doesn’t wobble in the pan if you shake it. The toothpick test doesn’t work well because this cake should be gooey.
Tip: For nuttier-tasting coconut, toast it for a few minutes before use.
Earthquake Cake Variations
Instead of German chocolate cake, you could make the cake with other flavors using vanilla, lemon, devils food cake, or strawberry cake mix. Here are some other ideas:
- Peanut Butter Earthquake: Use peanut butter instead of regular butter in the cream cheese mixture
- Different Cake Flavors: Try vanilla, devil’s food, or strawberry cake mix
- Nut Options: Substitute walnuts, almonds, or macadamias for pecans
What to Serve With Earthquake Cake
A slice of this divine cake is perfect with your favorite coffee or a glass of milk. You can also serve it as a dessert topped with whipped cream, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, French vanilla ice cream, or even chocolate ice cream.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
- Freezing: Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before serving.
- Refrigerator Storage: Store covered in refrigerator for up to 5 days. Place wax paper against exposed edges before covering with plastic wrap.
- Reheating Method: Allow to come to room temperature for best texture, or microwave individual slices for 10 seconds for warm, gooey consistency.
Love Cake? Try These Recipes
- Chocolate Pudding Cake
- Coca Cola Cake
- Hawaiian Cake
- Heath Bar Cake
- Hershey Bar Cake
- Kitty Litter Cake
- Lava Cake
- Pig Pickin Cake
- Pineapple Upside Down Cake
- Texas Chocolate Sheet Cake
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Check out my easy cake recipes and the best dessert recipes on CopyKat!
Earthquake Cake Recipe with Cream Cheese
Ingredients
- 1 cup sweetened coconut flakes
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 1 box German chocolate cake mix prepared according to package directions (but not baked)
- 8 ounces cream cheese
- 1 stick butter or margarine softened
- 1 pound powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease the bottom of 9×13-inch pan. Do not grease the sides.
- Mix the coconut and pecans and spread the mixture in the bottom of the pan.
- Pour the prepared cake mix over the coconut and pecans.
- Cream together the remaining ingredients and spoon the mixture in dollops over the cake batter.
- Bake for 45 to 50 minutes.
This cake is to die for and so very easy and fun to make. Have made this several times and it’s gone in a flash !!