Print

Easy Earthquake Cake Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.6 from 99 reviews

This Easy Earthquake Cake is a deliciously decadent dessert featuring a rich chocolate fudge cake layered over toasted coconut, chopped pecans, and semi-sweet chocolate chips. Swirled with a creamy, sweetened cream cheese mixture throughout, this gooey treat is perfect for any occasion and easy to make with simple ingredients.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

  • 1½ cups sweetened coconut (flaked)
  • 15.25 ounce box chocolate fudge cake mix
  • 2¾ cups powdered sugar
  • 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • 1½ cups chopped pecans

Wet Ingredients

  • 1⅛ cups water (or 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons)
  • 3 eggs
  • ½ cup vegetable oil
  • 8 ounces cream cheese (softened)
  • ½ cup butter (melted)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s ready when the batter and toppings are prepared.
  2. Toast Coconut: If desired, toast the flaked sweetened coconut by placing it in a skillet over low heat on the stovetop, stirring often until golden, or alternatively, broil it in the oven for 2 to 3 minutes to enhance its flavor and texture.
  3. Mix Cake Batter: In a large bowl, combine the chocolate fudge cake mix, water, eggs, and vegetable oil. Mix on low speed until all ingredients are well incorporated and smooth. Set this batter aside.
  4. Prepare Cream Cheese Mixture: In a medium bowl, use a mixer to cream together the softened cream cheese, melted butter, and vanilla extract until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar and continue mixing until the mixture is creamy and no lumps remain.
  5. Assemble Base Layer: Grease only the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking pan. Evenly spread the toasted coconut, chopped pecans, and semi-sweet chocolate chips over the bottom of the pan to form the base layer.
  6. Pour Cake Batter: Pour the prepared chocolate cake batter evenly over the coconut, pecan, and chocolate chip layer. Spread smoothly to cover all the toppings.
  7. Add Cream Cheese Swirls: Drop dollops of the cream cheese mixture sporadically over the top of the cake batter. Using a skewer or butter knife, gently swirl the cream cheese mixture into the chocolate batter to create a marbled effect.
  8. Bake the Cake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the cake is set with a slightly gooey inside.
  9. Cool and Serve: Allow the cake to cool slightly before cutting into squares. Serve warm or at room temperature for a rich, gooey dessert experience.

Notes

  • Toasting the coconut is optional but recommended for enhanced flavor and texture.
  • Make sure the cream cheese is softened to avoid lumps in the cream cheese mixture.
  • For easier swirling, use a small spoon or offset spatula to spread the cream cheese dollops.
  • This cake tastes great warm but can also be refrigerated and enjoyed chilled.
  • Use a greased pan to prevent sticking, focusing only on the bottom as instructed.

Keywords: earthquake cake, chocolate fudge cake, cream cheese dessert, easy cake recipe, coconut cake, pecan dessert, chocolate chip cake

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