Classic Earthquake Cake
Classic Earthquake Cake is a rich, decadent dessert with layers of coconut, pecans, and German chocolate cake topped with a creamy swirl of sweetened cream cheese. As it bakes, the cake cracks and ripples like an "earthquake," creating pockets of gooey cream cheese throughout. It's a crowd-favorite potluck dessert that's both dramatic and delicious.
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Ingredients
- 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
- 1 cup pecans roughly chopped
- 15.25 oz German chocolate cake mix 1 box
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil or canola oil
- 3 eggs
- 8 oz cream cheese softened
- 1/2 cup butter softened
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups powdered sugar
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
- Spread the shredded coconut evenly across the bottom of the baking dish.
- Sprinkle the chopped pecans evenly over the coconut layer.
- In a large bowl, mix the cake mix, water, oil, and eggs until smooth.
- Pour the cake batter evenly over the coconut and pecans in the baking dish.
- In another bowl, beat the cream cheese, butter, and vanilla until smooth.
- Mix in the powdered sugar until fully combined and creamy.
- Spoon the cream cheese mixture over the cake batter and lightly swirl it through the batter with a knife.
- Bake for 45–50 minutes, until a toothpick inserted into the cake comes out clean.
- Allow the cake to cool for at least 30 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
This cake forms natural cracks as it bakes, creating its signature "earthquake" appearance and pockets of gooey cream cheese throughout.
Nutrition
Serving: 1servingsCalories: 610kcalCarbohydrates: 69gProtein: 6.4gFat: 35.8gSaturated Fat: 12.8gTrans Fat: 0.7gCholesterol: 82mgSodium: 450mgFiber: 2.8gSugar: 49g
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