Description
Classic Earthquake Cake is a rich, decadent dessert featuring a moist German chocolate cake base layered over a bed of toasted coconut and pecans, topped with a creamy, swirled cream cheese frosting baked right into the cake. This delightful treat serves 12 and combines textures and flavors for a crowd-pleasing, indulgent cake perfect for gatherings and celebrations.
Ingredients
Base Layer
- 1 cup sweetened, shredded coconut
- 1 cup pecans, roughly chopped
Cake Batter
- 1 (15.25 oz) box German chocolate cake mix
- 1 cup water
- ½ cup vegetable or canola oil
- 3 eggs
Cream Cheese Swirl
- 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups powdered sugar
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Layer Coconut and Pecans: Evenly spread the shredded coconut across the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the chopped pecans over the coconut layer to create a nutty base.
- Make Cake Batter: In a large mixing bowl, combine the German chocolate cake mix, water, vegetable or canola oil, and eggs. Stir the mixture until the batter is smooth and well blended.
- Pour Cake Batter: Pour the prepared cake batter evenly over the coconut and pecan layers in the baking dish, ensuring full coverage.
- Prepare Cream Cheese Mixture: In a separate bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, softened butter, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing continuously until fully incorporated and glossy.
- Add Cream Cheese Swirl: Drop scoops of the cream cheese mixture over the cake batter. Use a knife or skewer to gently swirl the cream cheese into the batter, creating a marbled effect without fully blending.
- Bake the Cake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45 to 50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, indicating the cake is fully baked.
- Cool Before Serving: Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool for at least 30 minutes before slicing and serving to let the layers set and flavors meld.
Notes
- For best results, ensure cream cheese and butter are softened to room temperature before mixing for a smooth cream cheese swirl.
- You can toast the coconut and pecans lightly before layering for extra flavor and crunch.
- The cake can be served warm or at room temperature; chilling slightly enhances the cream cheese texture.
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- This cake contains common allergens such as eggs, gluten, milk, and nuts, so take care if serving those with allergies.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
