Name: Indulge in Earthquake Cake Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: PT-491254H9M1S
Total time: PT-491254H9M1S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 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.); 1 cup Sweetened Shredded Coconut (Can be substituted or omitted.); 1 cup Chopped Pecans (Or walnuts/slivered almonds.); 8 oz Cream Cheese (Softened and at room temperature.); 0.5 cup Unsalted Butter (Melted.); 2 cups Powdered Sugar (No substitutes recommended.); 1 cup Chocolate Chips (Variations welcome.)

Ingredients

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)

8 oz Cream Cheese (softened and at room temperature)

0.5 cup Unsalted Butter (melted)

2 cups Powdered Sugar (no substitutes recommended)

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

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish thoroughly.

Step 2: Evenly sprinkle the sweetened shredded coconut at the bottom of the prepared baking dish, then add the chopped pecans on top of the coconut layer.

Step 3: Prepare the chocolate cake batter according to the package instructions, using the eggs, vegetable oil, and water as directed. Pour the batter carefully over the coconut and pecan layers.

Step 4: In a separate bowl, mix the softened cream cheese, melted butter, and powdered sugar until smooth and creamy. Dollop spoonfuls of this mixture over the cake batter and gently swirl it into the batter with a knife or skewer.

Step 5: Sprinkle chocolate chips evenly across the top of the swirled cream cheese and cake mixture.

Step 6: Bake the cake for 45-50 minutes, or until the center is set but still slightly gooey for a perfect texture.

Step 7: Remove from the oven and allow the cake to cool in the baking dish for 15 minutes. Serve warm for the best flavor and texture.

Tips & Variations

For a nut-free version, omit the pecans and replace them with extra coconut or chocolate chips.

Try using walnuts or slivered almonds instead of pecans for a different nutty flavor.

Use dark or white chocolate chips as a variation to the traditional semi-sweet chips.

Make sure the cream cheese is fully softened to avoid lumps in the swirled topping.

For extra moisture, you can add a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the cake batter.

FAQs

Can I use homemade chocolate cake batter instead of a mix?

Yes, you can use homemade chocolate cake batter if you prefer. Just make sure the batter is thick enough to hold the layers and bake similarly in a 9×13-inch dish.

Is it necessary to use powdered sugar for the cream cheese layer?

Powdered sugar is recommended because it dissolves smoothly into the cream cheese, creating a silky texture. Granulated sugar may not blend well and could result in a grainy topping.