Description
Earthquake Cake is a decadent layered dessert that combines rich chocolate cake with creamy sweetened cream cheese, crunchy nuts, shredded coconut, and gooey chocolate chips. This indulgent, moist cake is perfect for chocolate lovers looking for a luscious treat with a delightful texture contrast.
Ingredients
Scale
Chocolate Cake Layer
- 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.)
Additional Layers and Toppings
- 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.)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish thoroughly to prevent sticking.
- Layer Coconut and Nuts: Sprinkle the sweetened shredded coconut evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish, then scatter the chopped pecans on top of the coconut.
- Make Cake Batter: Prepare the chocolate cake batter according to the package instructions, combining the cake mix with eggs, vegetable oil, and water as directed.
- Pour Cake Batter: Pour the prepared chocolate cake batter evenly over the layered coconut and pecans in the baking dish, making sure it’s spread evenly.
- Prepare Cream Cheese Mixture: In a separate bowl, mix the softened cream cheese with the melted butter and powdered sugar until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Add Cream Cheese Layer: Dollop the cream cheese mixture over the chocolate cake batter and gently swirl with a knife or spoon to create marbled patterns.
- Top with Chocolate Chips: Sprinkle the chocolate chips evenly over the top of the cake batter and cream cheese swirls.
- Bake the Cake: Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the center is set but still retains a slight gooeyness for that moist texture.
- Cool and Serve: Remove from the oven and allow the cake to cool in the baking dish for about 15 minutes. Serve warm for the best flavor and gooey texture experience.
Notes
- You can substitute pecans with walnuts or slivered almonds based on your preference or availability.
- Omitting the shredded coconut is an option if you prefer a nut-only bottom layer.
- Using room temperature cream cheese ensures easier mixing and better texture in the cream cheese swirl layer.
- For a more intense chocolate flavor, you can use semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips.
- Letting the cake cool slightly before serving helps it hold its shape better while maintaining the gooey center.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45-50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Earthquake Cake, chocolate cake, cream cheese swirl, layered cake, nutty dessert, coconut, chocolate chips
