Dessert

Earthquake Cake Recipe

ByOlivia Monroe January 5, 2026January 5, 2026

Introduction

Earthquake Cake is a rich, decadent dessert that combines layers of chocolate, cream cheese, coconut, and nuts to create a delightful texture and flavor explosion. This easy-to-make cake is perfect for any occasion when you want to impress with minimal effort.

A rich chocolate cake slice with two visible layers sits on a white plate over a white marbled surface. The bottom layer is a thick, moist, dark brown chocolate cake with a soft and slightly crumbly texture. Above it is a smooth, creamy white layer with small dark chocolate chunks embedded inside. The top is decorated with numerous glossy dark chocolate chips scattered evenly and drizzled with thin lines of shiny dark chocolate sauce. The edges of the cake are clean, and the whole piece looks moist and decadent. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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 baking dish, then add the chopped pecans on top.
Step 3: Prepare the chocolate cake batter according to the package instructions using eggs, oil, and water. Pour the batter evenly over the coconut and pecans.
Step 4: In a separate bowl, mix the softened cream cheese, melted butter, and powdered sugar until smooth and creamy. Dollop this mixture over the chocolate batter and gently swirl it in with a knife or spatula.
Step 5: Sprinkle the chocolate chips evenly over the top of the cake.
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: Allow the cake to cool in the baking dish for about 15 minutes before serving. Enjoy it warm for the best experience.

Tips & Variations

Substitute pecans with walnuts or slivered almonds to change the nutty flavor.
Omit coconut if you prefer a less textured cake or if you have a coconut allergy.
Use dark or white chocolate chips for a different chocolate variation.
For extra richness, add a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the cream cheese mixture.

Storage

Store leftover Earthquake Cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat individual slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds to enjoy the gooey center warm again. This cake can also be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

How to Serve

A close-up view of a slice of two-layered cake on a white plate with a white marbled texture beneath. The bottom layer is dark, moist chocolate cake with a crumbly texture. The top layer is thick, creamy beige cheesecake with visible dark chocolate bits inside, smooth in texture. The cheesecake is topped with many dark chocolate chips and drizzled with thin lines of dark chocolate sauce. The background shows the rest of the cake with similar layers and toppings in soft focus. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different cake mix flavor?

Yes, while chocolate is traditional, you can experiment with other flavors like devil’s food or chocolate fudge for variety.

Is it necessary to use softened cream cheese?

Yes, using softened cream cheese ensures a smooth mixture and helps it swirl evenly into the cake batter for the best texture.

Olivia Monroe