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Earthquake Cake Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 74 reviews
  • Author: Olivia
  • Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
  • Yield: 12 servings 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Earthquake Cake is a decadent layered dessert featuring a moist chocolate cake base infused with a creamy, sweet cream cheese layer, topped with coconut, nuts, and chocolate chips for a delightful texture and rich flavor. This recipe brings together simple ingredients to create an impressive, gooey treat perfect for gatherings or a special indulgence.

Ingredients

Scale

Chocolate Cake Base

  • 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.)

Layer Ingredients

  • 1 cup Sweetened Shredded Coconut (Can be substituted or omitted.)
  • 1 cup Chopped Pecans (Or walnuts/slivered almonds.)

Cream Cheese Mixture

  • 8 oz Cream Cheese (Softened and at room temperature.)
  • 0.5 cup Unsalted Butter (Melted.)
  • 2 cups Powdered Sugar (No substitutes recommended.)

Topping

  • 1 cup Chocolate Chips (Variations welcome.)

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish thoroughly to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
  2. Layer Coconut and Nuts: Evenly sprinkle the sweetened shredded coconut over the bottom of the greased baking dish, then layer the chopped pecans on top of the coconut to create the base texture layer.
  3. Prepare Cake Batter: In a mixing bowl, combine the chocolate cake mix, eggs, vegetable oil, and water according to the cake mix package instructions until smooth. Pour this batter evenly over the layered coconut and pecans in the baking dish.
  4. Mix Cream Cheese Topping: In a separate bowl, blend the softened cream cheese, melted butter, and powdered sugar with a hand mixer or whisk until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
  5. Dollop and Swirl: Drop dollops of the cream cheese mixture over the chocolate cake batter in the baking dish. Using a knife or spatula, gently swirl the cream cheese into the cake batter to create a marbled effect without fully mixing it.
  6. Add Chocolate Chips: Sprinkle the chocolate chips evenly over the top to add richness and melted chocolate pockets upon baking.
  7. Bake the Cake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, checking that the center is set but remains slightly gooey for the perfect gooey texture.
  8. Cool and Serve: Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool in the baking dish for about 15 minutes. Serve warm to enjoy the luscious textures at their best.

Notes

  • You can substitute pecans with walnuts or slivered almonds depending on your preference or availability.
  • If you prefer less sweetness, reduce the powdered sugar slightly in the cream cheese mixture.
  • For a gluten-free version, use a gluten-free chocolate cake mix.
  • Allowing the cake to cool slightly enhances slicing and serving.
  • This cake is best enjoyed warm but can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45-50 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Keywords: Earthquake Cake, Chocolate Cake, Cream Cheese Dessert, Layered Cake, Coconut Cake, Nutty Cake, Gooey Cake, Chocolate Chip Cake

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Find it online: https://bitesbyolivia.com/earthquake-cake-recipe/