Description
Classic Earthquake Cake is a delightful dessert featuring a rich German chocolate cake base layered over a crunchy coconut and pecan crust, topped with a luscious cream cheese swirl. This easy-to-make cake combines textures and flavors for a deliciously satisfying treat perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Nut and Coconut Base
- 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 Topping
- 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese
- ½ cup butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups powdered sugar
Instructions
- Prepare Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Create Coconut and Pecan Layer: Evenly spread the shredded coconut across the bottom of the greased baking dish, then sprinkle the roughly chopped pecans over the coconut, forming the base layer.
- Mix Cake Batter: In a large bowl, combine the German chocolate cake mix, water, vegetable or canola oil, and eggs. Stir the ingredients until you achieve a smooth batter.
- Assemble Cake Batter: Pour the prepared cake batter evenly over the coconut and pecan layer in the baking dish.
- Prepare Cream Cheese Mixture: In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, softened butter, and vanilla extract together until smooth and creamy. Gradually add in the powdered sugar, mixing until well combined and fluffy.
- Swirl Cream Cheese Topping: Spoon the cream cheese mixture over the cake batter in dollops, then lightly swirl it into the batter using a knife or spatula for a marbled effect.
- Bake the Cake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, indicating the cake is fully baked.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool for at least 30 minutes before slicing and serving to ensure the layers set properly.
Notes
- You can substitute pecans with walnuts if preferred.
- Make sure the cream cheese and butter are softened to room temperature for easy mixing.
- Ensure not to over-swirl the cream cheese mixture into the batter to maintain a pretty marbled effect.
- Allowing the cake to cool completely enhances the flavors and makes slicing easier.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45-50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
