The combination of cream cheese, chocolate chips, pecans, coconut and a german chocolate cake mix make up this delicious chocolate cake! Also known as an Earthquake Cake!
HOW DID EARTHQUAKE CAKE GET ITS NAME?
This dessert got its name is because it comes out of the oven all jumbled together. As the cake bakes, the ingredients move around and the cake is uneven and full of cracks. Just like there was an earthquake in the cake! It is so chocolate-y and decadent, and a little bit messy, but that is what makes is so delicious! All the flavor of a german chocolate cake jumbled together in one easy cake recipe.
WHAT IS EARTHQUAKE CAKE?
If you aren’t familiar with an Earthquake Cake, you might be wondering how this chocolate cake has earned its name. Because of the way the ingredients in this earthquake cake is thrown together, when the cake is baking, they shift around creating a jumbled, cracked cake with lumps and crevices.
When you bite into the cake, you get a different and unique bite every time! This Chocolate Earthquake Cake is reminiscent of your favorite German Chocolate Cake but without all the work!
WHAT OTHER NAMES DOES THIS CAKE HAVE?
This cake has been mistakenly referred to as Wacky cake, Crazy cake, Joe cake, Wowie cake, Depression cake and WW II cake. Although the listed cakes are chocolate, they actually refer to a cake that was created during the war when supplies were low…as this cake is made with no eggs, butter, or milk which were hard to come by.
DO YOU NEED TO FROST EARTHQUAKE CAKE?
No. There is no need to add frosting to this cake. The cream cheese swirl mixed in the cake batter allows for extra moisture and makes this cake a little more gooey and crumbly. This cream cheese mixture is essentially the “frosting” but its on the inside!
HOW TO STORE EARTHQUAKE CAKE
Store any leftover cake in an air-tight container and keep refrigerated in the fridge. It should last up to a week.
CAN I THIS FREEZE CAKE?
Yes. You can freeze this cake. Just be sure the cake has cooled completely before wrapping in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. You can also use a freezer bag, if it is sealed tightly. To eat, take the cake out of the freezer and thaw on the counter until it’s room temperature. If you want it to be a little gooey again simply pop it into the microwave for 20-30 seconds for a warm, gooey treat!
WHAT ADD-INS CAN I USE?
If you aren’t a fan of a couple of the add-ins for this cake, you can leave them out or put a couple of different ones in their place. Just try to keep the ratios even so you don’t ruin the overall outcome of the cake.
Here are some other great options:
ORIGINAL ADD-INS
- coconut
- semi-sweet chocolate chips
- chopped pecans
OPTIONAL ADD-INS
- milk chocolate chips
- white chocolate chips
- butterscotch chips
- craisins
- chopped walnuts
- chopped almonds
- mini peanut butter cups
- peanut butter chips
EARTHQUAKE CAKE VIDEO TUTORIAL
SUPPLIES NEEDED FOR MAKING EARTHQUAKE CAKE
Here is a list of everything you will need to bake this cake recipe:
- mixer or hand mixer
- 9×13 baking dish with lid
- large bowl
- mixing bowls
- rubber spatula
- wooden spoons
- nut chopper
- toothpicks
- oven mitts
HOW TO MAKE EARTHQUAKE CAKE RECIPE
Now, you can certainly switch things up if you aren’t a fan of…chocolate chips, nuts and coconut. Simply trade them for something you would prefer. Some great options would be white chocolate chips, walnuts, almonds or some cranberries and raisins. Just be sure to use the same ratio for a similar item to you will be substituting!
Sharing a step-by-step video tutorial below:
Earthquake Cake
The Combination Of Cream Cheese, Chocolate Chips, Pecans, Coconut And A German Chocolate Cake Mix Make Up This Delicious Chocolate Cake Also Known As An Earthquake Cake! All The Flavor Of A German Chocolate Cake Jumbled Together In One Easy Cake Recipe.
Ingredients
- 1 box German Chocolate Cake Mix
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil or coconut oil
- 3 eggs large eggs
- 1 and 1/3 cup water
- 2/3 cup shredded coconut
- 2/3 cup chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
- 1/2 cup butter
- 8 oz cream cheese 1 package cream cheese
- 3 ½ cups powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
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Lightly spray a 9 x 13 inch pan with non-stick cooking spray.
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Sprinkle the coconut, chocolate chips, and pecans on the bottom of the pan.
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Take the package of the german chocolate cake mix and combine it with the oil, eggs, and water using a spatula.
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Pour the cake mix on top of the coconut, chocolate chips and pecan layer.
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In a saucepan, melt the butter and cream cheese.
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Using a mixer on low speed, beat the powdered sugar and vanilla extract into the butter mixture until it's smooth.
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Spread this mixture on top of the uncooked german chocolate cake in the pan.
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Swirl with a knife to mix the two together in a swirled pattern.
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Bake for 35-45 minutes. Cake should be a little bit gooey on the inside when finished. You can insert a toothpick into a bigger section of solid cake to see if the toothpick comes out clean.
MORE CHOCOLATE CAKE RECIPES
Sharing more of our favorite cake recipes below:
- Chocolate Layer Cake Recipe
- Chocolate Zucchini Cake Recipe
- Peanut Butter Cup Chocolate Cake
- Cake and Cupcakes Round Up
BEST CAKE PANS
We love finding a great cake pan that works well and gives up great baking results every time we use it. These are the cake pans we like to bake with.
Thanks for stopping by! xoxo
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Natalie says
Love the name! It has everything I love about a cake!! Gooey & chocolatey is the best!
Natalie- It is one of the desserts ever!
Mmm, so gooey!! Love the marbled swirl & coconut flavor!
Kristyn- It is so gooey and delicious!
There’s nothing better! All the flavors of German chocolate cake without needing to be precise in assembling the cake. Easy and so yummy!
Lisalia- It really is so easy and yummy!