Classic Earthquake Cake Recipe

Moist, gooey, and absolutely irresistible, this Classic Earthquake Cake is a showstopping dessert that’s as dramatic as its name suggests. Bursting with layers of coconut, pecans, German chocolate cake, and a rich cream cheese swirl, it’s a treat that looks fancy but is delightfully simple to make.

Whether you’re baking for a family gathering, potluck, or just a weeknight indulgence, this cake will erupt with flavor and compliments!

Why It’s Called an Earthquake Cake

The “earthquake” name comes from how the cake looks after baking—cracked, crumbled, and swirled, just like the aftermath of a tremor. But don’t be fooled by the appearance. The inside remains ultra-moist, rich, and full of creamy texture thanks to the cream cheese filling that melts and swirls right into the cake.

Ingredients for Earthquake Cake

To make this rich, layered dessert, you’ll need:

1 cup sweetened shredded coconut

1 cup pecans, roughly chopped
1 box German chocolate cake mix (15.25 oz)
1 cup water

½ cup vegetable or canola oil
3 large eggs
1 (8 oz) package cream cheese

½ cup unsalted butter, softened
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups powdered sugar

How to Make Earthquake Cake

Follow these easy steps to achieve chocolatey, creamy perfection:

1. Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

2. Layer the Bottom

Evenly spread the shredded coconut across the bottom of the dish. Sprinkle chopped pecans over the top of the coconut.

3. Mix the Cake Batter

In a large bowl, combine the German chocolate cake mix with water, oil, and eggs. Beat until smooth. Pour the batter over the coconut and pecans.

4. Prepare the Cream Cheese Layer

In another bowl, beat together the cream cheese, softened butter, and vanilla until creamy. Add in the powdered sugar and mix until fully combined.

5. Swirl It In

Drop spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture over the cake batter. Gently swirl it into the batter with a knife or spatula—don’t overmix.

6. Bake

Bake for 45–50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.

7. Cool and Serve

Allow the cake to cool for at least 30 minutes. Serve warm or at room temperature. Enjoy as-is or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream!

Tips for Success

Use room temperature ingredients for the cream cheese mixture—it’ll blend smoother.
Try toasted pecans for extra depth of flavor.

Want more gooeyness? Add a few chocolate chips to the cream cheese swirl!

Storage & Reheating

Refrigerator: Store leftover cake in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Freezer: Wrap individual pieces and freeze for up to 2 months.

To reheat: Microwave for 15–20 seconds to restore that just-baked warmth.

Final Thoughts

If you’re a fan of rich chocolate, moist textures, and layers of flavor, this Classic Earthquake Cake will rock your world. It’s quick to prepare, fun to serve, and sure to become a go-to recipe in your dessert arsenal.

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