Earthquake Cake

Discover the Delight of Earthquake Cake

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to experience an earthquake in your kitchen? The Earthquake Cake offers just that—a delightful culinary shake-up! With its rich layers of German chocolate cake, coconut, chocolate chips, and pecans, topped with a creamy swirl of cream cheese, this cake is a delightful surprise. The best part? There’s no need for additional frosting as the cream cheese mixture creates a luscious layer inside. The cake earns its name from the delightful cracks that form after baking. Perfect for any party, this cake is sure to be a hit!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Earthquake Cake is a showstopper for many reasons. It’s incredibly rich with German chocolate flavors and has a surprise cream cheese layer that sets it apart. The combination of textures from the coconut and pecans makes each bite a delight. Plus, it’s easy to prepare, and the finished product is stunning without needing extra decoration.

Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need

• 9 x 13-inch baking pan
• Saucepan
• Spatula or hand mixer
• Knife
• Nonstick cooking spray

Ingredients

• 1 box of German chocolate cake mix (prepared as shown below)
• 1/3 cup of oil
• 3 eggs
• 1 and 1/3 cup of water
• 2/3 cup of grated coconut
• 2/3 cup chocolate chips
• 1/2 cup chopped pecans
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
• 8 oz. cream cheese
• 1 pound of powdered sugar (3 and 3/4 cups)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F.
2. Lightly spray a 9 x 13-inch baking pan with nonstick cooking spray.
3. Sprinkle the bottom of the pan with coconut, chocolate chips, and pecans.
4. In a mixing bowl, combine the German chocolate cake mix with oil, eggs, and water, using a spatula or hand mixer on low speed.
5. Pour this cake batter over the coconut, chocolate chip, and pecan layer in the pan.
6. In a saucepan, melt the butter and cream cheese together.
7. Gradually add the powdered sugar to the melted butter and cream cheese, beating until smooth.
8. Spread the cream cheese mixture over the unbaked cake batter in the pan, and use a knife to swirl it into the cake.
9. Bake for 35 to 45 minutes, or until the cake no longer wobbles when you shake the pan. Note that the toothpick test won’t work as the cake is meant to be sticky.

Tips for Success

• Ensure the cream cheese and butter are fully melted and smooth before adding the powdered sugar.
• Don’t overmix the cake batter; just mix until ingredients are combined.
• Allow the cake to cool completely before slicing to ensure clean cuts.

Additional Tips and Variations

For a different twist, try adding white chocolate chips or replacing pecans with walnuts. You can also drizzle caramel sauce over the top before serving for an extra layer of flavor.

Nutritional Highlights (Per Serving)

This cake is a decadent treat, so enjoy it in moderation. While nutritional values vary depending on portion size, it is rich in flavor and sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can I use a different cake mix flavor?
A: Yes, feel free to experiment with other cake mix flavors, but the traditional German chocolate mix provides the best results.

Q: How should I store leftovers?
A: Keep any leftover cake in the refrigerator in an airtight container to maintain freshness.

Q: Can I make this cake ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! This cake can be made a day in advance and stored in the fridge until ready to serve.

Conclusion

Earthquake Cake is more than just a dessert; it’s an experience. With its unique texture and rich flavors, it’s a surefire way to impress your guests. I invite you to try this recipe and share your results. I can’t wait to hear how much you and your loved ones enjoy this delightful treat!