Earthquake Cake

Looking for a dessert that’s rich, indulgent, and impossible to resist? Say hello to the Earthquake Cake! This gooey, chocolate-packed masterpiece is unlike your average cake—it erupts with layers of flavor and texture that literally shift as it bakes.

With crunchy pecans, sweet coconut, a fudgy chocolate cake base, molten cream cheese ribbons, and melted chocolate chips, it’s a decadent treat that looks like an earthquake hit it—and tastes like heaven.

Best of all? You don’t need to be a professional baker to whip this up. If you’ve got a box of German chocolate cake mix and a few pantry staples, you’re ready to create a dessert that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.

Let’s get messy—in the most delicious way.

Ingredients List

Base Layers

• 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
• 1 cup chopped pecans

Cake

• 1 (15.25 oz) box German chocolate cake mix
• Plus ingredients called for on the box (typically eggs, water, and oil)

Cream Cheese Filling

• ½ cup salted butter, softened to room temperature
• 1 (8 oz) block cream cheese, softened to room temperature
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup confectioners’ sugar

Toppings

• ¾ cup chocolate chips (semi-sweet or milk chocolate)

Optional for Serving

• Whipped cream
• Vanilla ice cream
• Chocolate syrup or caramel sauce

Required Kitchen Tools

When it comes to Earthquake Cake, having the right tools on hand will make the process smoother and ensure everything bakes up just right:

1. Deep 9 x 13-inch Baking Dish
   This cake puffs up as it bakes, so depth matters. Aim for a pan that’s at least 2 inches deep. If you’re unsure, place it on a rimmed baking sheet to catch any potential overflow.
2. Electric Mixer
   You’ll need this to beat the butter, cream cheese, and sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Mixing Bowls
   One for your cake batter and another for the cream cheese mixture.
4. Rubber Spatula or Offset Knife
   For swirling the cream cheese layer through the cake batter like a pro.
5. Measuring Cups and Spoons
   Accurate measurements make for consistent, delicious results.

Preparing the Layers

The beauty of this cake is in its layers—and how they shift and melt during baking to create that signature “earthquake” look. Here’s how to prep them:

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a deep 9 x 13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.

Step 2: Add Coconut and Pecans

Evenly sprinkle shredded coconut and chopped pecans in the bottom of your baking dish. This will become the flavorful, chewy-crunchy base of your cake.

Step 3: Make the Cake Batter

Prepare the German chocolate cake mix according to the package directions. Most mixes call for water, eggs, and oil—follow those exact measurements.

Once mixed, pour the cake batter directly over the coconut and pecans, covering them completely.

Step 4: Whip Up the Cream Cheese Filling

In a medium bowl, beat together the softened butter, cream cheese, and vanilla using an electric mixer until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the confectioners’ sugar and mix until fully combined.

Step 5: Swirl in the Cream Cheese

Dollop spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture all over the top of the cake batter. Then, take a knife or spatula and gently swirl the cream cheese into the cake batter—don’t overmix. You want distinct ribbons of gooey goodness.

Step 6: Top with Chocolate Chips

Sprinkle chocolate chips evenly over the top. As the cake bakes, these will melt into little pools of chocolate gold.

Baking the Earthquake Cake

How to Bake It Just Right

Once everything is layered and swirled, it’s time to get that cake in the oven. Place your baking dish on the middle rack of your preheated 350°F oven. If you’re using a shallow dish, don’t forget to place it on top of a rimmed baking sheet—this cake has a tendency to puff up and ooze over the edges if your pan isn’t deep enough.

Bake the cake for 40 to 45 minutes, but here’s the thing: this isn’t your typical cake where you check for doneness with a toothpick. The cream cheese and chocolate create molten pockets that won’t set completely until it cools—and even then, they’ll stay delightfully gooey.

How to Tell When It’s Done

I like to gently press the center of the cake with my fingertips. If the chocolate cake portion feels set and springs back, it’s ready—even if it still jiggles slightly in the middle. It’s supposed to look a bit wild and cracked on top (that’s the “earthquake” effect!), so don’t worry if it doesn’t look picture-perfect in the traditional sense.

Resist the urge to overbake it, or you’ll miss out on that molten, lava-like center that makes Earthquake Cake so special.

Serving the Earthquake Cake

Serve It Warm and Gooey—or Cool and Sliced

There are two ways I love serving Earthquake Cake:

1. Warm from the oven – It’s ultra-gooey and melts in your mouth. This is the best time to top it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and drizzle with chocolate syrup or caramel sauce.
2. Fully cooled – If you prefer clean slices, let the cake cool completely in the pan before slicing. The layers will firm up slightly, making it easier to cut and serve—but don’t worry, it’s still rich and decadent!

Topping Suggestions

Take your Earthquake Cake to the next level with any of these finishing touches:

• A dusting of powdered sugar for a classic touch
• Whipped cream for light, airy contrast
• Chopped toasted nuts or extra chocolate chips sprinkled on top
• A drizzle of chocolate ganache or caramel sauce for maximum indulgence

This is a dessert that doesn’t hold back—and neither should you when it comes to toppings.

Storage Instructions

How to Store Leftover Earthquake Cake

Earthquake Cake is best served fresh, especially when it’s warm and gooey. But if you’ve got leftovers (lucky you!), here’s how to keep them tasting great:

• Room Temperature: Cover the cake tightly with foil or plastic wrap and store it at room temp for up to 2 days. Make sure it’s in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
• Refrigerator: If you want to stretch it a little longer, you can refrigerate it for up to 5 days. Just know that refrigeration can firm it up a bit, so warm individual slices in the microwave for 10–15 seconds before serving to bring back that soft texture.

Can You Freeze Earthquake Cake?

Yes, Earthquake Cake freezes well—just keep in mind that the texture may change slightly after thawing, especially the cream cheese layer.

• Cut the cake into individual portions.
• Wrap each piece in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or airtight container.
• Freeze for up to 1 month.
• To enjoy again, thaw slices in the fridge overnight and reheat in the microwave until warm and gooey.

Customization Ideas

Make It Your Own!

One of the best things about Earthquake Cake is how adaptable it is. You can tweak it to suit your preferences or dietary needs with just a few simple swaps or additions:

Cake Mix Variations

• Devil’s Food cake mix – For a deeper, richer chocolate flavor
• Chocolate fudge cake mix – For extra indulgence
• Vanilla or yellow cake mix – For a “blonde” version with a surprise chocolate core

Filling Swaps

• Add peanut butter chips or white chocolate chips instead of (or in addition to) chocolate chips
• Mix mini marshmallows into the cream cheese layer for a gooey, s’mores-inspired twist
• Use toffee bits for an added crunch and caramel flavor

Add a Boozy Boost

Swirl in a splash of Kahlua, Baileys, or bourbon to the cream cheese mixture for a grown-up version that’s perfect for parties.

Make It Nut-Free

Skip the pecans entirely if you’re baking for someone with nut allergies. The cake will still be rich and flavorful without them.

Conclusion

Earthquake Cake isn’t just a dessert—it’s an experience. With its gooey layers of chocolate, sweet coconut, crunchy pecans, and swirls of cream cheese, this cake is a flavor explosion in every bite. It’s the perfect choice when you want something easy, impressive, and undeniably decadent.

Whether you’re serving it warm and melty with ice cream or slicing it up for a party, this Earthquake Cake recipe proves that a little kitchen chaos can lead to something truly unforgettable. So go ahead—bake it, swirl it, and enjoy every messy, molten bite.