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Classic Earthquake Cake Recipe

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  • Author: Lora
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45-50 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
  • Yield: Serves 12
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Description

Classic Earthquake Cake is an indulgent, layered dessert featuring a moist German chocolate cake base topped with shredded coconut and pecans, swirled with a rich cream cheese frosting baked right into the cake. Perfect for gatherings, this easy-to-make recipe yields a decadent and textured treat that shakes up traditional chocolate cakes with its unique layered effect.

Ingredients

Base Layer

  • 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 Swirl

  • 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese
  • ½ cup butter, softened
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 cups powdered sugar

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
  2. Layer Coconut and Pecans: Evenly spread the sweetened shredded coconut across the bottom of the baking dish, then sprinkle the chopped pecans evenly over the coconut layer.
  3. Mix Cake Batter: In a large mixing bowl, combine the German chocolate cake mix, water, vegetable or canola oil, and eggs. Mix until the batter is smooth and well combined.
  4. Pour Batter Over Nut Layer: Pour the prepared cake batter evenly over the coconut and pecan layers in the baking dish.
  5. Prepare Cream Cheese Mixture: In a separate bowl, beat the cream cheese, softened butter, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar and mix until fully incorporated and smooth.
  6. Add Cream Cheese Swirl: Drop spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture over the cake batter in the baking dish. Using a knife or spatula, lightly swirl the cream cheese into the batter to create a marbled effect.
  7. Bake the Cake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  8. Cool Before Serving: Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool for at least 30 minutes before slicing and serving. This helps the cake to set and enhances flavor.

Notes

  • Make sure the cream cheese and butter are softened to room temperature to ensure a smooth cream cheese swirl mixture.
  • You can substitute pecans with walnuts if preferred.
  • If you want extra coconut flavor, lightly toast the shredded coconut before layering.
  • Store leftovers covered at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
  • For easier slicing, refrigerate the cake after it cools to help it firm up.

Find it online: https://meallora.com/classic-earthquake-cake-recipe/