Description
This decadent Earthquake Cake features a rich German chocolate base baked over a crunchy bed of coconut and pecans, with a luscious cream cheese filling that sinks to create molten valleys. It is a visually striking dessert that balances a moist crumb with gooey, cream-filled pockets.
Ingredients
- 1 cup sweetened flaked coconut
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
- 1 package (15.25 oz) German chocolate cake mix
- 1 1/3 cups water
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 3 large eggs
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4 cups confectioners’ sugar
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
- Spread the flaked coconut and chopped pecans evenly across the bottom of the pan to form a base layer.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the chocolate cake mix, water, vegetable oil, and eggs; beat with an electric mixer on medium speed for two minutes.
- Pour the cake batter over the coconut and pecans, smoothing it gently toward the edges of the pan.
- In a clean bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, butter, and vanilla extract together until completely smooth and free of lumps.
- Gradually add the confectioners’ sugar to the cream cheese mixture, mixing until a thick, uniform suspension forms.
- Dollop or pour the cream cheese mixture over the top of the cake batter, swirling slightly with a knife if desired to create a marbled effect.
- Bake for 30 to 40 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center still has a slight jiggle; allow the cake to cool and set before serving.
Notes
To ensure the most successful ‘earthquake’ effect, avoid over-swirling the cream cheese mixture into the chocolate batter, as distinct zones of density are required for the characteristic fissures to form. For a cleaner presentation, use a hot knife to slice the cake once it has cooled to room temperature, though it is equally delicious served warm for a molten experience.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 35 mins
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American