Name: Earthquake Cake Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: Cooking spray, as needed; 1/2 cup chopped pecans; 1 1/2 cups sweetened flaked coconut; 1 box chocolate fudge cake mix; Eggs, oil, and water as required by the cake mix package directions; 1/2 cup butter, melted; 8 ounces cream cheese, softened; 2 1/2 cups powdered sugar; 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips

Jump to Recipe· 4.2 from 54 reviews

If you’re looking to wow your friends and family with a dessert that is as delicious as it is memorable, this Earthquake Cake Recipe is an absolute must-try. This indulgent treat is packed with layers of coconut, pecans, luscious cream cheese frosting, and rich chocolate all in one pan—creating a delightful explosion of textures and flavors that literally shakes up your typical cake experience. Whether you’re hosting a potluck or craving something sweet on a cozy night in, this recipe will quickly become your go-to favorite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A white rectangular dish filled with one layer of white shredded coconut spread evenly across the bottom, topped with a scattered layer of small, chopped pieces of brown pecans, creating a contrast in texture and colors, all placed on a white marbled surface photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The magic of this Earthquake Cake Recipe lies in its simplicity and the harmony of its ingredients. Each one brings something special to the table, making the final dessert rich, moist, and perfectly balanced.

Cooking spray: Essential for preventing the cake from sticking to your pan, ensuring easy release and clean edges.
1/2 cup chopped pecans: Adds a delightful crunch and nutty flavor that complements the creamy layers.
1 1/2 cups sweetened flaked coconut: Provides chewy sweetness and texture that contrasts beautifully with the cake.
1 box chocolate fudge cake mix: The base of the dessert, giving you a rich chocolate foundation without fuss.
Eggs, oil, and water according to cake mix package: The essential wet ingredients that bind and moisten the cake batter.
1/2 cup butter (melted): Adds richness and contributes to the creamy frosting layer.
8 ounces cream cheese (softened): Creates a luscious, tangy frosting that balances the sweetness of the cake.
2 1/2 cups powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the cream cheese frosting for that perfect spreadable texture.
1 cup semisweet chocolate chips: Sprinkled on top for melty pockets of chocolate and added decadence.

How to Make Earthquake Cake Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Base Layer

Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees F and coating a 9″x13″ pan with cooking spray. Then, evenly layer the chopped pecans and the sweetened flaked coconut on the bottom of the pan. This base layer is the key to the texture explosion that will happen in the final cake, giving you crunchy, chewy bites every time.

Step 2: Mix and Add the Cake Batter

Next, prepare your chocolate fudge cake mix exactly as the package directions instruct, combining the eggs, oil, and water. Gently pour this luscious batter over the pecan and coconut layer, making sure to cover it evenly without mixing the bottom layers into the batter.

Step 3: Prepare the Cream Cheese Topping

In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Then add the melted butter, mixing again until it’s fully combined. Gradually beat in the powdered sugar on a low speed; this ensures your frosting is velvety and without lumps—perfect for dolloping on top of the cake.

Step 4: Assemble and Add Chocolate Chips

Dollop the cream cheese mixture evenly over the cake batter in the pan. Don’t worry if it looks a bit messy—that’s part of the charm. Then sprinkle the semisweet chocolate chips on top, which will melt as the cake bakes and add those irresistible chocolate pockets.

Step 5: Bake and Cool

Bake your masterpiece for about 40 minutes or until the cake is set and the edges are golden. Once out of the oven, make sure to let it cool completely in the pan before slicing. This resting time helps the flavors meld together into that signature “earthquake” effect in every bite.

How to Serve Earthquake Cake Recipe

A white rectangular baking dish filled with a thick dark brown chocolate batter as the bottom layer, topped with uneven dollops of creamy white cheese mixture scattered across the surface. Small dark chocolate chips are sprinkled generously over both the chocolate batter and cheese dollops, adding texture and contrast. The dish sits on a white marbled surface, and the image shows a close-up view highlighting the rich texture and contrast between dark chocolate and white cheese. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To elevate your Earthquake Cake Recipe even further, consider sprinkling a little extra chopped pecans or flaked coconut on top just before serving. A light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of chocolate syrup also adds a festive touch that’s visually stunning without overshadowing the cake’s rich flavors.

Side Dishes

This dessert pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream to balance the richness. For an extra cozy touch, serve alongside a cup of strong coffee or bold black tea to cut through the sweetness and complement the tapioca-like textures at play.

Creative Ways to Present

For a surprising twist, try serving this cake in individual clear glasses or trifle bowls layered with fresh berries between slices. You can also cut it into bite-sized squares and offer it as part of a dessert platter. The mix of textures and layers makes it as fun to look at as it is to eat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

One of the best things about this Earthquake Cake Recipe is that it holds up really well in the fridge. Simply cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil, and it will stay fresh and moist for up to 4 days. The flavors even deepen overnight, making leftovers highly anticipated!

Freezing

If you want to save some for later, this cake freezes beautifully. Wrap individual portions or the whole cake tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. When properly stored, it can keep for up to 3 months without losing that wonderful texture.

Reheating

To enjoy the Earthquake Cake Recipe after freezing, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Warm slices for about 10-15 seconds in the microwave to bring back that softness and let the chocolate chips become melty again. This simple step revives the dessert almost as if it were freshly baked.

FAQs

What makes it called Earthquake Cake?

The name comes from the delightful “quake” or unevenness created by the cream cheese dollops sinking into the chocolate cake batter during baking, resulting in a textured and wonderfully marbled effect both visually and in flavor.

Can I use a different cake mix flavor?

Absolutely! While chocolate fudge is the classic choice, you can experiment with other flavors like devil’s food or even spice cake to create unique variations of this dessert that still capture the essence of the Earthquake Cake Recipe.

Is it necessary to soften the cream cheese?

Yes, softening the cream cheese beforehand is crucial for achieving a smooth, lump-free frosting layer. Cold cream cheese will not blend properly and could leave clumps in your topping, affecting both texture and appearance.

Can I substitute nuts if I have allergies?

Definitely. If pecans aren’t an option because of allergies, you can replace them with seeds like sunflower or pumpkin seeds, or simply omit them altogether. The cake will still maintain its signature texture and taste, thanks to the coconut and chocolate.

How should I cut Earthquake Cake for serving?

Use a sharp knife and cut the cake into squares once it has completely cooled. For clean slices, wipe the knife with a warm, damp towel between cuts. This helps maintain the layered appearance and ensures no sticking.

Final Thoughts

This Earthquake Cake Recipe is more than just a dessert — it’s a celebration in every forkful, a blend of textures and rich flavors that brings comfort and surprise all at once. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a kitchen newbie, this recipe is simple enough to make yet impressive enough to share. Give it a try, and I promise it will become a treasured favorite in your recipe box.