Experience a seismic shift in dessert enjoyment with our Earthquake Cake recipe. This unique creation features layers of German chocolate cake mix, coconut, chocolate chips, and pecans, all topped with a luscious butter and cream cheese mixture. Whether you’re satisfying your own cravings or impressing guests with a decadent treat, this Earthquake Cake is sure to leave a lasting impression.
Ingredients:
- 1 box German Chocolate Cake Mix
- ⅓ cup vegetable oil
- 3 large eggs
- 1 & 1/3 cup water
- ⅔ cup sweetened shredded coconut
- ⅔ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- ½ cup chopped pecans
- 1 stick unsalted butter (1/2 cup)
- 8 oz cream cheese
- 1 pound powdered sugar (3 and 3/4 cups)
Directions:
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly spray a 9 x 13 inch pan with non-stick cooking spray.
- Layer the Base: Sprinkle the coconut, chocolate chips, and pecans evenly on the bottom of the prepared pan.
- Mix the Cake Batter: In a mixing bowl, combine the German chocolate cake mix with the oil, eggs, and water until well blended.
- Pour the Batter: Pour the cake batter evenly over the coconut, chocolate chip, and pecan layer in the pan.
- Prepare the Topping: In a saucepan, melt the butter and cream cheese together over low heat until smooth.
- Add the Sugar: Gradually beat in the powdered sugar until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Spread the Topping: Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the uncooked German chocolate cake batter in the pan. Use a knife to swirl the topping into the cake batter.
- Bake: Bake the cake in the preheated oven for 35-45 minutes, or until it no longer wobbles in the pan when shaken. The toothpick test may not work due to the gooey nature of the cake.
- Enjoy: Once baked, allow the cake to cool slightly before slicing and serving. Store any leftover cake in the refrigerator.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 35-45 minutes | Total Time: 55 minutes | Servings: 20
Serving and Storage Tips:
- Serve Warm or Chilled: Earthquake Cake can be served warm, straight from the oven, for a gooey and indulgent experience. Alternatively, it can be chilled in the refrigerator for a refreshing twist.
- Top with Ice Cream: For an extra decadent treat, serve Earthquake Cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The combination of warm cake and cold ice cream is irresistible.
- Store in the Refrigerator: Store any leftover Earthquake Cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Simply reheat individual slices in the microwave for a quick and delicious dessert.
- Freeze for Later: You can also freeze Earthquake Cake for longer storage. Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before placing them in the freezer. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating or serving.
- Garnish Before Serving: Add a final touch of flair to your Earthquake Cake by garnishing each slice with a sprinkle of powdered sugar or a drizzle of chocolate sauce just before serving.
Variations:
- Nutty Delight: Enhance the nuttiness of the cake by swapping the pecans for walnuts or almonds. Toast the nuts before adding them to the cake for an extra depth of flavor.
- Fruity Twist: Incorporate dried fruit such as cherries, raisins, or cranberries into the cake batter for a burst of sweetness and texture.
- Coconut Paradise: Double down on the coconut flavor by adding coconut extract to the cake batter and topping the cake with toasted coconut flakes.
- Mocha Madness: Add a tablespoon of instant coffee granules to the cake batter for a rich and indulgent mocha flavor. Top with a dusting of cocoa powder for extra decadence.
- Caramel Infusion: Drizzle caramel sauce over the top of the cake before baking for a gooey caramel surprise with every bite.
- Citrus Burst: Add a zesty twist to your Earthquake Cake by incorporating orange or lemon zest into the cream cheese topping. The citrusy flavor will complement the richness of the chocolate and coconut beautifully.
- Salted Caramel Sensation: Drizzle salted caramel sauce over the cream cheese topping before swirling it into the cake batter. The combination of sweet caramel, rich chocolate, and creamy cheesecake is pure bliss.
- Peanut Butter Paradise: For all the peanut butter lovers out there, swirl creamy peanut butter into the cream cheese topping for an indulgent flavor combination. Top with chopped peanuts for added crunch.
- Mint Chocolate Marvel: Infuse the cream cheese topping with a hint of mint extract for a refreshing twist on classic chocolate and coconut flavors. Garnish with chocolate mint candies for an extra pop of color and flavor.
- Berry Bliss: Fold fresh or frozen berries, such as raspberries or strawberries, into the cream cheese topping for a burst of fruity goodness. The tartness of the berries balances out the sweetness of the cake perfectly.
- Spiced Delight: Add a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves to the cake batter for a warm and comforting flavor profile reminiscent of a spiced chocolate cake. Serve with a dusting of powdered sugar for a festive touch.
- Nutella Nirvana: Swirl Nutella into the cream cheese topping for a decadent hazelnut-chocolate flavor explosion. Top with chopped hazelnuts for an extra layer of crunch and flavor.
- Coconut Rum Infusion: Replace the water in the cake batter with coconut rum for a tropical twist. Top with toasted coconut flakes and a drizzle of chocolate ganache for a true island-inspired treat.
FAQs :
- Can I use a different cake mix flavor?
- Yes, you can experiment with different cake mix flavors such as devil’s food, red velvet, or yellow cake to create unique variations of Earthquake Cake.
- Can I use reduced-fat cream cheese?
- While you can use reduced-fat cream cheese, keep in mind that it may affect the texture and richness of the topping.
- Can I make Earthquake Cake gluten-free?
- Yes, you can use a gluten-free cake mix and ensure that all other ingredients used are gluten-free certified.
- Can I omit the coconut and nuts?
- Absolutely! Feel free to customize the cake by omitting the coconut and nuts or substituting them with other ingredients such as dried fruit or marshmallows.
- Can I use milk chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet?
- Yes, you can use milk chocolate chips for a sweeter flavor profile, but keep in mind that the cake may be slightly sweeter overall.
- Can I make Earthquake Cake in a different size pan?
- Yes, you can adjust the recipe for different pan sizes, but keep in mind that the baking time may vary. Use a toothpick to test for doneness.
- Can I use a homemade cake batter instead of a boxed mix?
- Yes, you can use a homemade cake batter if you prefer. Simply prepare the cake batter according to your favorite recipe and proceed with the rest of the instructions.
- Can I add caramel sauce to the cream cheese topping?
- Absolutely! Drizzle caramel sauce over the cream cheese topping before swirling it into the cake batter for an extra layer of indulgence.
- Can I make Earthquake Cake ahead of time?
- Yes, you can prepare Earthquake Cake ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until ready to serve. It actually tastes better after chilling for a few hours, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Can I serve Earthquake Cake with whipped cream?
- Yes, you can serve Earthquake Cake with a dollop of whipped cream for added creaminess and a touch of freshness.
With these serving and storage tips, variations, and FAQs, you’re equipped to master the art of Earthquake Cake and delight your taste buds with every seismic slice!
Elevate your dessert game with our Earthquake Cake recipe, a delightful fusion of flavors and textures that’s sure to please any palate. Whether you’re treating yourself to a sweet indulgence or sharing it with friends and family, this cake is guaranteed to make a lasting impression. With its irresistible combination of German chocolate cake, coconut, chocolate chips, pecans, and creamy topping, every bite is a delicious earthquake of flavor.