Description
Get ready for a dessert that defies expectations—Earthquake Cake is gooey, crunchy, creamy, and deeply chocolatey all at once. With swirls of sweetened cream cheese, melted chocolate chips, and a nutty coconut-pecan base, this is not your typical cake. Perfect for easy dessert ideas, potluck treats, or last-minute food ideas, this easy recipe uses a chocolate cake mix to create one of the most indulgent yet effortless baking experiences. Ideal as a sweet breakfast treat or a show-stopping end to a casual dinner.
Ingredients
1 box chocolate cake mix
8 oz cream cheese, softened
2 cups powdered sugar
1/2 cup butter, melted
1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
1 cup chopped pecans
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
3 large eggs (for cake mix preparation)
1/2 cup vegetable oil (for cake mix preparation)
1 cup water (for cake mix preparation)
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Sprinkle coconut evenly across the bottom of the dish, followed by chopped pecans.
3. Prepare cake batter as directed on box using eggs, oil, and water. Pour batter over the coconut and pecans.
4. In a separate bowl, beat cream cheese, powdered sugar, and melted butter until smooth.
5. Spoon the cream cheese mixture over the cake batter and gently swirl with a knife.
6. Sprinkle chocolate chips evenly on top.
7. Bake for 40–45 minutes until the top is cracked and center is slightly jiggly.
8. Cool at least 30 minutes before serving.
Notes
For best texture, let the cake cool completely before slicing—it helps the cream cheese set.
Want a twist? Try substituting walnuts for pecans or adding a pinch of cinnamon to the batter.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 510
- Sugar: 36g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 58g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
Keywords: easy dessert, chocolate cake, potluck dessert, cake mix recipe, sweet treat