Earthquake Cake is a fun cake that combines a box cake mix with coconut, pecans, and a cream cheese filling. Once baked, the cake has crevices and cracks like a cake that has literally been through an earthquake. The end result is an ooey gooey, scrumptiously moist chocolate cake with pockets of cream cheese, pecans, and coconut. It is almost like the frosting has been baked right into the cake.
This moist chocolate taste explosion with layers of coconut, pecans, chocolate, and cream cheese is one of our family’s favorite cakes. It is so easy to make and such fun as it really does kind of look like an earthquake. I love to prepare it for potlucks, family gatherings, and neighborhood shindigs. This rich cake serves between twelve to sixteen, so it is perfect for small parties with other sweet treats.
How do you make Earthquake Cake?
Start by spraying a deep 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. Next, sprinkle the chopped pecans and coconut flakes evenly on the bottom of the dish. Prepare the cake mix according to the instructions on the box. Sprinkle a little less than a cup of chocolate chips with a little bit of cooking oil and stir to coat. Now add a little flour and stir to coat again. Stir the chips into the cake mix and spoon the cake mix onto the top of the coconut and pecan layer.
Using a mixer, blend the cream cheese until smooth and lump-free. Slowly add the melted, slightly cooled butter and blend until smooth. Now add the powdered sugar one cup at a time and blend until smooth and creamy, scraping down the bowl and beaters several times.
Now drop the cream cheese mixture by rounded tablespoons onto the top of the cake batter. It does not need to be perfect or uniform. It should be kind of crazy with random dollops, as this is such a fun cake. Sprinkle a few chocolate chips on the top and bake for about forty minutes.
Helpful tips for Earthquake Cake
- Preheat the oven and load the cake on the middle rack in the center of the oven.
- Use a deep 13×9 inch baking dish so that there is no overflow. The pan I use is 2 1/2 inches deep.
- This fun cake ends up looking like a hot mess which is part of its charm. Do not worry too much about perfection with this cake.
- Feel free to substitute walnuts or almonds for the pecans.
- You can use any chocolate cake mix. This time I used Devil’s Food cake mix, but you can use Chocolate Fudge or German Chocolate Cake Mix.
- The cake is done when the chocolate cake batter in the center appears to be set and springs back a little bit when it is touched. This is usually right around 40 minutes. The toothpick test will not work on this cake because of the gooey cream cheese sections.
- This cake is absolutely over the top, served warm with or without vanilla ice cream, so plan accordingly if at all possible.
- As this cake contains cream cheese, err on the side of caution and refrigerate leftovers.
What cake mixes can you use for Earthquake Cake?
- Dark Chocolate Fudge
- Devil’s Food
- German Chocolate
- Triple Chocolate Fudge
- Swiss Chocolate
- Double Chocolate
- Dark Chocolate
- Lemon with white chocolate chips
- Strawberry with white chocolate chips
More chocolate recipes you will love!
Earthquake Cake
A fun and easy chocolate cake recipe with the flavors of pecans, coconut and pockets of sweetened cream cheese. This family friendly sweet treat has craters and crevices that give it that unique name. For an over the top treat serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings
- Category: dessert
- Method: bake
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups chopped pecan
- 1 1/2 cups sweetened coconut flakes
- 1 box chocolate cake mix
- Eggs, oil and water according to cake mix package
- 1 1/4 cups chocolate chips
- 1 teaspoon canola oil
- 1/2 tablespoon flour
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese softened to room temperature
- 3 cups powdered sugar
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray a deep 9×13-inch pan with nonstick baking spray. Evenly sprinkle pecans and coconut in the bottom of the pan.
- Mix the cake according to box instructions with egg, vegetable oil, and water. In a small bowl, mix 3/4 cup chocolate chips with canola oil. Sprinkle with flour and stir to combine. Stir the chocolate chips into the cake mix and spoon it in the baking dish over the pecans and coconut.
- Melt the butter in the microwave and let it cool slightly. Using a mixer beat cream cheese until sooth and lump free. Slowly add the melted butter and beat until smooth. Add the powdered sugar 1 cup at a time and mix until smooth. Drop the cream cheese mixture by rounded tablespoons randomly over the top of the cake. Sprinkle the remaining chocolate chips over the top.
- Bake for 40 minutes or just until the chocolate cake portion is just set.
Notes
- Preheat the oven and load the cake on the middle rack in the center of the oven.
- Use a deep 13×9 inch baking dish so that there is no overflow. The pan I use is 2 1/2 inches deep.
- This fun cake ends up looking like a hot mess which is part of its charm. Do not worry too much about perfection with this cake.
- Feel free to substitute walnuts or almonds for the pecans.
- You can use any chocolate cake mix. This time I used Devil’s Food cake mix, but you can use Chocolate Fudge or German Chocolate Cake Mix.
- The cake is done when the chocolate cake batter in the center appears to be set and springs back a little bit when it is touched. This is usually right around 40 minutes. The toothpick test will not work on this cake because of the gooey cream cheese sections.
- This cake is absolutely over the top, served warm with or without vanilla ice cream, so plan accordingly if at all possible.
- As this cake contains cream cheese, err on the side of caution and refrigerate leftovers.
Keywords: party cake, chocolate earthquake cake, how to make earthquake cake, what cake mixes can you use for earthquake cake, earthquake cake ingredients, almond joy earthquake cake, best earthquake cake recipe
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This post was originally published on June 7, 2015, and was republished on March 10, 2020, with new content.
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Anjali
I hadn’t actually heard of earthquake cake before I found your recipe but I’m so glad I did! This was so easy to make and turned out perfectly, it was a fun dessert to enjoy with my kids after dinner last night!
★★★★★
Beth Pierce
Thanks, Anjali! It really is a fun dessert!
Stacey Crawford
Wow, all the treats I love in one amazing cake and surprisingly easy to prepare. My kids were overjoyed.
★★★★★
TAYLER ROSS
My family adores this earthquake cake! We’ve made it several times, and it’s easy to make and oh so delicious!
★★★★★
Beth Pierce
Thanks, Tayler! So glad that they like the cake!
Sara Welch
This was such a fun and delicious dessert; my whole family loved it! Unique, tasty and easy to boot!
★★★★★
Renee
You had me a coconut and chocolate! Always make this when you have people to share it with, or you will be in trouble – it’s so good!
★★★★★
Jilly
This was fantastic! It brought it to a party in December and I can always tell when something is a true hit…an empty pan and requests for the recipe.
★★★★★
Beth Pierce
Thanks, Jilly! So glad that everyone like it!
Interior Design Styles
The cake is out of this world omg…I am doing it today, will grab some of the missing items this afternoon. I will let you know how it turns.
Rhian Westbury
This is a scrumptious cake. It baked up perfect and my friends loved it.
Laura
This was absolutely delicious! This cake is the best thing ever!
Lavanda Michelle
I’ve never had an earthquake cake before, and I am definitely not opposed to trying it. It looks so delicious, great recipe. Thanks for sharing!
★★★★★
Lisa
Woah, this looks so yummy! And something I could totally make with the kiddos. Thanks for sharing.
Sarah Stockley
The perfect amount of gooey deliciousness. I love how this cake turned out it really was very tasty and everybody enjoyed it.
★★★★★
Beth Pierce
Thanks, Sarah! It is such a fun cake!
Don Goble
Let me Begin by saying that I don’t eat a lot of chocolates. However, my wife is a huge chocolate fan so I bought the triple chocolate fudge cake to make this. I haven’t been able to stop eating it myself which is a testimony in itself. I can’t emphasize enough though the importance of having a deep 9×13-in pan. This ended up spilling over quite a bit into the oven which is such a waste of good cake batter and cream cheese. Thanks for this great recipe!
★★★★★
Beth Pierce
Thanks Don. I will put a note on the recipe. So glad that you liked it.
Tracey
My family absolutely loves this cake… And so do my neighbors! Easy to make and tastes great. My husband likes to keep all the ingredients in hand in case of late night hankerings.
★★★★★
Beth Pierce
Thanks Tracey! I am so happy to hear that your family loves it.
Knycx Journeying
I just love how good it looks and from the picture I think it tastes lovely and wonderful too. Thanks a lot for the recipe!
★★★★
briannemanzb
I love this combination of coconut, pecans, and cream cheese. It was darn near perfect. I cannot wait to make this earthquake cake again!
★★★★★
Ntensibe Edgar
This was a good cake to be used for sharpening my baking skills. I put a little more coconut on tip of the cake batter. It was so incredibly yummy and we really enjoyed it. Thanks for sharing the recipe.
Rosey
The most interesting concept for a cake that I’ve seen in awhile. I’d love to make this for the kids.
Monidipa
I have never heard of earthquake cake but my birthday is the day after tomorrow so I can treat myself by making it. Loved the recipe.
★★★★★
Heather
OMG this looks so chocolatey! I can’t wait to make this. My family is going to love it.
Stephanie
This cake combines all of my favorite things and is amazing! My boys are already asking when we can make it again.
★★★★★
Beth Pierce
Thanks Stephanie! So glad that they like it. It is a delicious cake!
Crystal Williams
Would it be okay to prepare and cook the day before it’s going to be eaten?
Beth Pierce
Yes it would be. In my opinion it is even better the next day. Just remember to refrigerate it. Take it out of the refrigerator about 1 hour before serving.
Petro
Oh my goodness! This cake looks incredibly delicious, can’t wait to make it! Thanks for the recipe!
★★★★★
Julie
This is such a fun and drool worthy cake. The grandkids are going to love baking this with me.
★★★★★
Chrissie Baker
Oh my this looks like an amazing chocolate dessert! The look of craters wouldn’t bother me, it’s all about the taste and well it looks quite tasty 🙂 I think the whole family here would have it gone (not sure it would make it to a potluck haha!)
★★★★★
Sharmila Kingsly
Cook looks incredibly awesome and I so much love its name.. Lovely share..
★★★★★
Debbie
My husband gets terrible headaches with chocolate (so more for me – lol!). But seriously, I was thinking about using a yellow cake mix or spice cake mix and using white chocolate chips instead. Do you think the flavor profile would be good. I was also thinking to serve with a caramel sauce. I’m going to give it a try and let you know how it turns out!
★★★★★
Shirley
Can this cake be prepared & refrigerated and cooked the next morning ?
Beth Pierce
Sorry! I would not do that. Leavening agents start to react after they are mixed.
Debbie
Delicious! I had to cook about 15 min longer than suggested. Maybe my oven. Not sure but it’s so yummy.
★★★★
Beth Pierce
Do glad that you liked it!
Cindy
My kiddos and I made this together! We have been spending a lot more time in the kitchen lately and its so fun. They really enjoyed making this recipe but they enjoyed eating it even more! Thanks for this delish creation, we are adding it to our “make again” list!!
★★★★★
Pam Greer
Oh my gosh, I had one of these at a potluck and loved it!! I’m so excited to find this recipe!
★★★★★
Beth Sachs
Well I’m definitely going to have to give this recipe a go, just on the name alone. I think my kids would love it.
★★★★★
Beth Pierce
Thanks Beth! Enjoy!!
Natasha
It’s one of a kind, it looks crunchy in the outside but definitely so moist inside. I will probably add ice cream on top of this next time, my kids will surely love it!
★★★★★
Toni
Everyone at my house loved it! They can’t stop eating!
Lily
So gooey and chocolatey it is perfect, I loved the addition of pecans for a different texture. I plan on making this again it is genius for a summer kids bday party.
★★★★★
Catalina
Deliciousness! This cake is everything i need right now!
★★★★★
Tisha
This cake is awesome! Love the scoop of ice cream on top!
★★★★★
Allyson Zea
OMG this cake is EVERYTHING!!!! I love it!!!!
★★★★★
Toni
This will be a sure hit at my house! It looks fantastic!
★★★★★
Sara Welch
This was perfectly moist and filled with the best gooey flavor! Easily, a new family favorite in our home!
★★★★★
Erin | Dinners,Dishes and Dessert
This Earthquake Cake is looks incredibly delicious!
★★★★★
Amanda
This cake looks so tasty, I cannot wait to taste it!
★★★★★
Frank
I fell in love with this recipe from the first bite!! Amazing!!!
★★★★★