Earthquake Cake - Master Cookbook Recipe # 273

Name: Earthquake Cake - Master Cookbook Recipe # 273
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 60 min
Total time: 75 min
Yield: 12-15
Cuisine: Southern
Ingredients: 1 box German Chocolate cake mix (plus ingredients required by box directions); 1/2 cup Salted butter (room temperature); 8 oz. Cream cheese (room temperature); 2 cups Powdered sugar; 1-1/2 cups Flaked coconut; 1 cup Chopped pecans

The Earthquake Cake is a decadent, interactive dessert that earns its name from the deep "craters" and "fissures" that form as it bakes. By layering rich German chocolate batter over a bed of coconut and pecans, then dolloping a sweet cream cheese mixture on top, you create a cake that is naturally marbled with pockets of gooey filling. It’s a visually striking and incredibly moist treat that delivers a perfect blend of chocolate, cream cheese, and crunch in every bite.

This is recipe #273 in Tammy’s Master Cookbook.

Prep time: 15 minCook time: 1 hr Total time: 1 hr 15 min

Cook mode Prevent screen from turning off

Ingredients

1 box German Chocolate cake mix (plus ingredients required by box directions)
1/2 cup Salted butter (room temperature)
8 oz. Cream cheese (room temperature)
2 cups Powdered sugar
1-1/2 cups Flaked coconut
1 cup Chopped pecans

Instructions

Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Prepare the German Chocolate cake batter according to the box directions and set it aside.
Cream Filling: In a separate bowl, combine the room-temperature butter, cream cheese, and powdered sugar. Blend with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy.
Layer Pan: Well-grease (or use baking spray) a 13x9x2-inch cake pan. Sprinkle the flaked coconut evenly across the bottom, followed by an even layer of chopped pecans.
Add Batter: Pour the prepared cake batter over the coconut and pecan layers.
Marble: Using a tablespoon, drop dollops of the cream cheese mixture evenly across the top of the batter. Take a spatula and carefully run it through the top to slightly marble the cream cheese. Note: Do not over-mix, or the cake won't form its signature craters!
Bake: Bake at 350°F for 1 hour.
Serve: This cake is delicious whether served warm and gooey or completely cooled.

Notes

Tammy’s Tips

For the best "earthquake" effect, ensure your cream cheese and butter are truly at room temperature before mixing so they create smooth, distinct pockets in the batter. If you want even more decadence, try sprinkling a few chocolate chips over the top before putting it in the oven!