The moment you set your eyes on an Earthquake Cake, you might think, “What kind of delicious disaster have I stumbled upon?” This cake is a delightful mess of rich flavors, with a luscious cream cheese layer peeking through chocolatey goodness, all held together by the sweet embrace of pecans and coconut flakes. strawberry cheesecake cookies It’s as if the universe conspired to create a dessert that embodies chaos in the most delicious way possible.
Now, let’s be honest: this cake can bring back memories of family gatherings where everyone jostles for the last slice—or those lazy Sunday afternoons spent binge-watching your favorite show while devouring a generous piece (or two). It’s the perfect treat for birthdays, potlucks, or just because you deserve something scrumptious! Trust me; one bite will make your taste buds rejoice like they just won the lottery.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- The Earthquake Cake is incredibly easy to whip up, making it perfect even for kitchen novices.
- Its unique flavor profile combines chocolate richness with creamy layers and crunchy nuts.
- Visually, it’s a showstopper with its textured topping and gooey interior.
- Plus, it’s versatile enough to customize with your favorite add-ins like fruits or different nuts!
Ingredients for Earthquake Cake
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Chocolate Cake Mix: Choose your favorite brand for convenience; this will be the foundation of your cake.
- Eggs: You’ll need about three large eggs to bind everything together beautifully.
- Water: Use around one cup to mix into your cake batter for moisture.
- Vegetable Oil: About half a cup will keep your cake moist and tender.
- Chopped Pecans: Opt for fresh pecans to add a delightful crunch and nutty flavor.
- Shredded Coconut: Sweetened shredded coconut will give that tropical twist and texture you’re looking for.
- Cream Cheese: Soften one package; it brings rich creaminess that complements the chocolate perfectly.
- Powdered Sugar: A cup of powdered sugar sweetens up the cream cheese layer without being overly sugary.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Earthquake Cake
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab a baking dish—9×13 inches works best—and spray it generously with nonstick cooking spray.
Step 2: Prepare Your Cake Batter
In a large mixing bowl, combine the chocolate cake mix, eggs, water, and vegetable oil. Stir until everything is well combined and you have a smooth batter. It’s okay if there are some tiny lumps; they can be charming!
Step 3: Assemble Layers
Pour half of the batter into your prepared baking dish. Sprinkle chopped pecans and shredded coconut evenly over this layer. Then pour the remaining batter on top—don’t worry if it looks like it’s having an identity crisis.
Step 4: Make Cream Cheese Mixture
In another bowl, beat together softened cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth. Drop spoonfuls of this mixture onto the cake batter; don’t try spreading it out too much—it should sink into the cake during baking.
Step 5: Bake Away
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 40-45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on it so it doesn’t overcook—nobody wants a dry earthquake!
Step 6: Cool and Serve
Once baked to perfection, remove from oven and let cool slightly before serving. Cut into squares and watch as everyone dives in like they’re at an all-you-can-eat buffet!
This Earthquake Cake is not just dessert; it’s an experience! Serve it warm or at room temperature with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream on top for extra decadence. Trust me; you’ll want more than one piece!
You Must Know
- This delightful Earthquake Cake is more than just a dessert; it’s an experience.
- With its creamy layers and chocolatey goodness, it transforms any ordinary day into a celebration.
- Easy to whip up, this cake will leave your guests wondering how you did it!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that’s heating up, mix the cake batter and cream cheese filling. Pour half the batter into the pan, add the filling, then top with the remaining batter for a truly epic layer of flavor.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap in different nuts like pecans or walnuts for added crunch. Experiment with various chocolate chips or even add a swirl of peanut butter for a unique twist. cherry chocolate chip pie The choices are endless!
Storing & Reheating
Store any leftover Earthquake Cake in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. When reheating, simply pop a slice in the microwave for about ten seconds to enjoy a warm treat.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To achieve that perfect Earthquake Cake texture, ensure your cream cheese is at room temperature for easy mixing.
- Don’t skip the nuts; they add essential crunch and flavor.
- Lastly, let the cake cool completely before serving so it holds its shape beautifully.
I remember the first time I made this Earthquake Cake—it was for my sister’s birthday. The look on her face as she took her first bite was priceless; she declared it “the best cake ever!” and I’ve been making it ever since!
FAQs :
What is Earthquake Cake?
Earthquake Cake is a delightful dessert that combines a rich chocolate cake with a gooey cream cheese layer and a sprinkle of nuts and coconut. The name comes from the “cracked” appearance it develops while baking, resembling the aftermath of an earthquake. This visually stunning cake is perfect for any occasion and offers a unique flavor profile that will impress your guests.
How do I make Earthquake Cake without pork products?
To create an Earthquake Cake without using pork products, simply substitute any pork-derived ingredients with chicken or turkey options where applicable. For example, use chicken broth instead of any savory flavoring that may contain pork. Most standard Earthquake Cake recipes do not include meat products, making it easy to adapt this dessert to your needs. For more inspiration, check out this Starbucks Cake Pops Recipe recipe.
Can I use agar-agar in place of gelatin in Earthquake Cake?
Yes, you can use agar-agar as a plant-based alternative to gelatin in recipes that require gelling. For Earthquake Cake, if you want to add a jellied component like fruit preserves, substitute gelatin with agar-agar according to package instructions. This ensures your dessert remains vegetarian-friendly while providing the desired texture.
How long does it take to bake Earthquake Cake?
The baking time for Earthquake Cake typically ranges from 45 to 55 minutes at 350°F (175°C). To ensure it is fully baked, insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean or with only a few moist crumbs attached. Always keep an eye on your cake towards the end of the baking time, as oven temperatures can vary.
Conclusion for Earthquake Cake :
In summary, Earthquake Cake is an indulgent dessert that captivates with its unique layered texture and rich flavors. By incorporating alternatives such as chicken broth and agar-agar, you can create this delicious treat while adhering to dietary preferences. With its ease of preparation and visual appeal, this cake is sure to become a favorite at gatherings and celebrations. Enjoy baking your very own Earthquake Cake today! For more inspiration, check out this Apple Cider Braised Pork Shoulder recipe.
Earthquake Cake
Earthquake Cake is an indulgent dessert that combines a rich chocolate cake with a gooey cream cheese layer, topped with crunchy pecans and sweet coconut. This visually stunning cake, featuring a cracked top reminiscent of an earthquake, is perfect for any occasion—from birthday celebrations to cozy family gatherings. Easy to prepare and utterly delicious, one slice will leave you craving more!
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 1 box chocolate cake mix (15.25 oz)
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 1 cup powdered sugar
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- In a large bowl, mix the chocolate cake mix, eggs, water, and vegetable oil until smooth.
- Pour half of the batter into the prepared baking dish and sprinkle with chopped pecans and shredded coconut. Pour the remaining batter on top.
- In another bowl, beat the cream cheese with powdered sugar until smooth; drop spoonfuls onto the batter.
- Bake for 40-45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Allow to cool slightly before cutting into squares and serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: Swap in walnuts for a different nutty flavor. Add a swirl of peanut butter before baking for extra richness. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week.
