Classic Earthquake Cake

 


Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Prep the Pan
    Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

  2. Layer the Base
    Sprinkle coconut evenly across the bottom of the dish. Scatter chopped pecans over the coconut.

  3. Make the Cake Batter
    In a large bowl, whisk together cake mix, water, oil, and eggs until smooth. Pour over the coconut and pecans.

  4. Cream Cheese Swirl
    In a separate bowl, beat cream cheese, butter, and vanilla until smooth. Gradually mix in powdered sugar. Drop spoonfuls of the mixture over the cake batter and gently swirl with a knife.

  5. Bake
    Bake for 45–50 minutes. The center may have a slight jiggle—that’s okay!

  6. Cool & Serve
    Let the cake rest for at least 30 minutes before slicing. Serve warm for gooey pockets or at room temperature for a firmer texture.

What to Serve With Earthquake Cake

  • A scoop of vanilla ice cream (heavenly with the warm cake).

  • Fresh berries to balance the richness.

  • A cup of coffee or a glass of cold milk.

Tips for Success

  • Don’t over-swirl—the beauty is in the random cracks and layers.

  • Grease the pan well since coconut can stick.

  • Use room-temperature cream cheese for the smoothest swirl.

Storage Instructions

  • At Room Temp: Cover and store for up to 2 days.

  • Refrigerator: Lasts 5 days in an airtight container.

  • Freezer: Wrap slices individually and freeze up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is it called Earthquake Cake?
Because as it bakes, the cream cheese layer causes cracks and shifts in the cake—like an earthquake!

Can I use a different cake mix?
Yes—devil’s food, chocolate fudge, or even yellow cake mix works beautifully.

Does this cake need frosting?
Nope! The cream cheese swirl acts as its own built-in frosting.

Conclusion

This Classic Earthquake Cake is proof that desserts don’t have to be complicated to be spectacular. Gooey, nutty, creamy, and delightfully cracked on top—it’s the perfect “wow” cake with minimal effort. Try it once, and I promise it’ll become a go-to in your recipe box.