Earthquake cake is a delicious dessert that combines flavors of chocolate, coconut, pecans, and cream cheese. It gets its name from the unique appearance it develops during baking, resembling an “earthquake.” Here’s how you can prepare an Earthquake Cake:
Ingredients:
For the cake batter:
- 1 box of chocolate cake mix
- Ingredients needed for the cake mix (usually oil, water, and eggs)
- 1 cup shredded coconut
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
For the cream cheese layer:
- 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven according to the instructions on the cake mix box.
- Prepare Cake Batter: Prepare the chocolate cake batter according to the instructions on the cake mix box. This usually involves combining the cake mix with oil, water, and eggs. Mix until smooth.
- Add Coconut and Pecans: Stir in the shredded coconut and chopped pecans into the cake batter. Mix well to evenly distribute these ingredients.
- Cream Cheese Layer: In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy.
- Add Sugar and Vanilla: Gradually add the powdered sugar to the cream cheese mixture, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract.
- Assemble the Cake: Pour the chocolate cake batter with coconut and pecans into a greased 9×13-inch baking pan, spreading it out evenly.
- Drop Cream Cheese Mixture: Drop spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture onto the cake batter. Don’t worry about spreading it out perfectly; it will spread and sink during baking, creating the “earthquake” effect.
- Bake: Place the baking pan in the preheated oven and bake according to the cake mix instructions, usually around 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the cake comes out mostly clean.
- Cool and Serve: Once the cake is baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool completely before cutting and serving. The cream cheese layer will have sunk into the cake, creating a marbled and uneven appearance reminiscent of an earthquake.
- Optional: You can sprinkle additional shredded coconut and chopped pecans on top of the cooled cake for extra texture and flavor.
- Enjoy: Slice and serve the Earthquake Cake as a delightful dessert. It’s great on its own or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Remember that baking times may vary depending on your oven, so keep an eye on the cake as it bakes. Enjoy your homemade Earthquake Cake!
