Earthquake cake is made with chopped pecans, sweetened coconut flakes and boxed chocolate cake mix baked with sweet cream cheese swirls and chocolate chips for a dessert the whole family will love.

Earthquake Cake

From the recipe collection of Tara Ippolito

If you haven’t hear of earthquake cake before, then you’re in for a real treat.

This is such an interesting and delicious dessert. There are so many amazing favors and and textures going on in every single bite. Not to mention, it’s super easy to make, too.

One day last week, my son had a play date with his twin friends Rocco and Marco to come over to our house. I always like to have a little sweet treat ready for the boys.

I was looking for a quick and easy dessert to make for them and this was perfect.

There are so many interesting flavors to it. From the crunchy pecans and sweet coconut flakes to the chocolate cake and cream cheese swirl, this is a guaranteed hit. Theres a little something for everyone.

I can’t say for sure, but I think it’s called earthquake cake because the top often bakes uneven and cracks in the oven. So don’t be alarmed when you pull it out. Its gong to look like a little different.

If it looks like that, it’s exactly the way it’s supposed to be. Don’t worry, you didn’t screw it up.

My son and his friends loved this recipe. Next time, I think I’ll serve with a nice big scoop of vanilla ice cream on top.

I hope you give this recipe a try. If you do, I know you’ll love it just as much as my family and I do.

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Earthquake Cake Variations

I like this cake recipe made just the way it is, but here are some ways to change it up if you’d like to.

• Nuts- chopped pecans or walnuts would work here.
• Cake Mix- Any chocolate, dark chocolate, white or yellow cake mix would work. I personally prefer the chocolate version but choose your favorite.
• Chips- Dark chocolate, milk chocolate, or white chocolate chips would all be ok to use.

Other Easy Cake Recipes

If you like super easy to make cake recipes like this one, here are some others that I know you’ll love, too.

• Chocolate Raspberry Coffee Cake
• Blueberry Cheesecake Dump Cake
• Coconut Cream Poke Cake
• Cannoli Poke Cake

Earthquake Cake Ingredients

• Chopped Pecans
• Sweetened Coconut Flakes
• Boxed Cake Mix (plus the ingredients to make it)
• Room Temperature Cream Cheese
• Powdered Sugar
• Unsalted Melted Butter
• Chocolate Chips

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°

First, spray a 9 x 13“ baking dish with cooking spray and add a thin layer of chopped pecans.

Now, add a layer of the coconut flakes on top.

Next, make the cake mix, according to the directions on the back of the package and pour it evenly into the pan.

Now, in a medium size bowl beat together the melted butter, cream cheese, and powdered sugar until it’s evenly combined and dollop it onto the cake.

Next, using a butter knife or spoon swirl the cream cheese mixture into the chocolate cake batter.

Then, sprinkle the chocolate chips evenly on top.

Now, place it in the center rack of the oven for 40 to 45 minutes or until the center is firm.

Finally, let the cake cool serve warm or room temperature and enjoy.