Get ready to experience a dessert that's as dramatic as its name suggests! The German Chocolate Earthquake Cake is not just a recipe—it's a culinary adventure that promises to crack open your expectations of traditional cakes. With its stunning, crackled surface and layers of decadent flavors, this cake literally "earthquakes" its way from the oven to your plate, delivering a mouthwatering spectacle that will have your friends and family begging for seconds.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 40 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs
Cuisine: German
Serves: 12 servings
Ingredients
- 1 German chocolate cake mix
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 cup chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking pan thoroughly, ensuring complete coverage to prevent sticking.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the German chocolate cake mix, water, vegetable oil, and eggs. Mix using an electric mixer on medium speed for 2-3 minutes until the batter is smooth and well blended.
- Sprinkle the chopped pecans evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking pan. Follow by spreading the shredded coconut over the pecans to create a base layer.
- In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and mix until creamy and well combined.
- Pour the prepared cake batter over the pecan and coconut layer, ensuring an even distribution.
- Drop spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture randomly across the top of the cake batter.
- Sprinkle chocolate chips evenly over the entire surface of the cake.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes. The cake will create a cracked, "earthquake-like" appearance as it bakes.
- Remove from oven and let cool completely in the pan for at least 1 hour before cutting and serving.
- For best results, serve slightly warm or at room temperature. Optional: dust with additional powdered sugar before serving.
Tips
- Make sure your cream cheese is genuinely softened to room temperature for smooth, lump-free cream cheese layers.
- Grease your baking pan generously to prevent any sticking and ensure easy removal.
- Don't overmix the cake batter—mix just until ingredients are combined for a tender crumb.
- For extra richness, toast your pecans lightly before adding them to the base layer.
- Allow the cake to cool completely to let the "earthquake" effect set and flavors meld.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- For a gourmet touch, serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 55g
Protein: 6g
Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 60mg
