Dessert

Classic Earthquake Cake Recipe

Bylilan Sage October 23, 2025October 23, 2025

Introduction

Earthquake Cake is a rich, moist dessert layered with coconut, pecans, and swirls of creamy cheesecake. Its unique texture and blend of flavors make it a perfect treat for any occasion.

A square piece of chocolate brownie with a cracked, slightly crispy top layer in dark brown sits on a white plate with a white marbled texture underneath. The brownie has a thick, creamy white cheesecake layer visible inside, creating a marbled swirl pattern mixed with the dense chocolate cake. A silver fork holds a bite-sized chunk showing a clear difference between the chocolate and cheesecake layers. The focus is on the rich texture and mix of dark brown and creamy white colors. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 cup sweetened, shredded coconut
1 cup pecans, roughly chopped
1 (15.25 oz) box German chocolate cake mix
1 cup water
½ cup vegetable or canola oil
3 eggs
1 (8 oz) package cream cheese
½ cup butter, softened
1 teaspoon vanilla
2 cups powdered sugar

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Step 2: Spread the shredded coconut evenly across the bottom of the baking dish, then sprinkle the chopped pecans over the coconut layer.
Step 3: In a large bowl, combine the German chocolate cake mix, water, oil, and eggs. Mix until the batter is smooth and well blended.
Step 4: Pour the cake batter evenly over the coconut and pecan layer in the baking dish.
Step 5: In a separate bowl, beat the cream cheese, softened butter, and vanilla until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar and mix until fully incorporated.
Step 6: Scoop spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture over the cake batter. Use a knife or skewer to lightly swirl the cream cheese into the batter for a marbled effect.
Step 7: Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 8: Allow the cake to cool for at least 30 minutes before slicing and serving to let the layers set.

Tips & Variations

For added texture, try substituting walnuts for pecans or adding chocolate chips to the batter.
Make sure the cream cheese and butter are softened to avoid lumps in the cream cheese mixture.
Swirl the cream cheese gently to create beautiful marbling without fully mixing it into the batter.

Storage

Store leftover Earthquake Cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Before serving, you can let slices come to room temperature or warm them slightly in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds.

How to Serve

A rectangular glass baking dish holds a freshly baked chocolate cheesecake brownie cut into nine pieces. The brownie has a rich dark brown top layer with a cracked and slightly rough texture. Through the brownie, creamy white cheesecake swirls are visible in the middle, contrasting with the darker chocolate. The cheesecake has a smooth and slightly melted appearance, blending irregularly with the chocolate layer above it. The dish is placed on a white marbled surface with a white towel that has blue stripes near the bottom left corner. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different cake mix flavor?

Yes, while German chocolate gives a classic taste, you can experiment with other chocolate or even vanilla cake mixes for a twist on the flavor.

Is it necessary to chill the cake before serving?

Allowing the cake to cool and set for at least 30 minutes helps the layers hold together and improves the texture, but it can be served warm if you prefer.