Chocolate Earthquake Cake

Chocolate Earthquake Cake is loaded with chocolate goodness and gooey cream cheese filling with a layer of coconut and pecans.

A moist and delicious chocolate cake that doesn’t even need frosting. The cream cheese frosting becomes all gooey inside the cake. A chocolate and cheesecake lover’s dream dessert! Another favorite with a cream cheese filling is my Strawberry Roll Cake.

Chocolate earthquake cake in a baking pan with half of it missing.

What is an earthquake cake?

Earthquake cake combines box cake mix with coconut and pecans and a delicious cream cheese filling. This cake doesn’t even require frosting, because the frosting is inside the cake. Once baked the cream cheese mixture opens up and causes cracks which is how it got its name Earthquake Cake. For a quick and easy single serving cake try this 3 Ingredient Mug Cake.

Four process photos. First one, cake batter all mixed together in a bowl. Second one, cream cheese frosting all mixed together in a bowl. Third one, coconut and pecans spread in a baking pan. Fourth one, cake batter poured into the pan and cream cheese frosting scattered in drops throughout the cake.

Tips for chocolate earthquake cake

  • If you’re a coconut hater then by all means leave it out.
  • Walnuts will also work instead of pecans.
  • This cake is the absolute best when served warm!
  • Make sure your cake pan is at least 2 inches deep.
Chocolate earthquake cake in a metal baking pan with a red checkered towel on the side.

How to store Chocolate Earthquake Cake

Because it contains cream cheese I always recommend refrigerating any leftovers. You can always warm a piece up in the microwave if you like it warm.

Chocolate earthquake cake piece on a metal spatula.

A piece of chocolate earthquake cake on a white plate with vanilla ice cream on top and a bite out of it.

Chocolate Earthquake Cake

Chocolate Earthquake Cake is loaded with chocolate goodness and gooey cream cheese filling with a layer of coconut and pecans.
Prep Time10minutes 
Cook Time40minutes 
Total Time50minutes 
Servings12
Calories562

Ingredients

  • 1 ½ cups sweetened shredded coconut
  • ½ cup chopped pecans
  • 1 box chocolate cake mix
  • Eggs oil, and water needed for the cake mix
  • ½ cup butter melted
  • 8 ounces cream cheese softened
  • 2 ½ cups confectioners sugar
  • 1 cup chocolate chips I use semi-sweet

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees, spray a 9×13 pan with cooking spray
  • Place the coconut and pecans on the bottom of the pan in an even layer.
  • Prepare the cake mix according to the directions. And pour over the pecan and coconut layer.
  • Place the softened cream cheese in a bowl with the melted butter and mix with an electric mixer until combined. Gradually add in the confectioner’s sugar and beat on low speed until smooth.
  • Place dollops of cream cheese mixture all over the cake mix. Sprinkle the chocolate chips over the top.
  • Bake the cake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
  • Cool and serve with vanilla ice cream.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 562kcalCarbohydrates: 77gProtein: 5gFat: 28gSaturated Fat: 15gPolyunsaturated Fat: 11gCholesterol: 55mgSodium: 495mgFiber: 3gSugar: 55g