Earthquake Cake

"I got this from a SW cookbook some time ago. It gets its name because the cake is cracked with crevices on top when done. If you love German chocolate cake, but hate the time consuming process,,,this cake is wonderful!! It reminds me of my grandma's 3 layer German chocolate cake. It's too rich for just the two of us, so hubby looks forward to family gatherings and holidays or his birthday, smile. I love this because I love cream cheese and German chocolate and the fact that it is super easy!"
 
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photo by Bobtail photo by Bobtail
photo by Bobtail
photo by Bobtail photo by Bobtail
Ready In:
1hr
Ingredients:
10
Yields:
1 cake
Serves:
12
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ingredients

  • 1 (18 ounce) German chocolate cake mix
  • 1 14 cups water (or as called for by the cake mix directions)
  • 3 eggs (or as called for by the cake mix directions)
  • 12 cup oil (or as called for by the cake mix directions)
  • 1 cup coconut
  • 1 cup pecan pieces
  • 12 cup margarine, softened
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1 lb powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
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directions

  • spray 9x13" pan with oil and set oven to 350°F.
  • spread the coconut and pecan pieces evenly on the bottom of pan.
  • prepare the cake mix according to directions on box, and pour over coconut and pecan pieces
  • mix well together: margarine, cream cheese, vanilla and powered sugar.
  • spoon over cake in dollops, no need to spread evenly.
  • bake for approx 40-50 minutes.
  • check with toothpick for doneness.
  • cake will be cracked on top, but should be a moist cake.

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Reviews

  1. A friend of mine introduced me to earthquake take a long time ago and it's absolutely fab... Every party I've ever taken it to has RAVED about it. I use butter instead of margerine and I heat the butter and cream cheese in a small pan and whisk until smooth before adding the powdered sugar which is far easier... also makes it easier to pour onto the cake instead of trying to spoon in large globs... It basically makes a cream cheese frosting that's baked into the center of the cake. <br/><br/>Here's the thing though... I consider it more of a method than a recipe... you can literally use ANY boxed cake mix prepared to box instructions and any "fillers" you want. So far I've made the following variations:<br/>Pina Colada Earthquake Cake: Coconut Cake with Dried Pineapple & Coconut Flake filler<br/>Almond Joy Earthquake Cake: Devil's food Cake with Almond & Coconut filler<br/>Symphony Bar Earthquake Cake: Devil's food Cake with Toffee Bits & Almond Filler<br/>Butterfinger Earthquake Cake: Chocolate Cake with Crushed Butterfinger Filler<br/><br/>The possibilities are endless! :)
     
  2. I've been making this recipe for years and love it. Now I have a new reason to give it 5 stars. It is almost impossible to screw up. Yesterday I made it and was out of oil and had to use melted butter in the cake mix. I forgot to put in the third egg. I had 7 ounces instead of 8 of cream cheese. And I only had 2 cups of powdered sugar. I also forgot to add the vanilla. Oh...and I was out of German chocolate cake mix and used regular chocolate. It was still delicious!
     
  3. I received this recipe from a co-worker almost 10yrs ago and make it every holiday as request by family. It is so good, but I like it the most when it is cold. YUM!!!!
     
  4. Everybody loved this cake! Loved that it doesn't need frosting. Thanks for posting! I forgot the stars!
     
  5. A very good cake. My dollops also sank into the cake but it tasted so good - who cares. This is definitely a keeper. I agree that its almost like an upside German Chocolate Cake. Will put this in my computer recipe program and give it 5 stars. Of course peppermintkitty will get the credit.
     
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RECIPE SUBMITTED BY

I am retired and live in Oklahoma. We use to raise scottish terriers, but now just enjoy having 3..one of which is a rare wheatland scotty. We have 2 grown daughters and my oldest has my grandson & granddaughter. Katy is almost 13 now, and I love and cherish the time she spends with me. My youngest dd is FINALLY having a baby,,a little girl due on April 1 '05. We are very excited! Hubby and I love taking out our pontoon boat every chance we get...we love to fish, but I'm happy just to be out on the water :) I love all kinds of cookbooks, especially southwest and cooking for two meals. Of course Zaar is the best recipe site on the net! I've started copying zaar recipes for my granddaughter and she says she'll never be able to make them all :) My hobbies include my dogs,,grandkids, painting art hobbies, and most crafting...love garage sales too!! I really love working outside in my gardens, but health and "old bones" keep me from it more than it used to. My hubby and I love to travel and also fish. I have used this site for awhile now and I'm embarrassed I haven't shared more of mine. Guess I've been busy making yours! When I have a question, the members here are so friendly, helpful and very quick to answer back! Of course, you've figured by now I love to talk!! I have to say my love for cooking comes from my mom. She is one of those cooks that just gets into the kitchen and starts cooking with no recipes and everything she makes is wonderful! She's about the best "all around cook" I know! I'd like to think I "inherited" some of her cooking intuition :) But getting close to 80 (sorry mom, but you sure don't look it) she cooks circles around me!
 
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