Chocolate Cake Upside-Down Or Earthquake

Prep: 15 min Cook: 55 min Cuisine: American

A decadent upside-down chocolate cake featuring pecans and a rich cream cheese topping, perfect for special occasions or indulgent dessert cravings.

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Ingredients

  • 2 cups pecans
  • 1 package German chocolate cake mix
  • 1 stick margarine
  • 1 pound box confectioners sugar
  • 8 ounces cream cheese

Instructions

  1. Place pecans in the bottom of a greased 10 x 15-inch pan.
  2. Prepare the German chocolate cake mix according to the directions on the box and pour over the pecans.
  3. Mix margarine, confectioners sugar, and cream cheese until smooth.
  4. Drop spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture over the cake batter.
  5. Bake at 350°F for 55 minutes, or until done.

Tips & Substitutions

For a richer flavor, consider using toasted pecans instead of raw. If you're out of margarine, unsalted butter can be a perfect substitute. To make the cream cheese mixture smoother, let the cream cheese sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before mixing. If you want to add a twist, consider folding in some mini chocolate chips into the batter for extra chocolatey goodness.

Serving Suggestions

This Chocolate Cake Upside-Down pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream on top. Serve it warm for a delightful contrast with the cold toppings. For a complete meal, consider serving alongside a fresh fruit salad or a scoop of Wynelle'S Gourmet Rice Crispy Bars for an added crunch.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, place a slice in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds, or until warmed through. For best texture, avoid reheating more than once, as it can dry out the cake.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Chocolate Cake Upside-Down Or Earthquake contains roughly 1953 calories, with 11g protein, 149g carbohydrates, and 151g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (81% of the Daily Value), iron (37% of the Daily Value), and protein (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1446mg per serving (63% of the Daily Value).

1953 kcal 98% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 11.2g 22% DV
Total Fat 151.2g 100% DV
Carbs 148.5g 54% DV
Fiber 22.7g 81% DV
Sugar 98.5g 100% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 1445.5mg 63% DV
Potassium 489.8mg 10% DV
Cholesterol 137mg 46% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 88mcg 10% DV
Vitamin C 0.6mg 1% DV
Vitamin D 0.4mcg 2% DV
Calcium 237.8mg 18% DV
Iron 6.6mg 37% DV
Diet fit High-fiber
Contains Milk Tree nuts

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of nut instead of pecans?

Yes, you can substitute pecans with walnuts or almonds if you prefer. Each nut will impart a different flavor profile, so feel free to experiment based on your taste preferences.

What can I do if I don't have German chocolate cake mix?

If you don't have German chocolate cake mix, you can make a homemade chocolate cake batter using cocoa powder, flour, sugar, baking powder, and eggs. This can add a personal touch to the cake while still achieving a delicious outcome.

Can I freeze this cake?

Yes, you can freeze the cake. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil before placing it in the freezer. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving for best results.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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