Crater Cake
A decadent chocolate cake topped with toasted pecans and coconut, layered with cream cheese frosting and Milky Way candies, perfect for celebrations and indulgent dessert moments.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9 x 13-inch baking dish.
- Sprinkle chopped pecans and coconut evenly over the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- Prepare the German chocolate cake mix according to package instructions and pour the batter over the pecans and coconut in the dish.
- Melt the cream cheese and butter over low heat until smooth.
- Stir in the confectioners sugar and mix until well blended.
- Pour the cream cheese mixture evenly over the cake batter.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 40 to 45 minutes, until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Remove from oven and let cool slightly before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, try toasting the pecans before adding them to the cake. You can substitute walnuts for pecans if desired. If you want a lighter version, replace the cream cheese with Greek yogurt and use a sugar substitute in the cream mixture. To prevent sticking, consider lining the baking dish with parchment paper before greasing it.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Crater Cake warm or at room temperature, optionally topped with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for added indulgence. It pairs beautifully with a cup of coffee or tea. For a complete dessert experience, consider serving it alongside Chocolate-Oatmeal Chewies for a delightful treat combination.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover Crater Cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To reheat, slice individual pieces and warm them in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds or until just heated through. This will help maintain its moist texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Crater Cake contains roughly 1016 calories, with 10g protein, 141g carbohydrates, and 47g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (42% of the Daily Value), calcium (38% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (27% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 555mg per serving (24% of the Daily Value).
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 cake mix?
Yes, you can experiment with other cake mixes, such as chocolate or vanilla, to create different flavor profiles. Just keep in mind that using a chocolate mix will alter the overall taste of the Crater Cake.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make Crater Cake gluten-free, use a gluten-free cake mix instead of the traditional German chocolate cake mix. Ensure that all other ingredients, like the confectioners sugar, are also gluten-free.
What can I do if I don't have evaporated milk?
If you don't have evaporated milk, you can substitute it with a mixture of regular milk and heavy cream. Use a ratio of 1 part milk to 2 parts cream to achieve a similar richness in the recipe.
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).