Earthquake
A rich, indulgent dessert combining crunchy nuts and coconut with a chocolate cake base, topped with a creamy cheese mixture—perfect for parties and special occasions.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix nuts and coconut together.
- Place the mixture in the bottom of a greased and floured 13 x 9-inch pan.
- Prepare the German chocolate cake mix according to the package directions.
- Spread the prepared cake batter over the nuts and coconut layer.
- Mix the cream cheese and powdered sugar together until smooth.
- Drop spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture on top of the cake batter.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 40 to 45 minutes until done.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using toasted nuts or a mix of different nuts. If you don't have German chocolate cake mix, a chocolate or yellow cake mix can work as a substitute. To enhance the texture, you can also fold in some mini chocolate chips into the batter before baking. Always check for doneness with a toothpick, as baking times may vary based on your oven.
Serving Suggestions
This Earthquake dessert is best served warm, allowing the cream cheese layer to be soft and creamy. It pairs beautifully with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. For a delightful contrast, serve alongside fresh berries or a fruit salad. Consider enjoying it with a cup of coffee or tea for a perfect afternoon treat.
Storage & Reheating
Once cooled, store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to a week. To reheat, place individual portions in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds or until warmed through, being careful not to overheat.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Earthquake contains roughly 285 calories, with 2g protein, 45g carbohydrates, and 11g fat. It is a good source of dietary fiber (13% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 4g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the Earthquake dessert a day ahead. Just follow the recipe up until baking and then refrigerate the assembled layers. Bake it the next day, and it will still be delicious. Make sure to cover it well to prevent it from drying out.
Can I use a different type of cake mix?
Absolutely! While German chocolate cake mix is traditional, you can easily substitute it with any chocolate or vanilla cake mix. Each variation will bring its own unique flavor to the dish, allowing you to tailor it to your taste preferences.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this Earthquake dessert is suitable for vegetarians as it contains no meat or animal-derived ingredients beyond dairy. However, ensure that the cake mix used does not contain any gelatin or other non-vegetarian additives, which can vary by brand.
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).