Mom'S Earthquake Cake
A rich, layered dessert featuring German chocolate cake, pecans or coconut, topped with sweet cream cheese, perfect for gatherings or indulgent treats.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Spray a 9 x 13-inch baking pan with Pam.
- Spread chopped pecans or shredded coconut evenly in the bottom of the pan.
- Prepare the German chocolate cake mix as directed on the box.
- Pour the prepared cake batter over the pecans or coconut in the pan.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the cake batter. If you don't have pecans, walnuts or almonds can be a great substitute. You can also use a gluten-free cake mix if you want to make it suitable for gluten-free diets. Ensure the cream cheese is softened to avoid lumps when mixing it with powdered sugar.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Mom's Earthquake Cake with a dollop of whipped cream on top for added decadence. It pairs beautifully with Ice Creamy Jello for a delightful dessert spread. You can also enjoy it alongside a cup of coffee or tea for a cozy treat. Consider serving it at gatherings for a crowd-pleasing option.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Earthquake Cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To reheat, cut a piece and microwave it for 15-20 seconds, or until warm. You can also enjoy it cold straight from the fridge, as the flavors meld beautifully over time.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mom'S Earthquake Cake contains roughly 683 calories, with 9g protein, 72g carbohydrates, and 42g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (41% of the Daily Value) and iron (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 538mg per serving (23% 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 make this cake ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the cake a day in advance. Store it tightly covered in the refrigerator. Just be sure to let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving for the best flavor and texture.
Can I freeze this cake?
Absolutely! Once cooled, wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before serving, and it will taste just as delicious.
Is it possible to use a different flavor of cake mix?
Yes, feel free to experiment with different cake mixes, such as chocolate or vanilla. Each variation will give a unique twist to the Earthquake Cake while maintaining the delightful cream cheese and pecan layers.
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).