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Delicious Chocolate Earthquake Cake bursting with chocolate flavor and toppings

Chocolate Earthquake Cake

This Chocolate Earthquake Cake is rich and simple, featuring a soft chocolate cake with a gooey cream cheese layer, coconut, and crunchy pecans.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 12 servings
Course: Cake, Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Cake ingredients
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup water
Cream cheese filling and toppings
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened Make sure it's at room temperature.
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 cup shredded coconut Can use toasted for a nuttier flavor.
  • 1 cup pecans, chopped Chop small for even baking.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking pan.
  2. In a large bowl, mix flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
  3. Add vegetable oil, eggs, vanilla extract, and water. Mix until well combined.
  4. In a separate bowl, beat cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth.
  5. Pour half the chocolate batter into the prepared pan. Spoon cream cheese mixture over it, then top with remaining chocolate batter.
  6. Sprinkle with coconut and pecans.
Baking
  1. Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
  2. Allow to cool before serving.

Notes

Tips: Soften the cream cheese to room temperature to avoid lumps. Carefully pour the batter to keep the cream cheese in a middle layer. Serve with vanilla ice cream or milk.