Dig Into a Slice of Missouri Magic with This Earthquake Cake Recipe

Missouri is known for its scenic beauty, rolling hills, and vibrant cities, but its hidden gem lies in the kitchen with a dessert that’s as surprising as it is delicious – the Earthquake Cake. This dessert is like a sweet tribute to the state’s resilience and creativity, a cake that’s as unpredictable as the tremors that inspired its name.

Photo bytheseasonedmom.com

The Missouri Earthquake Cake is a rich, gooey treat filled with layers of chocolate, coconut, pecans, and a cream cheese mixture that shifts and cracks as it bakes, creating a unique “earthquake” effect. It’s the perfect dessert for gatherings, parties, or simply indulging at home, offering a decadent taste that leaves everyone asking for seconds.

The Heart of Missouri Flavor

Biting into an Earthquake Cake is like experiencing a culinary adventure. With its blend of flavors and textures, it’s easy to see why this cake has become a favorite in Missouri. The gooey chocolate mingling with the creamy cheese and the crunch of pecans make each bite a delightful surprise. Like the name suggests, it’s chaotic yet beautiful, a reflection of Missouri’s unpredictable weather and rich culture.

This cake is especially beloved for its simplicity. You don’t need to be a master baker to make it, yet it never fails to impress. The magic happens right in your oven, as the ingredients combine in a wonderfully messy, yet delicious, creation.

Recipe: Missouri Earthquake Cake

Ingredients:

• 1 cup shredded coconut
• 1 cup chopped pecans
• 1 box German chocolate cake mix (plus ingredients listed on the box)
• 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup butter, melted
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 ½ cups semi-sweet chocolate chips

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
2. Spread the shredded coconut evenly across the bottom of the dish. Sprinkle chopped pecans over the coconut layer.
3. Prepare the German chocolate cake mix according to the package directions. Pour the cake batter over the coconut and pecans in the baking dish.
4. In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, melted butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
5. Drop spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture over the cake batter, spreading slightly but not completely mixing it in.
6. Sprinkle the semi-sweet chocolate chips over the top of the entire dish.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the cake is set and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean. The cake will have cracks on the surface, giving it that classic “earthquake” look.
8. Let it cool slightly before serving to let the layers settle and blend together.

A Sweet Conclusion

The Missouri Earthquake Cake is more than just a dessert – it’s an experience. Whether you're serving it at a family gathering, a potluck, or just enjoying it at home, the layers of flavor will take your taste buds on a journey. The cake’s namesake cracks and shakes, but the result is nothing short of a sweet triumph. It's a dessert that celebrates both the unpredictability and comfort of home cooking, making it a must-try for anyone wanting a true taste of Missouri.

Sources:

Earthquake Cake {with Cake Mix!} - The Seasoned Mom

Earthquake Cake Recipe (beyondthebayoublog.com)