Earthquake Cake (Upside-Down German Chocolate Cake)
Earthquake Cake (Upside-Down German Chocolate Cake) is a easy American recipe that serves 12. 350 calories per serving.
Prep: 20 min | Cook: 1 hr | Total: 1 hr 35 min
Cost: $11.03 total, $0.92 per serving
Ingredients
- 1 1/4 cups Water (room temperature)
- 1/4 cup Vegetable Oil (any neutral oil)
- 3 Eggs (large, room temperature)
- 1 box German Chocolate Cake Mix (15‑oz super moist German chocolate cake mix)
- 8 oz Cream Cheese (softened to room temperature)
- 1/2 cup Unsalted Butter (softened, cut into cubes)
- 2 cups Powdered Sugar (sifted)
- 1 cup Shredded Sweetened Coconut (Baker's brand preferred for extra moisture)
- 1.25 cups Pecans (chopped, toasted if desired)
Instructions
Preheat Oven
Set the oven to 350°F (177°C) and let it preheat while you prepare the batter.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: 350°F
Combine Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, pour 1 ¼ cups water, add ¼ cup vegetable oil, and crack in 3 large eggs.
Time: PT3M
Add Cake Mix and Blend
Add the entire box of German chocolate cake mix to the wet ingredients. Beat on medium speed until just combined and smooth; avoid over‑mixing.
Time: PT5M
Prepare Cream Cheese Frosting
In a second bowl, beat 8 oz softened cream cheese together with ½ cup softened butter until creamy. Gradually add 2 cups sifted powdered sugar, mixing on low speed until the frosting is smooth and spreadable.
Time: PT5M
Prepare the Pan
Lightly grease the 9×13‑inch cake pan. Evenly sprinkle 1 cup shredded coconut over the bottom, then scatter 1¼ cups chopped pecans on top of the coconut.
Time: PT3M
Add Batter
Pour the cake batter over the coconut‑pecan layer, using a spatula to spread it evenly to the pan edges.
Time: PT2M
Top with Frosting
Drop spoonfuls of the cream cheese frosting over the batter surface. Use a spatula to swirl lightly, or leave as dollops for a rustic look.
Time: PT2M
Bake
Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 1 hour, or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean.
Time: PT1H
Temperature: 350°F
Cool Completely
Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan on a wire rack for at least 30 minutes before cutting.
Time: PT30M
Slice and Serve
Run a sharp knife through the cooled cake, lift out slices, and serve. Store leftovers as directed.
Time: PT5M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 350
- Protein
- 4 g
- Carbohydrates
- 45 g
- Fat
- 18 g
- Fiber
- 2 g
Dietary info: Vegetarian, Contains Nuts, Contains Gluten
Allergens: Eggs, Milk, Butter, Cream Cheese, Pecans, Wheat
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Vegetable Oil: canola oil, melted butter
- Instead of Eggs: egg replacer, applesauce (1/4 cup per egg)
- Instead of German Chocolate Cake Mix: any chocolate cake mix
- Instead of Cream Cheese: neufchatel cheese
- Instead of Unsalted Butter: margarine
- Instead of Powdered Sugar: confectioners' sugar
- Instead of Shredded Sweetened Coconut: unsweetened coconut, add extra sugar
- Instead of Pecans: walnuts, almonds
Equipment Needed
- Measuring Cup
- Mixing Bowl
- Electric Hand Mixer
- 9x13-inch Cake Pan
- Spatula
- Oven
- Cooling Rack (optional)
- Rubber Bands (optional)
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Preheat oven to 350°F before mixing batter.
- Mix wet ingredients before adding cake mix to avoid lumps.
- Achieve a smooth, not overly sweet, cream cheese frosting.
- Bake for a full hour; under‑baking leads to soggy texture.
- Cool completely before cutting to keep the cake intact.
Chef Tips from the Video
- Toast the pecans lightly for a deeper, nuttier flavor.
- Use a light hand when swirling the frosting; the visual “crater” effect is created by the bubbling coconut during baking.
- For extra moisture, substitute half of the water with whole milk.
Troubleshooting
Cake is dense and does not rise.
Make sure the oven is fully preheated and avoid over‑mixing the batter. Use fresh baking powder in the cake mix if it’s past its expiration date.
Frosting is too runny.
Add additional powdered sugar a tablespoon at a time until the desired consistency is reached, or chill the frosting for 10 minutes before spreading.
Top crust burns before the center is cooked.
Cover the cake loosely with aluminum foil after 45 minutes of baking to protect the frosting and coconut while the interior finishes baking.
Storage
Refrigerator: Cover tightly; lasts 3‑4 days.
Freezer: Wrap each slice in plastic and foil; up to 2 months.
Room temperature: Not recommended beyond 2 hours due to dairy frosting.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Prepare the cream cheese frosting up to 24 hours ahead; store covered in the refrigerator.
- The cake can be baked a day early, cooled, wrapped tightly, and frozen; thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
- Coconut and pecan layers can be pre‑measured and stored in zip‑top bags for quick assembly.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of Earthquake Cake in Southern American cuisine?
Earthquake Cake, also known as upside‑down German chocolate cake, originated in the Southern United States as a fun twist on classic German chocolate cake. The “earthquake” name comes from the cratered, bubbling top that looks like a seismic surface, and it’s often served at family gatherings and holidays.
What are the traditional regional variations of Earthquake Cake in the United States?
In the Deep South, bakers often use sweetened shredded coconut and pecans for the bottom layer, while some Mid‑Atlantic versions swap pecans for walnuts or add a drizzle of caramel. A few recipes also incorporate a light rum glaze for extra flavor.
What is the authentic traditional way Earthquake Cake is served in Southern homes?
Traditionally, the cake is served at room temperature, sliced into generous squares, and paired with a cold glass of milk or sweet tea. It’s common to present it on a simple white platter, allowing the caramelized coconut‑pecan crust to shine.
What occasions or celebrations is Earthquake Cake traditionally associated with in Southern culture?
Earthquake Cake is popular at birthday parties, holiday gatherings (especially Christmas and Thanksgiving), and church potlucks. Its eye‑catching appearance makes it a favorite for celebrations where a dramatic dessert is desired.
What makes Earthquake Cake special or unique in American dessert cuisine?
The cake combines the rich, chocolatey flavor of German chocolate cake with a crunchy, caramelized coconut‑pecan crust and a tangy cream cheese frosting. The “cratered” top created by bubbling coconut gives it a distinctive texture and visual appeal that sets it apart from standard layer cakes.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Earthquake Cake?
Common errors include under‑preheating the oven, over‑mixing the batter (which makes the cake tough), using too much powdered sugar in the frosting (which can overwhelm the flavor), and cutting the cake before it has fully cooled, which causes it to crumble.
Why does this Earthquake Cake recipe use cream cheese frosting instead of traditional German chocolate icing?
Cream cheese frosting adds a tangy contrast that balances the sweetness of the chocolate cake and the sugary coconut‑pecan crust. It also stays stable during baking, creating the signature “crater” effect without melting completely.
Can I make Earthquake Cake ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes. Bake the cake, let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw frozen cake in the refrigerator before serving.
What texture and appearance should I look for when the Earthquake Cake is done baking?
The top should be golden‑brown with visible bubbles and a slightly caramelized coconut crust. A toothpick inserted near the center should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. The frosting should be set but still soft.
What does the YouTube channel Collard Valley Cooks specialize in?
The YouTube channel Collard Valley Cooks focuses on Southern‑style comfort food, family‑friendly recipes, and nostalgic dishes that celebrate traditional home cooking techniques.
How does the YouTube channel Collard Valley Cooks' approach to Southern cooking differ from other cooking channels?
Collard Valley Cooks emphasizes simple, ingredient‑driven recipes with a storytelling vibe, often sharing personal anecdotes and practical tips like using rubber bands for storage, which sets it apart from more production‑heavy cooking channels.
Last updated: August 28, 2026
