YT Recipe

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

  1. Preheat Oven

    Set the oven to 350°F (177°C) and let it preheat while you prepare the batter.

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: 350°F

  2. 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

  3. 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

  4. 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

  5. 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

  6. Add Batter

    Pour the cake batter over the coconut‑pecan layer, using a spatula to spread it evenly to the pan edges.

    Time: PT2M

  7. 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

  8. 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

  9. 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

  10. 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

Last updated: April 15, 2026

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Earthquake Cake (Upside-Down German Chocolate Cake)

A fun, gooey upside-down German chocolate cake loaded with shredded coconut, toasted pecans, and a sweet cream cheese frosting. Made with a German chocolate cake mix, this “earthquake” cake bakes in a 9x13 pan and creates a cratered, caramelized top that's perfect for celebrations or a weekend treat.

EasyAmericanServes 12

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
1h
Prep
1h
Cook
14m
Cleanup
2h 14m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$11.03
Total cost
$0.92
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • • 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.

Safety Warnings

  • • Handle the hot oven and pan with oven mitts to avoid burns.
  • • Be careful when using the electric mixer; keep fingers away from the beaters.
  • • If using toasted pecans, allow them to cool before adding to the pan to prevent burns.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of Earthquake Cake in Southern American cuisine?

A

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.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of Earthquake Cake in the United States?

A

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.

cultural
Q

What is the authentic traditional way Earthquake Cake is served in Southern homes?

A

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.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations is Earthquake Cake traditionally associated with in Southern culture?

A

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.

cultural
Q

What makes Earthquake Cake special or unique in American dessert cuisine?

A

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.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Earthquake Cake?

A

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.

technical
Q

Why does this Earthquake Cake recipe use cream cheese frosting instead of traditional German chocolate icing?

A

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.

technical
Q

Can I make Earthquake Cake ahead of time and how should I store it?

A

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.

technical
Q

What texture and appearance should I look for when the Earthquake Cake is done baking?

A

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.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Collard Valley Cooks specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel Collard Valley Cooks focuses on Southern‑style comfort food, family‑friendly recipes, and nostalgic dishes that celebrate traditional home cooking techniques.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Collard Valley Cooks' approach to Southern cooking differ from other cooking channels?

A

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.

channel
More like this:American RecipesDessert Recipes

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