18 Decadent Earthquake Cake Recipes Irresistible

recipesforlife

April 12, 2025

Are you ready to shake things up in the kitchen? Look no further than the decadent world of earthquake cakes! These indulgent treats are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth and leave everyone begging for more. With a moist and fluffy texture, a gooey center, and a crumbly crust, it’s no wonder why these cakes have earned their name.

In this article, we’ll be diving into the wonderful world of earthquake cake recipes, featuring 18 mouth-watering variations that are sure to delight. From classic chocolate and peanut butter flavors to creative twists like salted caramel and strawberry cheesecake, there’s something for everyone in this list of irresistible cakes. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, get ready to be wowed by these show-stopping desserts.

Chocolate Lover’s Earthquake Cake

Chocolate Lover
This rich and decadent cake is a chocoholic’s dream come true. Moist chocolate cake, gooey chocolate pudding, and a crunchy pecan crust come together to create an unforgettable dessert experience.

Ingredients:

– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
– 1 cup whole milk, at room temperature
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/4 cup melted unsalted butter
– 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
– 1 cup chopped pecans

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set aside.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large mixing bowl, combine cocoa powder and milk. Whisk until smooth.
4. Add eggs one at a time, whisking well after each addition. Whisk in vanilla extract.
5. Melt butter and chocolate chips in a double boiler or microwave-safe bowl. Stir until smooth.
6. Pour batter into prepared baking dish and top with melted chocolate mixture.
7. Sprinkle chopped pecans on top.
8. Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes

Peanut Butter Swirl Earthquake Cake

Peanut Butter Swirl Earthquake Cake
A moist and decadent chocolate cake filled with a peanut butter swirl, this Peanut Butter Swirl Earthquake Cake is sure to satisfy any sweet tooth. With its gooey center and rich flavors, it’s the perfect treat for a special occasion or just a cozy night in.

Ingredients:

– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
– 1 cup whole milk, at room temperature
– 2 large eggs
– 1/4 cup creamy peanut butter
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and line with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, combine cocoa powder and milk. Stir until smooth.
4. Add eggs one at a time, stirring until combined.
5. Stir in peanut butter and melted butter.
6. Pour batter into prepared dish and bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
7. Let cool completely before dusting with confectioners’ sugar.

Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes

Red Velvet Earthquake Cake

Red Velvet Earthquake Cake
Experience the thrill of a rich, velvety red cake that’s sure to shake up your taste buds! This Red Velvet Earthquake Cake is a classic Southern treat that combines the deep flavor of cocoa powder with the tanginess of buttermilk and cream.

Ingredients:

– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
– 1 cup whole milk, at room temperature
– 2 large eggs, at room temperature
– 2 teaspoons red food coloring
– 1/4 cup vegetable oil
– 2 tablespoons white vinegar
– 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 9-inch (23cm) round cake pans and line the bottoms with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large mixing bowl, combine cocoa powder, milk, eggs, red food coloring, oil, vinegar, and vanilla extract. Beat on high speed for 2 minutes.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, beating until just combined.
5. Divide batter evenly between prepared pans and smooth tops.
6. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Let cool in pans for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes

Coconut Pecan Earthquake Cake

Coconut Pecan Earthquake Cake
This indulgent cake is a masterclass in texture and flavor, with the tender crumb of a classic pound cake elevated by the addition of toasted coconut flakes and crunchy pecans. The result is a show-stopping dessert that’s sure to impress.

Ingredients:

– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 3 large eggs
– 1 cup shredded coconut
– 1/2 cup chopped pecans
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup whole milk

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and line with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. Add softened butter and mix until just combined.
4. Beat in eggs one at a time, followed by shredded coconut and chopped pecans.
5. Pour in milk and mix until smooth.
6. Pour batter into prepared baking dish and bake for 45-50 minutes or until golden brown.

Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes

Cookies and Cream Earthquake Cake

Cookies and Cream Earthquake Cake
This recipe combines the classic flavors of cookies and cream with a moist and decadent cake, making it a perfect treat for any occasion. With its rich chocolate flavor and crunchy cookie crust, this earthquake cake is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.

Ingredients:

– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup whole milk, at room temperature
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 cup crushed Oreo cookies (about 20-25 cookies)
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease two 9-inch round cake pans and line the bottoms with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together milk, eggs, and vanilla extract.
4. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined.
5. Fold in crushed Oreos and melted butter.
6. Divide batter evenly between prepared pans and smooth tops.
7. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes

Salted Caramel Earthquake Cake

Salted Caramel Earthquake Cake
Salted Caramel Earthquake Cake Recipe

Introduce your taste buds to a decadent treat with this rich and gooey Salted Caramel Earthquake Cake. Layers of moist chocolate cake, salted caramel sauce, and creamy whipped cream come together in a delightful earthquake of flavors.

Ingredients:

– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup whole milk, at room temperature
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– Salted caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
– Whipped cream

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 8-inch round cake pans.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together milk, eggs, and vanilla extract.
4. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, whisking until smooth.
5. Divide batter evenly among prepared pans and bake for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
6. Allow cakes to cool in pans for 10 minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.
7. Drizzle salted caramel sauce over each cake layer and top with whipped cream.

Cooking Time: 40-50 minutes

German Chocolate Earthquake Cake

German Chocolate Earthquake Cake
This moist and flavorful cake is a staple of German chocolate tradition, featuring rich caramel flavors and a crunchy pecan topping. Perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth.

Ingredients:

– 1 and 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 4 large eggs
– 1 cup evaporated milk
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 cup chopped pecans
– 1 cup German chocolate chips (such as Baker’s)

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, combine sugar, butter, eggs, milk, and vanilla extract. Whisk until smooth.
4. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients and stir until combined.
5. Fold in chopped pecans and German chocolate chips.
6. Pour batter into prepared baking dish and bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.

Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes

Funfetti Earthquake Cake

Funfetti Earthquake Cake
Get ready to delight your taste buds with this show-stopping Funfetti Earthquake Cake, featuring a moist vanilla cake, a burst of rainbow fun, and a surprising jelly-filled surprise. This recipe is perfect for any celebration or everyday treat.

Ingredients:

– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup whole milk
– 2 large eggs
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 cup Funfetti sprinkles
– 1 cup jelly filling (such as grape or strawberry)

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease two 9-inch round cake pans.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. Add milk, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract; mix until smooth.
4. Fold in Funfetti sprinkles.
5. Divide batter evenly between prepared pans.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
7. Allow cakes to cool before spreading jelly filling on top of one cake.

Cooking Time: 50-60 minutes

Banana Pudding Earthquake Cake

Banana Pudding Earthquake Cake
A moist and decadent cake filled with the sweetness of banana pudding, this Banana Pudding Earthquake Cake is sure to satisfy any sweet tooth. With a surprising “earthquake” effect in the middle, this cake is a show-stopper for any occasion.

Ingredients:

– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 large eggs
– 2 ripe bananas, mashed
– 1 cup banana pudding mix
– 1 cup heavy cream
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. Add softened butter, eggs, mashed bananas, and banana pudding mix. Mix until smooth.
4. Pour batter into prepared baking dish and smooth top.
5. Bake for 40-45 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
6. While cake is still warm, drizzle with heavy cream and create the “earthquake” effect by gently tilting the dish to allow cream to spread evenly.

Cooking Time: 40-45 minutes

Pumpkin Spice Earthquake Cake

Pumpkin Spice Earthquake Cake
Experience the thrill of a classic earthquake cake with a seasonal twist! This moist and flavorful Pumpkin Spice Earthquake Cake combines the warmth of pumpkin puree with the spices of fall.

Ingredients:

– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 tsp baking powder
– 1 tsp salt
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1/2 cup canned pumpkin puree
– 1/2 cup milk
– 2 large eggs
– 1 tsp ground cinnamon
– 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
– 1/4 tsp ground ginger
– 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. In another bowl, combine sugar, butter, pumpkin puree, milk, eggs, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. Mix until smooth.
4. Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients and stir until just combined. Fold in walnuts, if using.
5. Pour batter into prepared baking dish and bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes

Lemon Blueberry Earthquake Cake

Lemon Blueberry Earthquake Cake
This moist and flavorful cake is packed with the brightness of lemon zest and the sweetness of fresh blueberries. The combination creates a delightful earthquake-like effect when you cut into it, releasing a burst of citrusy flavor.

Ingredients:

– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 large eggs
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1 teaspoon grated lemon zest
– 1 cup fresh blueberries
– Confectioners’ sugar for dusting (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and line with parchment paper.
2. Whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together butter, eggs, lemon juice, and zest.
4. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
5. Gently fold in blueberries.
6. Pour batter into prepared baking dish and smooth top.
7. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.

Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes

Oreo Crunch Earthquake Cake

Oreo Crunch Earthquake Cake
This rich and creamy cake is a game-changer, packed with the classic flavors of Oreo cookies and topped with a crunchy streusel topping. It’s sure to be the star of any gathering or special occasion.

Ingredients:

– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 large eggs
– 1 cup whole milk
– 1 cup crushed Oreo cookies (about 25-30 cookies)
– Streusel topping: 1/4 cup all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg, 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set aside.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, combine softened butter, eggs, and milk. Whisk until smooth.
4. Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients and stir until just combined.
5. Fold in crushed Oreo cookies.
6. Pour batter into prepared baking dish.
7. Prepare streusel topping by combining flour, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and melted butter.
8. Sprinkle streusel topping evenly over cake batter.
9. Bake for 40-45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Cooking Time: 40-45 minutes

Maple Bacon Earthquake Cake

Maple Bacon Earthquake Cake
This rich and decadent cake combines the sweetness of maple syrup with the smokiness of bacon, resulting in a unique flavor profile that will leave you wanting more.

Ingredients:

– 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, at room temperature
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 2 teaspoons pure maple syrup
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 6 slices of cooked bacon, crumbled
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set aside.
2. In a large mixing bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Beat in eggs one at a time, followed by maple syrup.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
5. Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients and mix until just combined.
6. Fold in crumbled bacon.
7. Pour batter into prepared baking dish and smooth top.
8. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes

White Chocolate Raspberry Earthquake Cake

White Chocolate Raspberry Earthquake Cake
This rich and indulgent cake combines the creamy sweetness of white chocolate with the tartness of fresh raspberries, creating a delightful earthquake-like experience for your taste buds.

Ingredients:

– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup whole milk, at room temperature
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
– 1 cup white chocolate chips
– 1 cup fresh raspberries

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and line with parchment paper.
2. Whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together milk, eggs, and vanilla extract.
4. Melt white chocolate chips in the microwave or over a double boiler. Let cool slightly.
5. Add melted white chocolate to the wet ingredients and stir until combined.
6. Pour batter into prepared baking dish and smooth top.
7. Arrange fresh raspberries on top of the cake.
8. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes

Tiramisu Earthquake Cake

Tiramisu Earthquake Cake
This show-stopping cake is a unique twist on traditional tiramisu, with a moist and creamy coffee-infused center surrounded by rich chocolate and whipped cream.

Ingredients:

– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons instant coffee powder
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
– Whipped cream and cocoa powder for topping (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, and coffee powder.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, butter, and vanilla extract.
4. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and stir until just combined.
5. Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and smooth the top.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
7. Let cool completely before topping with whipped cream and cocoa powder (if desired).

Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes

Mint Chocolate Chip Earthquake Cake

Mint Chocolate Chip Earthquake Cake
Get ready to experience the thrill of an earthquake with every bite of this refreshing Mint Chocolate Chip Earthquake Cake! This moist and creamy dessert combines the cooling effects of mint with the richness of chocolate chips, all wrapped up in a crumbly crust.

Ingredients:

– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 large eggs
– 2 teaspoons peppermint extract
– 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and line with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, cream butter and eggs until light and fluffy. Add peppermint extract and mix well.
4. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
5. Fold in chocolate chips.
6. Pour batter into prepared dish and smooth top.
7. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
8. Let cool completely before serving.

Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes

Strawberry Cheesecake Earthquake Cake

Strawberry Cheesecake Earthquake Cake
Imagine a moist vanilla cake, topped with a creamy strawberry cheesecake filling, and finished with a crunchy streusel topping – that’s exactly what you’ll get with this Strawberry Cheesecake Earthquake Cake!

Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup whole milk
– 2 large eggs
– 1 cup strawberry jam
– 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– Streusel topping (see below)

Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Prepare the cake by whisking together dry ingredients in one bowl and wet ingredients in another. Combine both mixtures, then pour into prepared baking dish.
3. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
4. While the cake is baking, prepare the cheesecake filling by beating cream cheese with sugar until smooth. Add melted butter, vanilla extract, and strawberry jam – mix until combined.
5. Top the baked cake with the cheesecake filling, spreading evenly.
6. Prepare streusel topping by mixing together flour, sugar, and cold butter. Crumble into small pieces.
7. Sprinkle streusel topping over the cheesecake filling.

Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes (including cooling time)

Snickerdoodle Earthquake Cake

Snickerdoodle Earthquake Cake
This moist and buttery cake gets its name from the snickerdoodle-inspired topping that causes it to “shake” as you take your first bite. With its caramelized sugar crust and chewy center, this dessert is sure to be a hit.

Ingredients:

– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
– 1 cup buttermilk
– Snickerdoodle topping (see below)

Snickerdoodle Topping:

– 1/2 cup brown sugar
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup chopped pecans (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs and vanilla extract.
4. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, alternating with buttermilk, beginning and ending with dry ingredients.
5. Pour batter into prepared dish and smooth top.
6. Sprinkle snickerdoodle topping evenly over the cake.
7. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

Summary

Get ready to rumble with these 18 decadent earthquake cake recipes! From classic chocolate and peanut butter to creative combinations like salted caramel and maple bacon, there’s an irresistible flavor for everyone. Each recipe features a moist and fluffy cake topped with a gooey, crunchy, or creamy surprise that will leave you craving more. Whether you’re a chocolate lover or a fan of fruity flavors, these earthquake cakes are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.

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