Missouri’s culinary scene isn’t just about barbecue and gooey butter cake—it’s also home to one of the most decadent, gooey desserts you’ll ever experience: Earthquake Cake. This dessert, with its layers of rich chocolate, sweet coconut, crunchy pecans, and creamy swirls of cream cheese, is a sweet explosion that leaves your taste buds wanting more. Whether you’re hosting a family gathering or simply want to surprise your loved ones with an unforgettable treat, this Missouri-style Earthquake Cake is the perfect choice.
A unique feature of this cake is that it looks as if the “earth” has cracked open after baking—hence the name! With the cream cheese and powdered sugar creating molten rivers throughout the chocolate cake, it’s as visually impressive as it is delicious. Let’s dive into how you can bring this Midwest classic into your own kitchen.
The Heart of Missouri’s Sweetness
The Earthquake Cake is an irresistible blend of flavors and textures. The moist German chocolate cake sits atop a foundation of coconut, chocolate chips, and pecans. This base, combined with the rich cream cheese and butter mixture swirled through the batter, makes for a dessert that’s gooey, crunchy, and creamy all at once.