Earthquake Cake is a fun cake that combines a box cake mix with coconut, pecans

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

Layer the base: Sprinkle coconut and chopped pecans evenly over the bottom of the prepared baking dish.

Prepare the cake mix according to package instructions. Pour the batter gently over the coconut and pecans.

Make the cream cheese filling:

Beat the softened cream cheese, melted butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth.

Drop large spoonfuls over the cake batter. Do not spread — it will sink and swirl as it bakes.

Optional: Sprinkle chocolate chips on top for extra richness.

Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until the cake is mostly set but still gooey in spots. The cream cheese will create cracks and valleys — hence the "earthquake."

Cool slightly before serving warm. It’s great with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or just on its own!