Gooey Upside Down German Chocolate Cake!
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Gooey Upside Down German Chocolate Cake, AKA earthquake cake, has a coconut pecan frosting on the bottom, and gooey butter filling on top – gooey perfection!
Table of Contents
Gooey Upside Down German Chocolate Cake
Hold on to your seats, I’m about to blow your mind with this Gooey Upside Down German Chocolate Cake. This dessert is gooey, oh so moist, and super simple to throw together.
Not Your Average German Chocolate Cake
We’ve been making this twist on the traditional German Chocolate Cake for 20+ years. It’s a combination of a Gooey Butter cake and German chocolate cake….but upside down!
The coconut pecan frosting is on the bottom, with a gooey butter filling spooned over the top of the cake before it goes in the oven. As the cake bakes, it creates a filling. leaving a moist, gooey, and delicious dessert.
Earthquake Cake – A Twist on German Chocolate Cake!
I always just called it an upside down german chocolate cake because to me that’s basically what it was, and it made sense.
It wasn’t until recently I found out this cake had a different name too – Earthquake Cake. As soon as I heard this I had to look it up because there was no way I went all these years making this cake without knowing this different name.
Well, sure enough as soon as I took to google I realized I had been fooled this whole time! I can’t disagree with the name though. Each bite of this cake is like an earthquake of flavor, and I’m all about it.
traditional German Chocolate Cake recipe
An Easy Upside-Down German Chocolate Cake
This cake may not be pretty, but where it lacks in good looks, it more than makes it up in the yummy department! Trust me, no one will care what it looks like 😉
Gooey Upside Down German Chocolate Cake uses a box cake mix, so it couldn’t be easier to make! But you can certainly use your favorite German Chocolate Cake recipe if you prefer. Either way, it’s absolutely delicious.
How to Make An Earthquake Cake
All you do is sprinkle coconut and pecans on the bottom of a greased pan and pour the cake mix over top. Then beat cream cheese, butter, and powdered sugar to spoon over top and put it in the oven and wait for the magic to happen!
My mom and sister-in-law request this cake for their birthday every year! It’s a great cake to take to potlucks, but be prepared to give out the recipe…..everyone will ask for it!
A German Chocolate Cake Everyone Loves!
My favorite part of blogging is getting to share my favorite recipes with all of you. What’s even better than that is seeing all the reactions, and how much you all love the recipes.
The reviews were so lovely on this recipe I thought I’d share some with you guys!
Featured Review:
“Made this tonight, just tried it still warm. Taste great!!!!!”
– Gerald W
Featured Review:
Oh my goodness is this cake ever delicious! It’s so simple to make and I always have these ingredients on hand. I have only had one piece so far but I already know it won’t be long before this whole pan is empty! SO GOOD. Thanks for this awesome recipe!”
~ Shelby N
Thanks so much for all the love!
Featured Review:
My husband loves German chocolate cake and he couldn’t stop talking about this one. Thanks!
—Steph
An Irresistible Upside Down German Chocolate Cake
If you know someone who likes German Chocolate Cake (and even those who don’t), make them a Gooey Upside Down German Chocolate Cake and watch their eyes roll back as they scarf down a piece….or two!
You may never make a traditional German Chocolate Cake again. You do know, everything tastes better upside down don’t you?
Need something different to take to the next potluck or any gathering? I can’t recommend this upside down cake enough!
If you like German Chocolate Cake as much as I do, you might want to try this German Chocolate Cake Martini, German Chocolate Brownies, German Chocolate Macaroons or how about German Chocolate Brownie Pie!
ENJOY!!
Like This Recipe?
I’d love to hear what you think! Leave a review below and let me know how you liked the recipe!
Gooey Upside Down German Chocolate Cake
An easy delicious twist on the traditional German Chocolate Cake. Gooey Upside Down German Chocolate Cake has a coconut pecan frosting on the bottom, with a gooey butter filling on top. Creating a gooey delicious dessert everyone loves.
Ingredients
- 1 cup sweetened coconut flakes
- 1 cup pecans, chopped
- 1 box German Chocolate Cake mix, *prepared
- eggs, water, and oil as directed on cake mix package
- 4 cups (or 1 pound box) powdered sugar
- 1 (8ounce) cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°. Grease and flour 9×13 cake pan.
- Sprinkle coconut and pecans over bottom of the cake pan.
- Prepare cake mix per package instructions on box (or you can use your favorite German Chocolate Cake recipe)
- Pour cake batter over coconut and pecans.
- Using an electric mixer, beat cream cheese and butter in medium bowl until well blended, slowly add powdered sugar and continue beating until smooth and creamy.
- Spoon cream cheese mixture over cake batter - do NOT mix in.
- Bake on middle rack in oven for 50-55 minutes.
- Cool completely in the pan before serving To serve, cut into serving-size pieces and, using a spatula, remove from the pan and turn upside-down on plates and enjoy!
Notes
- there is no need to invert the whole cake before serving. Leave the cake in the pan; cut into individual pieces and serve with coconut and pecans on bottom, or invert each piece as you plate it.
- store leftover cake on the counter or in refrigerator.
- TIP: Watch my video for making this recipe, it may help with questions others have had.
- I've never had this cake spill over while in the oven, but you can certainly place the cake pan on a baking sheet just in case.
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Nutrition Information:
Yield: 12 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 321Total Fat: 14gSaturated Fat: 4gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 9gCholesterol: 23mgSodium: 373mgCarbohydrates: 46gFiber: 2gSugar: 26gProtein: 4g
Nutrition information is estimated based on the ingredients and cooking instructions as described in each recipe and is intended to be used for informational purposes only. Please note that nutrition details may vary based on methods of preparation, origin, and freshness of ingredients used.
Hi there, I'm Cheryl!
As a wife, mom, and caffeine enthusiast, my journey has taken me from bustling mornings with my family to sharing delicious recipes, home care tips, and heartfelt decorating insights with wonderful readers like you. My love for baking, photography, and tidiness shines through every post I craft. Dive into my world and discover the art of homemaking, one tidy moment at a time. Read more...
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Please respect my work, recipes and photographs. If you do use a recipe in your own writing, please give proper credit and link back to the original post.
Oh.my.goodness. My husband's favorite cake is German Chocolate. This will definitely be on my baking list.
It's in the 100's here, too, with a heat index of 108 last week. It's definitely summertime here in the South.
that cake looks divine!
Looks absolutely Yummy!!
I'm going to have to try these. I posted a German chocolate dessert this week too! Love it!
I think I'm making this one for dinner tonight-seriously. Then we'll have salad and vegetables for dessert. Chocolate always takes first priority in my house!
p.s. Thanks for the ShadowCase post! You've been such a great inspiration in helping my little business grow!
This looks SO good! I'll definitely be trying this one 🙂
Oh lordy that looks good!! Hitting print right about now!! I spent YEARS sitting in a hot gym watching our son play basketball! I feel for you. Here is what I did. I took those small water bottles, the ones for kids, froze them, and carried a small cooler to the gym. I put them in my top!!! Rolled them across my neck, etc…you get the idea. Sure does help!
This sounds heavenly! I can't wait to try it!
That looks soo good..Thank you!!
It's rainy and cloudy here in Vancouver.
Found you on Tuesday tastes. This looks amazing!! I'm your newest follower 🙂
Ummm…YUM!
This recipe has my name written all over it. I can't wait to try it. Thanks for sharing. Love & blessings from NC!
Ummm…Yes please! Can I come to your house?? I mean…we live in the same state!! LOL! This looks amazing!
This looks fantastic…and like your blog:)
OMG, I want some- NOW!
Oh Cheryl!! This looks so yummy I want to just jump through the computer and have a piece now. I'm going to have to try this one 🙂 Thanks for sharing!
I don't like coconut, but my Dad would love this!!
I can't wait to see your new blog design! Also, it has been WAY too hot lately. It is no fun to get drenched in sweat just from walking into a store!
I love upside down cakes 🙂 that one looks so good! Visiting you from Tasty Tuesdays 🙂
This recipe is just not fair. Too delicious. 😉
Oh wow, yummy! I always think to myself that I shouldn't visit your blog when I'm hungry! 🙂 You have the best recipes EVER.
Oooo, that cake looks divine! Can't wait to see your new blog design…
Oh Cheryl! That looks incredible!!! Yes, everything is better upside down! Have you ever tried an upside down Caramel Macchiato at Starbucks? They made one for me by mistake once…it's dreamy! The caramel melts all throughout the coffee. Mmmmm…
I am bookmarking this cake!
Did you really have to do this to me? I dont think I can make it to the weekend… I just might have to make this tomorrow. AWESOME job girl! Your pictures are just perfect!
OH my goodness that looks delicious!!
This is my mom's and husband's favorite cake…can't wait to try this receipe for their next special day!
It is incredibly hot here too!! but a piece of your cake would make me forget all about it! Great idea with the upside presentation!
You know I'm off of sugar for a month Cheryl and this is killing me!!! I know exactly what I'll be making when I come off this sugar fast!!!
xoxoxo
This looks like the perfect way to eat all the goodness of a German Chocolate Cake, with a bit less fuss. Yum!!
This Cake Is Soooooooooo Gooooood!!!!!!!
I just finished makeing this cake to take to a church dinner. I was very displeased with it. I think it has to much butter in it. The butter started overflowing from the cake in my oven. Caught on fire from butter had to turn off oven . It stilll looks ok to eat but I think it has to much butter in iI think 1cup is to much. I’m still taking it to dinner to late to make anything else. I followed receipe exactly to a T. I just hope the people I serve it to are not dissappointed.
where did you get 1 cup of butter from? it says 1/2 cup butter blended with cream cheese and icing sugar….
I’m sorry, we’ve made this cake many times over the years and never had that trouble .
Oh my goodness is this cake ever delicious! It’s so simple to make and I always have these ingredients on hand. I have only had one piece so far but I already know it won’t be long before this whole pan is empty! SO GOOD. Thanks for this awesome recipe!
I think the butter was meant to be 1 stick, as I currently have the recipe in the oven, already to 55 minutes and the middle of it is still soup. Not soupy, but soup. It smells fantastic, but it looks like I’m going to be adding 5 minutes at a time more for the next hour.
I was going to take this for potluck at work tomorrow–our last day, as the office is closing for good. :\
I knew it! When I was putting this together I kept thinking “what is upside down about this, if I put the cake part over the nuts and coconut and then the butter/powdered sugar stuff on top of the cake?”
I should have paid attention to what I was thinking because I don’t have an upside down cake at all. I have a layer of coconut/nuts, then chocolate cake and then the butter stuff. And it’s just a sunken mess, with some chocolate cake edges sticking up. I’ve made plenty of gooey cakes before this one.
Rewrite your recipe so others don’t waste so much money on all that butter and cream cheese etc. I should have stuck with the almond gooey cake.
it’s called upside down, because the toppings are on the bottom of the cake. – the butter and cheese sink to the middle when you bake the cake – German Chocolate Cake usually has a coconut caramel pecan topping on TOP of the cake you can see in my photo above and by reading the recipe – those toppings are on the bottom, hence the “upside down name”.
You might want to rewrite your comment to not be so rude……..my sister-in-law gave me this recipe years ago after making it for her family for years, and I have since made it on NUMEROUS occasions and it’s my mom’s favorite cake that she requests every year for her birthday. I’m sorry something didn’t work out for you, but there’s nothing wrong with my recipe.
I’ve made this a couple times exactly as it’s written and turns out perfect every time — everyone LOVES it. (It’s actually in my oven now too) There i nothing wrong with the recipe at all.
Can’t wait until it cools down…I might jut need to eat it for lunch 🙂
I made this cake…thought I may have done something wrong because of the way it looked. HOWEVER, it was delicious!
Welp…I just took mine out of the oven. Didnt turn out very pretty, but it smells good! Do you know if this would still turn out if you did the coconut and pecans, then the sugar/butter mixture, THEN the cake? 🙂
no, the gooey butter part needs to drop into the cake. You just flip it over to serve it if you want to see cake on top = it’s an upside down cake 😉
Do you know if it needs to be kept refrigerated because of the cream cheese?
everything is baked – we have never refrigerated it
can this be made in two pans instead of one big one? Like 2 pans of 9X9? or can it be frozen if left over?
I just made this for the first time, and most of my cream cheese layer bubbled out and spilled over into oven. It didn’t sink down into the chocolate cake layer like I read above in your comments that it should. I used a glass dish. Does that make a difference? Do you usually bake yours in a dark pan? And is your pan pretty deep? Also what brand cake mix? I used some deluxe type one. Would appreciate any advice so I can try this again. Thanks!
I’ve always used a metal or glass 9×13 pan. Sorry, you had trouble with the recipe, I’ve never had that happen.
I will try a metal pan next time. The final product, although messy looking,=
tasted AWESOME!! Thank you so much for replying to me:)
I had the same thing happen, boiled over in the oven, made a mess & smoked up the kitchen. The cake was still good. I used a regular sized dark cake pan. Next time I will put a cookie sheet under it.
so strange. I’ve made this cake more times than I can count (using glass or metal pans) and it’s never made a mess in the oven. Sorry
I’ve made this cake for years, however I melt the cream cheese, butter and powdered sugar together in a saucepan and then spoon over the cake and it’s yummy! Get many requests for my recipe
That’s how I make it too.
Do i flip it upside down to serve?
nope, it’s called upside down, because the usual topping is on the bottom.
Well as a side note you can flip it. I dis because @ny other upside down cake means you flip it when down to serve…. Like a pineapple uside down cake.
Love this cake & I hate seeing all the reviews where people don’t even eat it because they think it isn’t coming out right. I can tell you it isn’t the prettiest cake but everyone who eats it, loves it and will be asking for the recipe. Cheryl is the only person that I’ve seen make it clear to “not mix in the topping” after spooning on top. I did the first few times based on what I was told but then last time I baked it, I just left them where I spooned them and it came out so much better. It will be a little gooey in the center but I’m telling you, this cake is great. I think it’s better the next day so if I’m giving it to someone, I always bake it a day early.
This cake recipe is okay. But you need a larger pan or dish to bake it in. A 9×13 is no where big enough! My oven was a mess. Could cut cake mix in half and also the topping for a 9X13 pan. Be enough for everything! Does not look like the picture!
over the last 20+ years I (and my family members) have made this cake many many many times, and it always turns out like the picture and a 9×13 has always worked.
Made this cake today, and it’s excellent. I’ve used a different recipe in the past…this one is much better. Also, I used a metal 9×13 pan and there was no overflow. But, I did use Betty Crocker mix which has less content that Duncan Hines, which is what most recipes call for. This will be my forever recipe.
I have made this cake many many times and always have to give out the recipe to those enjoying it! The difference for my recipe is that I before I put it in the oven I lightly “cut in” the bottom mixture so that some of it does come to the top as it’s baking. Love love love this cake! (And so does everyone I’ve ever made it for!)
I’ve been making this cake for years!!!! I usually use a 9×13 glass pan when I’m at my mom’s, but at home I use a 9×13 baking stone. I’ve never had any issues and my recipe is the same except I soften the butter (not melt it). It works well with any kind of cake mix, even gluten free. You can also leave out the coconut/nut mixture. So you have your cake and then drop your cream cheese frosting on the top in blobs. I always have requests for this cake. Easy-peasy exactly as is. Thank you Cheryl.
This is the same recipe as my Earthquake Cake. I love it.
I got this same recipe forty years ago at my mother in laws funeral. It was called Earth Quake Cake! I have made it too many times to say how many. I have found out that if you are using the cake pan with the dark finish you need to lower the oven temperature and bake for five to ten minutes longer. Love to serve this to special people. Thanks TidyMom for reviving this excellent cake recipe.
I’m baking this right now!! It smells amazing!! Did anyone else have to add time though? The center of mine was not set at 55 minutes?
Mine was not set either at that time; however, I didn’t use a box cake I used a scratch recipe.
I used 2 smaller pans, and they were DONE after 35 minutes. Be sure to check before occasionally before the recommended time is up.
Hi I was wondering if I could use a pre-made coconut pecan frosting for the bottom instead?
i have never tried that – be sure to report back if you try it
I have done this it’s amazing!