Chocolate Earthquake Cake Recipe

1 box German chocolate cake mix
1 3.5-ounce can sweetened flaked coconut
1 cup chopped nuts
1/4 cup margarine
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
1 16-ounce box powdered sugar

Prepare cake batter according to package instructions. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease a 9-by-12-inch baking pan. Cover the bottom of the pan with the nuts and coconut. Pour cake batter on top. Melt margarine in a bowl. Add the cream cheese and powdered sugar. Stir to blend. Spoon over unbaked batter and bake for 40 to 42 minutes. You can’t test for doneness with this sticky cake. The icing sinks to the bottom while baking and makes a gooey white ribbon throughout.

Tips from our test kitchen: This messy cake is great to make with children. They can learn baking and measuring basics without worrying about presentation. Try serving this dessert in a bowl with chocolate chips and whipped cream.