Earthquake Cake

Ingredients:
– 1 box German Chocolate Cake Mix
– 1/3 cup vegetable oil
– 3 large eggs
– 1 & 1/3 cup water
– 2/3 cup sweetened shredded coconut
– 2/3 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
– 1/2 cup chopped pecans
– 1 stick unsalted butter (1/2 cup)
– 8 oz cream cheese
– 1 pound powdered sugar (3 and 3/4 cups)

Directions:

1. Preheat and Prepare:
– Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
– Lightly spray a 9 x 13 inch pan with non-stick cooking spray.

2. Layer the Base:
– Sprinkle the coconut, chocolate chips, and pecans evenly on the bottom of the prepared pan.

3. Mix the Cake Batter:
– In a mixing bowl, combine the German chocolate cake mix with the oil, eggs, and water until well blended.

4. Pour the Batter:
– Pour the cake batter evenly over the coconut, chocolate chip, and pecan layer in the pan.

5. Prepare the Topping:
– In a saucepan, melt the butter and cream cheese together over low heat until smooth.

6. Add the Sugar:
– Gradually beat in the powdered sugar until the mixture is smooth and creamy.

7. Spread the Topping:
– Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the uncooked German chocolate cake batter in the pan.
– Use a knife to swirl the topping into the cake batter.

8. Bake:
– Bake the cake in the preheated oven for 35-45 minutes, or until it no longer wobbles in the pan when shaken. The toothpick test may not work due to the gooey nature of the cake.