Oreo Earthquake Cake Recipe

Oreo Earthquake Cake is a decadent, gooey dessert filled with layers of Oreo cookies, rich chocolate cake, cream cheese, and chocolate chips. This indulgent treat gets its name from the cracks and crevices that form on top while it bakes, making every bite a delightful explosion of chocolatey goodness. Perfectly paired with chocolate ice cream, this cake is a must-try for any chocolate lover. If you enjoy this recipe, you might also like my Pumpkin Earthquake Cake or the classic Earthquake Cake!

Ingredients & Substitutions

• Chocolate Cake Mix: Use a 15.25-ounce (432 g) box of chocolate cake mix and follow the package instructions to make the batter.
• Oreo Cookies: You will need Oreo cookies for both the base layer and the topping.
• Cream Cheese: Ensure the cream cheese is softened (at room temperature) to blend smoothly with the other ingredients.
• Ice Cream: Although optional, chocolate ice cream is highly recommended to serve alongside this cake for an extra indulgent experience.

How to Make Oreo Earthquake Cake

1. Follow these simple steps to create your delicious Oreo Earthquake Cake:
2. Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and spraying a 9×13-inch (23×33 cm) baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
3. Prepare the Cake Batter: Prepare the chocolate cake batter according to the directions on the box. Set aside.
4. Layer with Oreos: Line the bottom of the prepared baking dish with Oreo cookies, laying them flat.
5. Spread Cake Batter: Pour the prepared cake batter evenly over the layer of Oreos. Set aside.
6. Make the Cream Cheese Mixture: In a large bowl, combine softened cream cheese, melted butter, confectioners’ sugar, vanilla extract, and salt. Use a hand mixer to beat the mixture until smooth and fully combined.
7. Add Cream Cheese Swirls: Spoon dollops of the cream cheese mixture over the top of the cake batter. Then, use a butter knife or skewer to gently swirl the cream cheese into the batter, creating a marbled effect.
8. Top with Chocolate Chips and Crumbled Oreos: Sprinkle semi-sweet chocolate chips and crumbled Oreos (about 10 cookies) evenly on top of the cake.
9. Bake: Bake the cake for 55-60 minutes, or until the center is set and a toothpick inserted comes out with a few crumbs, but no wet batter.
10. Serve: Once baked, let the cake cool slightly. Serve warm, and top with a scoop of chocolate ice cream for an even richer dessert experience!

How to Create a Marble Swirl

Getting that beautiful marble swirl is easier than it looks. Here’s how:

1. After pouring the chocolate cake batter into the pan, drop spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture on top.
2. Using a butter knife or skewer, create vertical zig-zags across the pan from one end to the other.
3. Clean the knife and repeat the zig-zag pattern in the opposite direction to make a swirl effect. Avoid over-swirling to maintain distinct marbled sections of cream cheese and chocolate.

How to Store Oreo Earthquake Cake

Because of the cream cheese layer, it’s best to store Oreo Earthquake Cake in the refrigerator, covered. It will stay fresh for 2-3 days. To enjoy leftovers, simply reheat a slice in the microwave for a few seconds to restore that gooey, melted chocolate texture.

Ingredients

Cake:

• 1 box (15.25 ounces / 432 g) chocolate cake mix (prepared according to package instructions)
• 24 Oreo cookies

Cream Cheese Mixture:

• 1 package (8 ounces / 230 g) cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup (1 stick / 115 g) unsalted butter, melted
• 2½ cups (315 g) confectioners’ sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ¼ teaspoon kosher salt

Topping:

• 2 cups (360 g) semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1 cup crumbled Oreo cookies (about 10 cookies)
• Optional: Chocolate ice cream for serving

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and spray a 9×13-inch (23×33 cm) pan with nonstick spray.
2. Prepare Cake Batter: Follow the instructions on the box to prepare the chocolate cake mix.
3. Layer Oreos: Arrange 24 Oreo cookies flat on the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
4. Add Cake Batter: Spread the prepared cake batter evenly over the Oreo cookies.
5. Cream Cheese Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, beat together the cream cheese, melted butter, confectioners’ sugar, vanilla, and salt until smooth. Drop spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture over the cake batter.
6. Swirl for Marble Effect: Using a knife or skewer, gently swirl the cream cheese mixture into the cake batter to create a marbled effect.
7. Add Toppings: Sprinkle chocolate chips and crumbled Oreo cookies over the top of the cake.
8. Bake: Bake the cake for 55-60 minutes, or until the center is set. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out with a few crumbs but no wet batter.
9. Serve: Allow the cake to cool slightly before serving. For an extra indulgent treat, serve it with a scoop of chocolate ice cream.

Enjoy the rich, gooey goodness of this Oreo Earthquake Cake!