If you love rich, gooey desserts that are as easy to make as they are irresistible, this Hurricane Cake is about to become your new favorite. With its moist chocolate base, crunchy pecans, and luscious coconut filling, every bite is a perfect storm of flavors and textures.
What makes this cake so special? It’s effortless to prepare—no frosting required! The magic happens right in the pan as the ingredients swirl together, creating a decadent, layered effect that’s both beautiful and delicious. Whether you’re baking for a family gathering, potluck, or just a weekend treat, this indulgent dessert will have everyone coming back for seconds.
So, grab your mixing bowl, and let’s whip up this easy yet unforgettable cake that’s sure to impress!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
If you’re looking for a dessert that’s indulgent yet incredibly easy to make, Hurricane Cake is the perfect choice. It’s the kind of treat that feels like a bakery-style masterpiece, yet it requires minimal effort—no layering, no frosting, just a simple mix-and-bake method that delivers outstanding results.
Here’s why you’ll love this cake:
- Rich and Gooey Texture – The combination of melted butter, chocolate, and coconut creates a decadently soft, almost molten texture.
- Crunchy, Nutty Goodness – Pecans add a satisfying crunch that complements the moist cake base.
- One-Pan Wonder – Everything comes together in a single pan, meaning less cleanup and more enjoyment.
- Foolproof Baking – No fancy techniques required! Even beginner bakers can achieve bakery-worthy results with this simple recipe.
- Perfect for Any Occasion – Whether you’re making it for a family gathering, holiday dessert table, or just because, this cake is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.
If you love moist chocolate cakes with a bit of crunch and gooey richness, this Hurricane Cake will quickly become a staple in your kitchen. Ready to get started? Let’s gather our ingredients!
Ingredients of Hurricane Cake
Before we dive into baking, let’s make sure we have everything we need. This Hurricane Cake comes together with simple pantry staples, yet the result is an incredibly rich and decadent dessert that tastes like it took hours to make.
For the Cake:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted – Adds richness and keeps the cake extra moist.
- 1 cup granulated sugar – Balances the chocolate flavor with the right touch of sweetness.
- 1 cup brown sugar – Deepens the flavor and enhances the cake’s soft texture.
- 3 large eggs – Provide structure and help create a tender crumb.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – A must-have for enhancing all the flavors.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour – The base that gives the cake its perfect consistency.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda – Ensures the cake rises beautifully.
- ½ teaspoon salt – Balances the sweetness and brings out the flavors.
- 1 cup evaporated milk – Adds creaminess and a slight caramelized richness.
- 1½ cups shredded coconut – Infuses texture and a touch of tropical sweetness.
- 1 cup chopped pecans – Brings a delightful crunch and nutty depth.
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips – Melt into the cake for a gooey, indulgent bite.
For the Topping (Optional but Recommended!):
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted – For extra richness.
- ½ cup brown sugar – Creates a caramelized effect on top.
- ½ cup evaporated milk – Makes the topping creamy and smooth.
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract – Complements the caramel-like topping.
Ingredient Notes & Substitutions:
- No pecans? Swap them for walnuts or omit them if you prefer a nut-free version.
- Prefer a darker chocolate flavor? Use dark chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet.
- Dairy-free? Substitute evaporated milk with full-fat coconut milk and use a dairy-free butter alternative.
Now that we have everything ready, let’s start baking this irresistible Hurricane Cake!
Instructions of Hurricane Cake
Now that we have all the ingredients ready, let’s walk through the simple steps to make this decadent Hurricane Cake. This recipe requires no complex techniques—just mix, layer, and bake!
1: Preheat and Prepare the Pan
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or a non-stick spray to ensure easy release.
2: Prepare the Cake Batter
- In a large bowl, mix the melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until well combined and smooth.
- Add the eggs and vanilla extract, beating until fully incorporated.
- In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, alternating with the evaporated milk, stirring until a smooth batter forms.
3: Layer the Goodness
- Spread the batter evenly in the greased baking dish to ensure uniform baking.
- Sprinkle the shredded coconut, chopped pecans, and chocolate chips evenly over the top.
4: Add the Topping (Optional but Recommended!)
- In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, brown sugar, evaporated milk, and vanilla extract.
- Drizzle this mixture evenly over the cake batter. Don’t mix it in—this will create the signature gooey texture as it bakes!
5: Bake to Perfection
- Place the cake in the oven and bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs.
- Remove from the oven and let it cool in the pan for at least 15–20 minutes before slicing. This allows the flavors to settle and the texture to set properly.
6: Serve and Enjoy Hurricane Cake!
- Serve warm for an ultra-gooey bite, or let it cool completely for a firmer texture.
- Pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce for an extra indulgent treat.
Now, get ready to enjoy every decadent bite of this rich, gooey, and utterly irresistible Hurricane Cake!
Pro Tips and Variations
Making the perfect Hurricane Cake is easy, but a few expert tips can take it to the next level. Whether you want a richer texture, a crunchier topping, or a unique twist, these tips and variations will help you customize your cake to suit your taste.
Pro Tips for the Best Hurricane Cake
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients – Let your eggs and evaporated milk sit at room temperature before mixing. This step ensures a uniform texture and helps the ingredients incorporate seamlessly.
- Don’t Overmix the Batter – Stir until just combined to keep the cake light and moist. Overmixing can make it dense.
- Let the Cake Rest – Allow the cake to cool for at least 15–20 minutes after baking. This helps set the gooey texture while keeping the cake soft.
- For an Extra Gooey Cake – Drizzle a bit more of the butter-brown sugar mixture over the cake while it’s still warm.
- Enhance the Flavor – Add ½ teaspoon of cinnamon or a splash of bourbon to the batter for a deeper, richer taste.
Delicious Variations
- Nut-Free Option – Simply omit the pecans or replace them with sunflower seeds for a similar crunch.
- Extra Chocolatey – Swap semi-sweet chocolate chips for dark chocolate or use a mix of chocolate chunks and chips.
- Tropical Twist – Add ½ cup of crushed pineapple to the batter for a hint of fruity sweetness.
- Caramel Lovers’ Version – Drizzle warm caramel sauce over the cake before serving for an extra indulgent touch.
- Dairy-Free Alternative – Replace butter with coconut oil and use coconut milk instead of evaporated milk.
No matter how you make it, this versatile Hurricane Cake is sure to impress. Try different variations to find your favorite, and enjoy every decadent bite!
How to Serve Hurricane Cake
One of the best things about Hurricane Cake is its versatility—it’s just as delicious fresh out of the oven as it is the next day. Whether you’re serving it as a warm, gooey dessert or a decadent coffee companion, here are the best ways to enjoy it.
Best Ways to Serve Hurricane Cake
- Warm and Gooey – Serve the cake straight from the oven while it’s still warm and melty. The chocolate and coconut blend beautifully, creating an irresistible texture.
- With Ice Cream – A scoop of vanilla, coconut, or caramel ice cream pairs perfectly with the richness of the cake, balancing the flavors with a creamy contrast.
- Drizzled with Sauce – Enhance each bite with a drizzle of caramel sauce, chocolate ganache, or warm sweetened condensed milk for an extra indulgent touch.
- As a Brunch Treat – Enjoy a slice with a hot cup of coffee or espresso for a sweet start to your day. The nutty crunch and chocolatey richness complement bold coffee flavors beautifully.
- Chilled for a Firmer Texture – Let the cake cool completely and refrigerate it for a few hours. This firms up the texture, making it easier to slice and even more flavorful as the ingredients settle.
Garnishing Ideas for an Elegant Touch
- Sprinkle with powdered sugar for a bakery-style finish.
- Add a handful of toasted coconut flakes for extra crunch.
- Top with whipped cream and a few chopped pecans for a visually stunning presentation.
No matter how you serve it, this rich, chocolatey Hurricane Cake is guaranteed to impress. So grab a plate and enjoy every bite!
Hurricane Cake
Ingredients
Ingredients
- For the Cake:
- 1 box chocolate cake mix
- 1 cup evaporated milk
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter melted
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup shredded coconut
- 1 cup chopped pecans
For the Cream Cheese Filling:
- 8 oz cream cheese softened
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Instructions
- Preheat & Prepare: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.
- Mix the Cake Batter: Prepare the chocolate cake mix as per package instructions. Set aside.
- Make the Filling: In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth.
- Assemble: Pour half the chocolate cake batter into the prepared baking dish. Add dollops of the cream cheese mixture and swirl lightly. Pour the remaining cake batter on top.
- Add Toppings: Sprinkle the shredded coconut and chopped pecans evenly over the cake.
- Bake: Place in the oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool & Serve: Allow the cake to cool for 10 minutes before slicing. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Total Fat: 22g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Protein: 5g
- Sugar: 35g
Conclusion
Hurricane Cake is the ultimate easy, indulgent dessert that combines rich chocolate, crunchy pecans, and sweet coconut into one irresistible treat. With its gooey texture and deep flavors, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for any occasion, whether you’re making it for a family gathering, holiday feast, or just a cozy night in.
The best part? This cake requires minimal effort yet delivers bakery-quality results. It’s a simple mix-and-bake recipe with no complicated steps, making it perfect for both beginner and experienced bakers alike. Plus, with all the delicious variations and serving options, you can customize it to suit your taste.
Now that you’ve mastered the recipe, it’s time to bake, share, and enjoy. Try it today and let this decadent, chocolatey delight become a new favorite in your kitchen!
FAQs
The name “Hurricane Cake” comes from its whirlwind of flavors and textures. With layers of gooey chocolate, crunchy pecans, and sweet coconut, each bite is a delicious storm of indulgence. Some say it’s also because it’s a “dump-and-bake” cake, meaning you mix and layer the ingredients with minimal effort—just like throwing everything together in a storm!
A classic Hurricane Cake includes chocolate cake mix, pecans, shredded coconut, evaporated milk, butter, and powdered sugar. The magic happens as it bakes, creating a caramelized topping with a rich, fudgy interior.
The title of the most expensive cake goes to a custom-designed masterpiece made by Debbie Wingham, valued at $75 million. This extravagant cake was adorned with real diamonds, gold, and intricate handcrafted details.
A Hurricane Rum Cake is a variation of traditional Caribbean rum cake infused with flavors inspired by the Hurricane cocktail. It typically includes dark rum, passion fruit, orange, and lime zest, giving it a tropical twist with a boozy kick.
Queen Elizabeth II was known to favor chocolate biscuit cake. This rich, no-bake dessert consists of crushed biscuits mixed with chocolate and butter, then chilled to form a dense and delicious treat. It was such a favorite that she reportedly requested it for afternoon tea and even had it served at royal events.