King Cake Earthquake Cake Recipe
Introduction
King Cake Earthquake Cake is a festive twist on the classic King Cake, layered with rich cream cheese filling and topped with colorful sugar. This easy-to-make dessert is perfect for Mardi Gras or any celebration that calls for a sweet, show-stopping treat.
Ingredients
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 1 box yellow cake mix (plus ingredients to make cake)
- 1 (8-oz) package cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar, divided
- 2 tsp cinnamon
- 1 tsp vanilla
- ¼ tsp salt
- 3 to 4 Tbsp milk
- Yellow, purple, and green sugar for topping
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350ºF and lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking pan with cooking spray.
- Step 2: Sprinkle the chopped pecans evenly over the bottom of the pan.
- Step 3: Prepare the yellow cake mix according to the package directions and pour the batter over the pecans.
- Step 4: In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to blend the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add 2½ cups powdered sugar, cinnamon, vanilla, and salt, then continue mixing until the filling is creamy.
- Step 5: Spoon the cream cheese mixture evenly over the cake batter in the pan.
- Step 6: Bake for 40 to 45 minutes or until the cake is set and lightly golden.
- Step 7: Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool completely in the pan.
- Step 8: Whisk together the remaining 1½ cups powdered sugar with 3 to 4 tablespoons of milk to create a glaze.
- Step 9: Pour the glaze over the cooled cake and sprinkle generously with yellow, purple, and green sugar for a vibrant finish.
Tips & Variations
- For extra crunch, toast the pecans lightly before sprinkling them in the pan.
- Use almond extract instead of vanilla for a different flavor twist in the cream cheese filling.
- If you prefer a thicker glaze, start with less milk and add gradually until desired consistency is reached.
- Make individual servings by baking in a muffin tin instead of a large pan.
Storage
Store King Cake Earthquake Cake covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to soften the cream cheese filling and glaze.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes, this cake can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Just add the glaze and colored sugar right before serving for the freshest appearance.
What if I don’t have colored sugar?
If you don’t have yellow, purple, and green sugar, you can use regular granulated or sanding sugar, or decorate with sprinkles to keep the festive look.
PrintKing Cake Earthquake Cake Recipe
This King Cake Earthquake Cake is a festive and indulgent dessert inspired by the traditional Mardi Gras King Cake. It features a crunchy pecan base topped with moist yellow cake batter and a creamy cinnamon-vanilla cream cheese layer. Finished with a sweet glaze and colorful Mardi Gras sugar sprinkles, it’s perfect for celebrations or anytime you want a slice of Southern charm.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern American
Ingredients
Base and Cake
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 1 box yellow cake mix (plus ingredients required on box to prepare cake batter)
Cream Cheese Layer
- 1 (8-oz) package cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2½ cups powdered sugar
- 2 tsp cinnamon
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ¼ tsp salt
Glaze
- 1½ cups powdered sugar
- 3 to 4 Tbsp milk
Decoration
- Yellow, purple, and green sugar sprinkles
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350ºF (175ºC). Lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking pan with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Add Pecans: Evenly sprinkle the chopped pecans across the bottom of the prepared baking pan to form the crunchy base layer for the cake.
- Prepare Cake Batter: Follow the directions on your yellow cake mix box to prepare the cake batter, then pour it evenly over the pecans in the pan.
- Make Cream Cheese Mixture: In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to blend the softened cream cheese and softened butter until smooth. Add 2½ cups powdered sugar, cinnamon, vanilla extract, and salt. Continue mixing until the mixture is creamy and well combined.
- Layer Cream Cheese Mixture: Spoon dollops of the cream cheese mixture evenly over the cake batter layer in the pan but do not stir it in. This will create the signature ‘earthquake’ effect as it bakes.
- Bake the Cake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the cake is set and a toothpick inserted into the cake layer comes out mostly clean (beware of the cream cheese layer).
- Cool the Cake: Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool completely in the pan before glazing.
- Prepare Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together 1½ cups powdered sugar with 3 to 4 tablespoons of milk until smooth and pourable. Adjust milk quantity for desired glaze consistency.
- Glaze and Decorate: Pour the glaze evenly over the cooled cake and immediately sprinkle generously with yellow, purple, and green sugar sprinkles to create the Mardi Gras color theme.
Notes
- Make sure the cream cheese and butter are fully softened to ensure a smooth cream cheese mixture.
- Do not stir the cream cheese layer into the cake batter; it should sit on top to create the marble effect.
- Allow the cake to cool completely before glazing to prevent the glaze from melting and running off.
- You can substitute milk with cream or a milk alternative for the glaze if desired.
- The colorful sugar sprinkles give this cake its festive appeal, but regular coarse sugar can be used if needed.
Keywords: King Cake, Earthquake Cake, Mardi Gras dessert, yellow cake, cream cheese frosting, pecan cake, festive cake recipe
