Print

Pumpkin Earthquake Cake

This Pumpkin Earthquake Cake is a delightful blend of moist pumpkin and creamy filling, topped with a crunchy nut crust. Perfect for fall gatherings, it brings warmth and joy to your table.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 Box white cake mix (15.25 oz)
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil (or canola oil)
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1 cup pumpkin puree
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice
  • 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/81/4 tsp ground allspice
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 3 eggs
  • 8 oz cream cheese, room temperature
  • 3 cups powdered sugar
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 cup pecans
  • 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
  • 1/4 cup milk chocolate chips, optional
  • 1/4 cup butterscotch chips, optional

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and grease a 9×13 baking pan.
  2. Sprinkle the coconut and pecans evenly on the bottom of the baking pan.
  3. In a large bowl, mix the cake mix, vegetable oil, water, pumpkin puree, brown sugar, pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, allspice, vanilla extract, and eggs. Stir well until combined, about 2-3 minutes.
  4. Pour the cake batter evenly over the coconut and pecans in the baking pan.
  5. In a separate bowl, beat the cream cheese, melted butter, and powdered sugar until creamy and well combined; about 2-3 minutes with a hand mixer.
  6. Dollop the cream cheese mixture over the cake batter, spreading it evenly but not fully mixing it in.
  7. Use a knife or toothpick to swirl the cream cheese mixture lightly into the cake batter to create the 'earthquake' pattern.
  8. Sprinkle the butterscotch and optional milk chocolate chips on top and swirl them lightly into the batter.
  9. Bake the cake for 35-36 minutes. The top should be set, but the center should jiggle slightly when you gently tap the baking pan.
  10. Allow the cake to cool before serving. It can be served cold, warm, or at room temperature.
  11. Store leftovers in the refrigerator to maintain freshness.

Nutrition

Keywords: Avoid overbaking the cake to prevent it from drying out. Use a high-quality baking pan for even baking, and consider adding a tablespoon of yogurt or applesauce for extra moisture.