Introduction

King Cake Earthquake Cake is a delightful twist on the traditional Mardi Gras treat, featuring layers of rich cake, creamy cinnamon filling, and colorful sugar topping. Its combination of textures and flavors makes it a crowd-pleaser for any celebration.

King Cake Earthquake Cake Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients

1 cup chopped pecans
1 box yellow cake mix (plus ingredients to prepare the 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 decorating

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350ºF and lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking pan with cooking spray.
Step 2: Sprinkle the chopped pecans evenly across the bottom of the prepared pan.
Step 3: Prepare the yellow cake mix according to the package instructions, then pour the batter over the pecans in the pan.
Step 4: In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to blend the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth.
Step 5: Add 2½ cups of powdered sugar, cinnamon, vanilla, and salt to the cream cheese mixture and continue mixing until well combined and creamy.
Step 6: Spoon the cream cheese mixture evenly over the cake batter in the pan.
Step 7: Bake the cake for 40 to 45 minutes until set and golden on top.
Step 8: Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool completely in the pan.
Step 9: In a small bowl, whisk together 1½ cups powdered sugar and 3 to 4 tablespoons milk until smooth to make the glaze.
Step 10: Pour the glaze evenly over the cooled cake, then sprinkle with yellow, purple, and green sugar for a festive finish.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, try adding a teaspoon of almond extract to the cream cheese mixture.
You can swap chopped pecans for walnuts if preferred or to suit what you have on hand.
If you want a thicker glaze, add powdered sugar gradually until you reach the desired consistency.
Use gel food coloring to tint the glaze for an even more vibrant Mardi Gras look.

Storage

Store the King Cake Earthquake Cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Let it come to room temperature before serving for the best texture. Reheat individual slices briefly in the microwave if you prefer warm cake.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the cake a day in advance and store it refrigerated. Add the glaze and colored sugars just before serving to keep it fresh and festive.

What if I don’t have yellow, purple, and green sugar?

You can substitute with regular colored sugar of your choice or sprinkle with chopped nuts or colored sprinkles for decoration.

King Cake Earthquake Cake Recipe

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King Cake Earthquake Cake is a decadent layered dessert inspired by the traditional Mardi Gras King Cake. It features a buttery yellow cake with a crunchy pecan base, a creamy cinnamon-spiced cream cheese layer in the middle, and a sweet glaze topped with festive purple, green, and yellow sugar. This cake offers a delicious twist, combining rich textures and vibrant colors perfect for celebrations or any sweet craving.

Author: Elias
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Yield: 12 servings 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Base

1 cup chopped pecans

Cake

1 box yellow cake mix (with ingredients required on the 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

Topping

Yellow, purple, and green colored sugar

Instructions

Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350ºF (175ºC). Lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking pan with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Layer Pecans: Evenly sprinkle the chopped pecans across the bottom of the prepared baking pan. This will create a crunchy base layer.
Prepare and Pour Cake Batter: Follow the package directions to prepare the yellow cake mix batter. Pour the batter evenly over the pecans in the pan.
Make Cream Cheese Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened cream cheese and softened butter until smooth and creamy. Add in 2½ cups of powdered sugar, cinnamon, vanilla extract, and salt, then continue blending until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
Add Cream Cheese Layer: Spoon the cream cheese mixture evenly over the cake batter layer in the pan, creating a marbled or broken effect which gives the “earthquake” appearance.
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 near the center comes out mostly clean.
Cool the Cake: Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before adding the glaze.
Prepare Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together 1½ cups powdered sugar and 3 to 4 tablespoons milk until smooth and pourable.
Glaze and Decorate: Pour the glaze over the cooled cake, spreading it evenly. Immediately sprinkle the top with yellow, purple, and green colored sugar for a festive Mardi Gras touch.

Notes

You can substitute chopped walnuts for pecans if preferred.
For a more intense cinnamon flavor, adjust cinnamon up to 3 teaspoons in the cream cheese layer.
Use full-fat cream cheese and butter for the best texture and flavor.
Ensure the cake is completely cooled before glazing to prevent the glaze from melting and running off.
Colored sugar can usually be found in baking aisles around Mardi Gras or holiday seasons or can be made by mixing granulated sugar with food coloring.
This cake keeps well refrigerated for up to 3 days.

Keywords: King Cake, Earthquake Cake, Mardi Gras Cake, Cream Cheese Cake, Pecan Cake, Yellow Cake, Festive Dessert