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King Cake Earthquake Cake Recipe

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4.5 from 133 reviews

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.

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

  1. 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.
  2. Layer Pecans: Evenly sprinkle the chopped pecans across the bottom of the prepared baking pan. This will create a crunchy base layer.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. 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.
  8. Prepare Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together 1½ cups powdered sugar and 3 to 4 tablespoons milk until smooth and pourable.
  9. 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

Find it online: https://tastygenius.com/king-cake-earthquake-cake-recipe/