Red Velvet Earthquake Cake (Printable)
Gooey red velvet layered with cream cheese swirls, chocolate chips, and pecans creates an irresistible marbled dessert.
# What You Need:
→ Cake Components
01 - 1 box (15.25 oz) red velvet cake mix
02 - 3 large eggs
03 - 1/2 cup vegetable oil
04 - 1 cup buttermilk
05 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
→ Cream Cheese Swirl
06 - 8 oz cream cheese, softened
07 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
08 - 2 cups powdered sugar
09 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
→ Add-Ins & Toppings
10 - 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
11 - 1 cup chopped pecans
12 - 1/2 cup sweetened shredded coconut
# Directions:
01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9x13 inch baking pan thoroughly.
02 - Combine red velvet cake mix, eggs, oil, buttermilk, and vanilla extract in a large bowl. Beat until completely smooth and well incorporated.
03 - Pour the cake batter evenly into the prepared baking pan, spreading to create a uniform layer.
04 - Beat softened cream cheese and butter together in a separate bowl until creamy. Add powdered sugar and vanilla, continuing to beat until fluffy and smooth.
05 - Drop spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture randomly over the surface of the cake batter.
06 - Using a knife or skewer, gently swirl the cream cheese mixture through the batter in a figure-eight motion to create a marbled appearance. Avoid over-mixing.
07 - Sprinkle chocolate chips, chopped pecans, and shredded coconut evenly across the entire surface.
08 - Bake for 38-42 minutes until the center is mostly set. A few gooey spots are acceptable and desirable—do not overbake.
09 - Allow the cake to cool in the pan for at least 30 minutes before slicing. Serve warm for maximum gooeyness or refrigerate for a firmer texture.
# Expert Suggestions:
01 -
- The cream cheese swirl creates pockets of tangy richness that perfectly complement the tender red velvet base
- That cracked, earthquake top isnt a mistake, its what gives this dessert its irresistible texture and visual drama
- You get bakery worthy results with almost zero technique required
02 -
- The center will still jiggle slightly when you take it out of the oven, and that is exactly how it should be
- Overbaking is the enemy here, those few gooey spots are what make this cake extraordinary
- This cake tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together
03 -
- Room temperature ingredients are nonnegotiable for achieving that silky smooth cream cheese swirl
- Run your knife under hot water between swirls to create cleaner, more defined marbling