Description
King Cake Earthquake Cake is a delightful dessert inspired by the classic King’s Cake flavors, featuring a moist yellow cake layered with a rich cream cheese and cinnamon filling, topped with a sweet glaze and festive colored sugar. This decadent cake combines crunchy pecans, a creamy filling, and vibrant decoration, perfect for celebrations or any special occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Cake:
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 1 box yellow cake mix (plus ingredients to make cake as per box instructions)
For the Cream Cheese Filling:
- 1 (8-oz) package cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2½ cups powdered sugar
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ¼ tsp salt
For the Glaze and Topping:
- 1½ cups powdered sugar
- 3 to 4 Tbsp milk
- Yellow, purple, and green colored sugar for decoration
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350ºF (175ºC) and lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking pan with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Prepare Nut Layer: Evenly sprinkle the chopped pecans across the bottom of the prepared baking pan to form the crunchy base layer.
- Make Cake Batter: Prepare the yellow cake mix according to the package directions, including any required ingredients. Pour the prepared batter evenly over the pecans in the pan.
- Mix Cream Cheese Filling: In a large bowl, using an electric mixer, blend the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy. Gradually add 2½ cups powdered sugar, cinnamon, vanilla, and salt, continuing to mix until the filling is smooth and well combined.
- Layer Filling: Spoon dollops of the cream cheese mixture evenly over the cake batter in the pan, creating a marbled effect.
- Bake the Cake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean and the top is lightly golden.
- Cool Completely: Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack 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 to reach desired consistency.
- Glaze and Decorate: Pour the glaze evenly over the cooled cake. Immediately sprinkle yellow, purple, and green colored sugar over the glaze to create a festive Mardi Gras inspired decoration.
Notes
- Use a toothpick or cake tester to check for doneness; it should come out clean when the cake is done.
- Ensure the cream cheese and butter are fully softened to avoid lumps in the filling.
- For best results, allow the cake to cool completely before glazing to prevent the glaze from melting into the cake.
- Colored sugars are typically available in the baking section of most grocery stores or can be made by mixing granulated sugar with food coloring.
- Store any leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days for maximum freshness.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: King Cake, Earthquake Cake, Cream Cheese Filling, Yellow Cake, Mardi Gras Cake, Pecan Cake
