Dessert

Pumpkin Earthquake Cake Recipe

ByHugo Harnd October 30, 2025October 30, 2025

Introduction

Pumpkin Earthquake Cake is a delightful twist on traditional pumpkin desserts, featuring a rich marble of creamy cheesecake and spiced pumpkin cake with melted chocolate chips. This easy-to-make cake offers moist layers and comforting fall flavors perfect for any occasion.

A square white baking pan holds a thick, golden-brown baked dessert with a swirled top layer. The dessert has two main layers visible: a rich, brown cookie-like base and a creamy, white swirled layer on top, creating a marbled effect. Scattered generously across the surface are soft, milk chocolate chips that sit on top of both layers. The edges of the dessert are slightly raised and crisp. The pan rests on a white marbled surface with cinnamon sticks on the side and a white cloth with a black check pattern nearby. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

13.25 ounce (1 box) spice cake mix
2 large eggs
½ cup salted butter
1 cup milk
15 ounce can pumpkin puree
1 teaspoon cinnamon
½ teaspoon nutmeg
¾ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (divided in half)
8 ounce package cream cheese (softened)
1½ cups powdered sugar
½ cup (1 stick) salted butter (melted)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
Step 2: In a large bowl, whisk together the cake mix, eggs, butter, milk, pumpkin puree, cinnamon, and nutmeg until smooth.
Step 3: Pour the pumpkin batter into the prepared pan and smooth into an even layer.
Step 4: Sprinkle half of the chocolate chips over the pumpkin cake layer.
Step 5: In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth.
Step 6: Add the melted butter and powdered sugar to the cream cheese and mix until combined and creamy.
Step 7: Dollop the cream cheese mixture evenly over the pumpkin batter.
Step 8: Use a butter knife to gently swirl the cream cheese mixture into the pumpkin batter to create a marbled effect.
Step 9: Sprinkle the remaining chocolate chips evenly over the top.
Step 10: Bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the center is mostly set but still slightly jiggly.
Step 11: Let the cake cool for at least 30 minutes before slicing and serving.

Tips & Variations

For extra moisture, substitute half the milk with buttermilk or sour cream.
You can swap the semi-sweet chocolate chips for white chocolate or pecans for a different flavor profile.
Make sure the cream cheese is fully softened for a smooth and easy-to-swirl mixture.
Try adding a pinch of ginger or cloves to the cake batter to enhance the warm spices.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat individual slices gently in the microwave for about 15 seconds if desired. This cake also freezes well—wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

How to Serve

A square piece of cake sits on a white plate with small brown speckles, placed on a white marbled surface. The cake has two clear layers: the bottom layer is thick and orange-brown with a moist, crumbly texture, studded with dark chocolate chips, while the top layer is creamy white and smooth, blending slightly into the bottom layer. On top of the cake is a large scoop of white ice cream, drizzled with golden caramel sauce that runs down the sides. A golden spoon rests on the plate, angled near the cake. In the background, there are cinnamon sticks, a small pumpkin, a pinecone, a white cup with light stains, and part of a white cloth with black stripes. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned pumpkin puree?

Yes, but fresh pumpkin puree should be cooked and drained well to remove excess moisture before using it in this recipe to maintain the right cake texture.

Why is the cake called “Earthquake” cake?

The name comes from the marbled effect created when swirling the cream cheese mixture into the pumpkin batter, which can look like cracks or shifts similar to an earthquake’s tremors.