Red Velvet Earthquake Cake (Printable)

Decadent red velvet layers swirled with cream cheese, chocolate chips, and pecans create this irresistibly gooey dessert.

# What You Need:

→ For the Cake

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

→ For the 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

# Steps:

01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9x13 inch baking pan thoroughly.
02 - In a large bowl, combine red velvet cake mix, eggs, oil, buttermilk, and vanilla extract. Mix until completely smooth and well combined.
03 - Spread the cake batter evenly into the prepared baking pan.
04 - In a separate bowl, beat cream cheese and butter until creamy. Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, beating until fluffy and smooth.
05 - Drop spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture randomly over the cake batter.
06 - Using a knife or skewer, gently swirl the cream cheese mixture through the batter to create a marbled appearance.
07 - Sprinkle chocolate chips, chopped pecans, and shredded coconut evenly over the top of the batter.
08 - Bake for 38 to 42 minutes, until the center is mostly set. A few gooey spots are acceptable—do not overbake.
09 - Allow the cake to cool in the pan for at least 30 minutes before slicing and serving.

# Expert Hints:

01 -
  • The contrast between tender red velvet cake and pockets of warm cream cheese frosting creates something like eating cake and frosting at the same time
  • This dessert looks spectacularly impressive while requiring almost zero actual decorating skills
02 -
  • The center of this cake should still be slightly jiggly when you take it out of the oven because it continues to cook as it cools
  • Room temperature ingredients for the cream cheese mixture are nonnegotiable for achieving smooth swirls
03 -
  • Run your knife under hot water and wipe dry between slices for the cleanest cuts through the gooey center
  • Position your oven rack in the center position to ensure even baking without overbrowning the top

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