Imagine a dessert so mind-blowingly delicious that it literally breaks apart before your eyes! The Carrot Cake Earthquake Cake is not just a dessert; it's a culinary experience that will shake up your taste buds and leave your guests absolutely stunned. With its cracked, molten cream cheese surface and rich, moist carrot cake base, this recipe transforms an ordinary cake into a spectacular showstopper that's as fun to make as it is to devour.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs 5 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 16 servings
Ingredients
- 1 box carrot cake mix
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 3 large eggs
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 cup chopped nuts
- 1 cup shredded carrots
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking pan thoroughly with butter or non-stick cooking spray.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the carrot cake mix, water, vegetable oil, and eggs. Mix using an electric mixer on medium speed for 2-3 minutes until the batter is smooth and well incorporated.
- In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and mix until creamy and well blended.
- Pour the prepared carrot cake batter into the greased baking pan, spreading it evenly across the bottom.
- Drop spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture randomly over the cake batter, creating uneven dollops across the surface.
- Sprinkle chopped nuts and shredded carrots evenly over the top of the batter and cream cheese mixture.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes. The cake is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the top is golden brown.
- Remove from oven and let the cake cool in the pan for at least 30 minutes. The cream cheese will create a unique, cracked "earthquake" appearance as it settles.
- Cut into 16 equal squares and serve. Can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature.
Tips
- Ensure your cream cheese is completely softened at room temperature for smooth, lump-free swirls.
- Don't overmix the cake batter - mix just until ingredients are combined for a tender crumb.
- For extra moisture, consider adding a handful of crushed pineapple to the cake mix.
- Use fresh, finely grated carrots for the best texture and flavor.
- Let the cake cool completely to allow the "earthquake" effect to fully develop.
- For a nutty crunch, toast the chopped nuts before sprinkling them on top.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator and warm slightly before serving for the best taste and texture.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 38g
Protein: 5g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 45mg
