12 Irresistible Pumpkin Earthquake Cake Recipe: A Moist Spice Cake Perfect for Fall

Introduction to Pumpkin Earthquake Cake

Fall is the perfect time to indulge in rich, spiced desserts, and Pumpkin Earthquake Cake is the ultimate treat to satisfy your cravings. This cake combines the comforting flavors of pumpkin, spice cake, and cream cheese into a decadent dessert with a gooey, melt-in-your-mouth center. It’s the perfect fall dessert to serve at family gatherings, potlucks, or even a cozy night in. With its moist texture and layers of flavor, Pumpkin Earthquake Cake is sure to be a hit with everyone.

The recipe itself is surprisingly easy to make and offers a delicious twist on traditional pumpkin desserts. Whether you’re looking for a twist on classic pumpkin bars using spice cake, or you’re craving something a bit more indulgent than no-bake layered pumpkin pie, this Pumpkin Earthquake Cake is the answer.

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Ingredients for Pumpkin Earthquake Cake

To make the perfect Pumpkin Earthquake Cake, gather these ingredients:

• 1 box of spice cake mix (For an even richer flavor, you can use a moist spice cake mix, which works great with pumpkin.)
• 1 can (15 oz) pumpkin puree (For the perfect pumpkin flavor and moisture)
• 3/4 cup vegetable oil (This will help make the cake moist)
• 3 large eggs (For binding the ingredients together)
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (Enhances the pumpkin spice flavor)
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg (For a warm, cozy flavor)
• 1/2 cup brown sugar (Adds sweetness and helps create a gooey center)
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (Optional for added crunch)
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened (For the signature gooey filling in the center)
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened (To blend with the cream cheese filling)
• 1 cup powdered sugar (To sweeten the cream cheese filling)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (For flavoring the filling)
• 1/4 teaspoon salt (To balance the sweetness of the cake)

If you are following a specific dietary plan, you can make a Weight Watchers pumpkin spice cake by using a reduced-fat cream cheese and using a low-calorie spice cake mix.

Tip: You can also try pumpkin spice cream to top the cake and enhance its flavors further. For another pumpkin-inspired treat, you might also enjoy our Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bread.

How to Make Pumpkin Earthquake Cake

This recipe is as easy as it is delicious. Here’s how you can make this Pumpkin Earthquake Cake step by step:

Step 1: Prepare the Cake Batter

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray. In a large bowl, mix the spice cake mix, pumpkin puree, vegetable oil, eggs, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Stir until all the ingredients are well combined. The batter will be thick.

Step 2: Make the Cream Cheese Filling

In a separate bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and salt. Beat until smooth and creamy. This will be the “earthquake” part of the cake—creating the gooey center that makes this dessert so indulgent.

Step 3: Layer the Batter and Filling

Pour half of the cake batter into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly. Next, spoon dollops of the cream cheese filling over the batter. Use a spatula or the back of a spoon to gently spread the filling evenly over the cake batter. Don’t worry if it’s not perfectly smooth—it’s supposed to have some lumps.

Top with the remaining cake batter, making sure to cover the cream cheese filling. Use a knife or skewer to swirl the batter and filling together slightly. This helps create the “earthquake” cracks that form as the cake bakes.

Step 4: Bake the Cake

Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the cake is set and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean (with some moist crumbs). The top should be slightly golden, and you should see cracks form on the surface of the cake—this is the signature look of an Earthquake Cake!

Step 5: Cool and Serve

Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes before slicing. This gives the filling a chance to set, making it easier to serve. Top with a dollop of whipped cream, pumpkin spice cream, or even a sprinkle of chopped nuts for added flavor and texture.

For a different take on the cake texture, consider making our Pumpkin Crunch Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting for a similar flavor profile.

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

To make sure your Pumpkin Earthquake Cake turns out perfectly every time, here are a few common mistakes to avoid:

1. Overmixing the cake batter: Stirring the cake batter too much can result in a dense cake. Mix only until the ingredients are just combined.
2. Using cold cream cheese: It’s important to let the cream cheese soften before mixing it with the butter and powdered sugar. Cold cream cheese will cause lumps in the filling.
3. Not swirling the batter and filling enough: If you don’t swirl the batter and cream cheese filling together, you may not get the characteristic “earthquake” cracks and gooey center. Make sure to swirl it just enough to allow the filling to peek through.

Serving Suggestions for Pumpkin Earthquake Cake

This Pumpkin Earthquake Cake is a versatile dessert that can be served in many different ways:

• Whipped Cream: For a simple and classic touch, serve the cake with freshly whipped cream or pumpkin spice cream.
• Ice Cream: Pair this dessert with a scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream for a decadent treat.
• Coffee or Hot Chocolate: This cake pairs beautifully with a warm drink, especially a latte or a cup of hot chocolate. The warm spices in the cake enhance the flavors of the coffee or cocoa.

You can also complement this cake with some Healthy Oatmeal Bars for a balanced meal.

Recipe Swaps & Variations

Looking to customize your Pumpkin Earthquake Cake? Here are some ideas:

• No Bake Layered Pumpkin Pie: Instead of baking, you can layer the pumpkin and cream cheese mixture into a pie crust for a no-bake version.
• Pumpkin Bars Using Spice Cake: Swap the Earthquake Cake for bars by spreading the batter into a thinner layer in a baking pan. It’s the same great flavor, just in bar form!
• 2-Ingredient Fudge Cake Pumpkin: Make a simple two-ingredient pumpkin fudge cake by mixing pumpkin with a chocolate cake mix for a rich and indulgent dessert.
• Weight Watchers Pumpkin Spice Cake: For a healthier version, use a fat-free cake mix and reduce the sugar in the cream cheese filling.

For another great pumpkin recipe, check out our Sweet Pumpkin Bread Recipe for a delicious fall treat.

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftover Pumpkin Earthquake Cake, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To enjoy the cake warm, you can reheat it in the microwave for 20-30 seconds. This cake also freezes well! Simply wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 2 months.

Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need

To make this Pumpkin Earthquake Cake, you’ll need the following kitchen equipment:

• 9×13-inch baking dish
• Large mixing bowls
• Hand mixer or stand mixer for the cream cheese filling
• Whisk for mixing the cake batter
• Measuring spoons and cups
• Spatula or spoon for spreading the batter

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Pumpkin Earthquake Cake FAQs

• Can I make this cake ahead of time?
  Yes, you can make this cake the day before and refrigerate it overnight. It will actually taste even better as the flavors have more time to develop.
• Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?
  Yes, you can use fresh pumpkin puree, but be sure it’s well-drained to avoid excess moisture in the cake.
• How can I make this cake gluten-free?
  To make this cake gluten-free, use a gluten-free spice cake mix and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free.

Conclusion and Call to Action

This Pumpkin Earthquake Cake is the perfect fall dessert that combines the sweetness of pumpkin with the richness of cream cheese and a spiced cake. Whether you’re serving it at a holiday gathering or enjoying it with your family on a crisp autumn day, this cake is sure to become a favorite.

Give it a try and let us know how it turns out! Don’t forget to share the recipe with your friends and subscribe to our blog for more delicious fall-inspired cakes and desserts.

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