Apple Earthquake Cake Recipe
Apple Earthquake Cake Recipe is a rich, comforting dessert that combines warm spiced apples with a buttery yellow cake base and a luscious cream cheese swirl. The Apple Earthquake Cake Recipe gets its name from the cracked, “earthquake like” appearance that forms as it bakes, creating pockets of creamy sweetness throughout.
Equipment
- Square cake pan
- Large mixing bowl
- Medium mixing bowl
- Hand mixer or whisk
- Rubber spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Apple peeler and knife
- Cooling rack
Ingredients
For The Cake Base
- 2 medium fresh apples peeled and diced small
- 1 package yellow cake mix
- 3 large eggs
- ½ cup vegetable or canola oil
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup water
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
- ½ cup sweetened shredded coconut
For The Cream Cheese Swirl Topping
- 8 oz cream cheese softened to room temperature
- ½ cup butter melted
- 2 cups powdered confectioners’ sugar
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Instructions
Step 1: Get The Oven And Pan Ready
- Heat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a square cake pan with a light coating of oil or butter, or line it with parchment paper for easy removal later.
Step 2: Mix The Cake Batter
- In a large mixing bowl, add the cake mix, eggs, oil, milk, and water. Stir everything together until the batter is smooth. Fold in the diced apples, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, chopped nuts, and shredded coconut, making sure they’re spread evenly throughout the mixture.
Step 3: Make The Cream Cheese Layer
- In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and fluffy. Add the melted butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Continue mixing until the texture is creamy and free of lumps.
Step 4: Put It All Together
- Spread the apple batter evenly into your prepared baking dish. Drop spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture over the top. Using a knife, gently swirl it through the batter to create a marbled look. Be careful not to overdo it the swirls give the cake its signature look and texture.
Step 5: Bake And Let It Set
- Place the dish in the oven and bake for 45 to 50 minutes, until the edges are golden and the center is mostly set. It’s okay if the middle looks slightly soft. Let the cake cool completely before cutting so the cream cheese layer can firm up properly.
Notes
Recipe Note: For the best texture, use room temperature cream cheese to ensure a smooth swirl. Don’t over mix the batter after adding apples to keep it tender.
The center should remain slightly gooey when baked this creates the classic “earthquake” effect as it cools and settles beautifully.