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Apple Earthquake Cake Recipe
Eliana

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.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 12 servings
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 420

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

Equipment

  • 9×13-inch baking dish
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Medium mixing bowl
  • Hand mixer or whisk
  • Rubber spatula
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Apple peeler and knife
  • Cooling rack

Method
 

Step 1
  1. Heat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with a light coating of oil or butter, or line it with parchment paper for easy removal later.
Step 2
  1. 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
  1. 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
  1. 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
  1. 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

Nutrition Facts

Calories: 420 kcal | Carbohydrates: 52 g | Protein: 5 g | Fat: 22 g | Saturated Fat: 9 g | Sugar: 38 g | Fiber: 2 g | Sodium: 320 mg