Red Velvet Earthquake Cake (Printable Version)

Gooey red velvet layers swirled with cream cheese and topped with chocolate chips and pecans.

# Ingredient List:

→ 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

# Directions:

01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9x13 inch baking pan thoroughly with cooking spray or butter.
02 - In a large bowl, combine red velvet cake mix, eggs, vegetable oil, buttermilk, and vanilla extract. Mix with electric mixer or whisk until completely smooth and well combined, about 2 minutes.
03 - Pour the cake batter evenly into the prepared baking pan, spreading into an even layer with a spatula.
04 - In a separate bowl, beat softened cream cheese and butter until creamy and smooth, about 2 minutes. Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, beating until fluffy and well incorporated.
05 - Drop spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture randomly over the cake batter, leaving some spaces between dollops.
06 - Using a knife or skewer, gently swirl the cream cheese mixture through the batter in a figure-8 or circular motion to create a marbled effect. Do not overmix.
07 - Sprinkle chocolate chips, chopped pecans, and shredded coconut evenly over the entire surface of the batter.
08 - Bake for 38 to 42 minutes, or until the center is mostly set. A few gooey spots are acceptable—do not overbake as the fudgy texture is intentional.
09 - Allow cake to cool in the pan for at least 30 minutes before slicing and serving. Serve warm for extra gooeyness or refrigerate for a firmer texture.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • The contrast between tender red velvet and rich cream cheese pockets creates the most incredible texture in every single bite
  • It looks impressive and dramatic but comes together with minimal effort—the oven does all the heavy lifting for that earthquake effect
02 -
  • The center should still jiggle slightly when you remove it from the oven—that's the gooey magic happening, not underbaking
  • Room temperature cream cheese and butter absolutely will not lump together, so plan ahead and set them out early
03 -
  • Use a light-colored pan to prevent the edges from overbaking before the center sets
  • If you're nervous about the swirl technique, practice on a small batch of brownies first

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