The Spiced Pumpkin Earthquake Cake Recipe is a delightful, cozy treat that perfectly captures the essence of autumn in every bite. Imagine a rich, tender pumpkin cake bursting with warm pumpkin pie spices and dotted with melty mini chocolate chips, topped with luscious swirls of cream cheese to create that irresistible “earthquake” effect. This cake balances just the right amount of sweetness and spice, making it a perfect centerpiece whether you’re hosting friends or indulging in a comforting slice at home. It’s easy enough for weeknight baking yet special enough to become your new seasonal favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple ingredients that each bring a unique flavor and texture makes this cake truly shine. From creamy almond butter lending richness to the warm pumpkin pie spices that infuse every bite with autumn magic, each component plays a vital role in the Spiced Pumpkin Earthquake Cake Recipe.
- 1 cup canned pumpkin puree: Provides moistness, earthiness, and that vibrant orange hue.
- 1/2 cup almond butter or regular butter, softened: Adds creaminess and depth of flavor, with almond butter offering a subtle nuttiness.
- 1/2 cup maple syrup or agave: Natural sweetness that blends beautifully with the spices.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor, giving it a warm, fragrant note.
- 2 tsp pumpkin pie spice: The heart of the recipe, this mix brings cozy cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
- 1/2 tsp salt: Balances the sweetness and amplifies the flavors.
- 1/2 tsp baking soda: Helps the cake rise and stay tender.
- 1/2 cup spelt flour or all-purpose flour: Provides structure while keeping the crumb light and soft.
- 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips: Little pockets of melty chocolate excitement throughout.
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened: Swirled on top for a tangy, creamy contrast.
- 2 tbsp powdered sugar: Sweetens the cream cheese topping without overpowering.
- Optional: 2 tbsp chopped pecans or walnuts: Add delightful crunch that complements the tender cake.
How to Make Spiced Pumpkin Earthquake Cake Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Pan
Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing an 8×8-inch baking pan. This simple step sets the stage for your cake to bake evenly without sticking, ensuring those perfect edges and corners later.
Step 2: Mix the Pumpkin Mixture
In a large bowl, whisk together pumpkin puree, almond or regular butter, maple syrup, vanilla, pumpkin pie spice, salt, and baking soda until the batter is smooth. This mix will be beautifully aromatic and silky, providing the base flavor that makes this cake so special.
Step 3: Add Flour and Chocolate Chips
Gently stir in your choice of flour until just incorporated, taking care not to over-mix. Then fold in the mini chocolate chips and nuts if you’re using them, so every slice boasts little juicy bursts of chocolate and a hint of nutty texture.
Step 4: Spread the Batter
Spoon the batter into your prepared pan and smooth it out evenly. This even layer ensures that your cake bakes uniformly, giving you a consistent texture with every slice.
Step 5: Prepare and Swirl the Cream Cheese
Beat together the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar until silky smooth. Drop spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture across the pumpkin batter and use a knife to swirl it gently. This swirling is what creates the signature “earthquake” pattern that’s as gorgeous as it is delicious.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Bake your cake for 25 to 30 minutes. You want the edges nicely set but keep the center just a touch gooey to maintain moistness and richness. This slight gooeyness is key to the texture contrast that makes the Spiced Pumpkin Earthquake Cake Recipe so addictive.
Step 7: Cool and Slice
Allow the cake to cool before slicing into it. This helps everything set and keeps your slices neat, though it tastes wonderful warm or chilled depending on your preference.
How to Serve Spiced Pumpkin Earthquake Cake Recipe
Garnishes
Keep it simple or fancy with garnishes that highlight the cake’s flavors. A dusting of powdered sugar, a sprinkle of cinnamon, or a few extra chopped pecans add that lovely finishing touch and make each slice visually inviting.
Side Dishes
This cake pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a dollop of whipped cream, or even a cup of hot spiced tea or coffee. These sides elevate the cozy experience, balancing the richness and spice for the ultimate treat.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the cake in rustic wooden boards for a welcoming autumn vibe, or plate it elegantly with drizzles of maple syrup or caramel sauce for a special occasion. You can even use it as a base to build a layered dessert with fresh fruit or nuts, adding a touch of creativity that will impress everyone around the table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Spiced Pumpkin Earthquake Cake Recipe stays fresh when covered tightly at room temperature for up to two days or refrigerated for up to a week. Keep it in an airtight container to preserve its moist texture and rich flavors.
Freezing
You can freeze the cake for up to three months. Slice it before freezing for easy serving later, and wrap the pieces individually in plastic wrap and aluminum foil to avoid freezer burn and maintain freshness.
Reheating
Warm slices gently in the microwave for 15 to 20 seconds or in a low oven for 10 minutes. Reheating revives that gooey cream cheese swirl and warm spices, making each bite feel freshly baked all over again.
FAQs
Can I use regular butter instead of almond butter in the Spiced Pumpkin Earthquake Cake Recipe?
Absolutely! Regular butter will work beautifully and provide a richer, traditional flavor, while almond butter adds a subtle nuttiness. Both options keep the cake moist and delicious.
What can I substitute for mini chocolate chips?
If you don’t have mini chocolate chips, chopped dark or milk chocolate chunks also work well. You could also leave them out entirely if you prefer a nutty or spice-forward cake without the chocolate bursts.
Is this cake gluten-free?
The recipe uses spelt or all-purpose flour, so it is not gluten-free as written. However, you could experiment with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking, but texture may vary slightly.
How do I achieve the ‘earthquake’ swirl effect?
After spreading the pumpkin batter, simply drop spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture on top and gently swirl with a knife or skewer. The goal is to create marbled patterns without mixing the cream cheese fully into the batter.
Can I double this recipe for a larger cake?
Yes! Doubling the ingredients works perfectly. Just use a larger pan (such as 9×13 inches) and adjust baking time accordingly, checking after 35 minutes or so until set.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a new seasonal favorite or a cozy, comforting dessert to share, the Spiced Pumpkin Earthquake Cake Recipe is an absolute must-try. It brings together the best flavors of fall in one luscious, tender cake that’s as fun to make as it is to eat. Don’t wait for a special occasion — bake it today, and let this cake become your new go-to for pumpkin season and beyond.
Print
Spiced Pumpkin Earthquake Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 9 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Spiced Pumpkin Earthquake Cake is a moist, flavorful dessert perfect for fall. Combining pumpkin puree, warm pumpkin pie spices, and a rich cream cheese swirl, it’s a delightful treat with a gooey center and tender crumb. The addition of mini chocolate chips and optional nuts provides extra texture and indulgence, making this cake a wonderful autumnal dessert for any occasion.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
- 1/2 cup almond butter or regular butter, softened
- 1/2 cup maple syrup or agave
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tsp pumpkin pie spice
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 cup spelt flour or all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips
- Optional: 2 tbsp chopped pecans or walnuts
Cream Cheese Swirl
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 tbsp powdered sugar
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease an 8×8-inch baking pan to ensure the cake doesn’t stick.
- Mix wet ingredients and spices: In a large bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, softened almond butter or butter, maple syrup or agave, vanilla extract, pumpkin pie spice, salt, and baking soda. Mix until the batter is smooth and evenly blended.
- Add flour and mix-ins: Stir in the spelt flour or all-purpose flour until incorporated, then gently fold in the mini chocolate chips and chopped nuts if using to distribute evenly throughout the batter.
- Prepare the batter in pan: Spread the batter evenly into the greased 8×8-inch baking pan, smoothing the top for an even layer.
- Make cream cheese swirl: In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with powdered sugar until smooth and creamy, creating a luscious swirl topping.
- Add cream cheese topping: Drop spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture evenly over the pumpkin batter. Using a knife or skewer, gently swirl the cream cheese into the batter to create a marbled earthquake effect.
- Bake: Bake the cake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the edges have set and the center remains slightly gooey, ensuring a moist texture.
- Cool and serve: Allow the cake to cool before slicing. It can be served warm or chilled according to preference.
Notes
- Using spelt flour gives the cake a nuttier flavor, but all-purpose flour works well too.
- For a vegan version, use almond butter and vegan cream cheese alternatives.
- Be careful not to overbake; the center should stay a little gooey for the best texture.
- Chopped pecans or walnuts add a nice crunch but are optional.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 5 days in an airtight container.
