Carrot Cake Earthquake Cake | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | this fantastic #cake is rich, decadent & divine! It's layered with #pecans, #coconut, vanilla chips & uses a boxed #carrotcake mix. Then it has a #cheesecake icing layer that sinks into the #dessert while baking. The explosion causes an earthquake! Amazing dessert for company or #holidays.

Carrot Cake Earthquake Cake

Teresa Ambra

Here’s another fantastic Earthquake Cake! Carrot Cake Earthquake Cake to be exact. This cake is absolutely mouthwatering. It starts with a carrot cake cake mix. Once the batter is mixed, it’s poured over layers of pecans, coconut and vanilla chips. Then a luscious cream cheese icing is poured over top. Finally it’s topped with a cinnamon-sugar layer. The icing sinks into the middle of the cake while baking so that it craters and erupts like a volcano! It’s really spectacular.

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This is my fifth in a string of Earthquake Cake recipes and it won’t be my last, I assure you! I have several more than I plan to bake sometime this summer. These cakes are as delightful to eat as they are to look at. And, of course, it’s always nice to have ice cream or whipped topping and sauce drizzled over top before serving. Check out my Funfetti Earthquake Cake, Pina Colada Earthquake Cake, Red Velvet Earthquake Cake. Or, salivate over the recipe that started it all. 🙂 I guarantee you will be drooling after just looking at these luscious desserts.

A friend of ours has an annual Crawfish Boil every year about this time. They have a huge extended family so they host about 100 people (or more). They set up tents on their lawn outside (since it’s already really hot here in Texas in mid-May). I asked her what I could bring. She said to bring a dessert. So I brought this cake, Double Decadent Chocolate Brownies and a Sausage Cornbread. They start around noonish and go all throughout the day until dinner. Her husband made some of the best Jerked Chicken with Habanero Mango sauce I’ve ever eaten. They also had Fried Catfish, prawns, corn on the cob, potatoes and a table full of desserts. It was a lot of fun.

I made this cake with a cinnamon-sugar layer on top before baking. However, you can eliminate that layer if you prefer to have a smoother top. I liked the additional cinnamon but I realize not everyone does. I was planning on making this for our Friday night care group, but one of the gals really hates cinnamon so I decided to make this for the Crawfish Boil instead. Everyone who tried it really loved it. While I prefer it with either ice cream or whipped topping (and caramel sauce) drizzled over top, this dessert is plenty rich enough just plain.

If you’re looking for an outrageous over-the-top dessert for the summer holidays, give this decadent Carrot Cake Earthquake Cake a whirl. You’re family and friends will be in seventh heaven. 🙂

Carrot Cake Earthquake Cake | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | this fantastic #cake is rich, decadent & divine! It's layered with #pecans, #coconut, vanilla chips & uses a boxed #carrotcake mix. Then it has a #cheesecake icing layer that sinks into the #dessert while baking. The explosion causes an earthquake! Amazing dessert for company or #holidays.

Carrot Cake Earthquake Cake just explodes in flavor!

Carrot Cake Earthquake Cake | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | this fantastic #cake is rich, decadent & divine! It's layered with #pecans, #coconut, vanilla chips & uses a boxed #carrotcake mix. Then it has a #cheesecake icing layer that sinks into the #dessert while baking. The explosion causes an earthquake! Amazing dessert for company or #holidays.

This cake is delicious topped with whipped topping or ice cream and caramel sauce.

Carrot Cake Earthquake Cake | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | this fantastic #cake is rich, decadent & divine! It's layered with #pecans, #coconut, vanilla chips & uses a boxed #carrotcake mix. Then it has a #cheesecake icing layer that sinks into the #dessert while baking. The explosion causes an earthquake! Amazing dessert for company or #holidays.

Every bite will have you drooling.

Here’s what I did.

Carrot Cake Earthquake Cake | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | this fantastic #cake is rich, decadent & divine! It's layered with #pecans, #coconut, vanilla chips & uses a boxed #carrotcake mix. Then it has a #cheesecake icing layer that sinks into the #dessert while baking. The explosion causes an earthquake! Amazing dessert for company or #holidays.

I used these ingredients.

Carrot Cake Earthquake Cake | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | this fantastic #cake is rich, decadent & divine! It's layered with #pecans, #coconut, vanilla chips & uses a boxed #carrotcake mix. Then it has a #cheesecake icing layer that sinks into the #dessert while baking. The explosion causes an earthquake! Amazing dessert for company or #holidays.

Grease and flour a 9×13″ glass baking dish. This is really important. Otherwise the ingredients will caramelize too much to the bottom of the pan and stick.

Sprinkle pecans over top of prepared dish.

Carrot Cake Earthquake Cake | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | this fantastic #cake is rich, decadent & divine! It's layered with #pecans, #coconut, vanilla chips & uses a boxed #carrotcake mix. Then it has a #cheesecake icing layer that sinks into the #dessert while baking. The explosion causes an earthquake! Amazing dessert for company or #holidays.

Add layer of coconut.

Carrot Cake Earthquake Cake | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | this fantastic #cake is rich, decadent & divine! It's layered with #pecans, #coconut, vanilla chips & uses a boxed #carrotcake mix. Then it has a #cheesecake icing layer that sinks into the #dessert while baking. The explosion causes an earthquake! Amazing dessert for company or #holidays.

Add vanilla chips.

Carrot Cake Earthquake Cake | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | this fantastic #cake is rich, decadent & divine! It's layered with #pecans, #coconut, vanilla chips & uses a boxed #carrotcake mix. Then it has a #cheesecake icing layer that sinks into the #dessert while baking. The explosion causes an earthquake! Amazing dessert for company or #holidays.

Pour cake mix into a mixing bowl. Add eggs and oil.

Carrot Cake Earthquake Cake | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | this fantastic #cake is rich, decadent & divine! It's layered with #pecans, #coconut, vanilla chips & uses a boxed #carrotcake mix. Then it has a #cheesecake icing layer that sinks into the #dessert while baking. The explosion causes an earthquake! Amazing dessert for company or #holidays.

Add half-and-half instead of water.

Carrot Cake Earthquake Cake | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | this fantastic #cake is rich, decadent & divine! It's layered with #pecans, #coconut, vanilla chips & uses a boxed #carrotcake mix. Then it has a #cheesecake icing layer that sinks into the #dessert while baking. The explosion causes an earthquake! Amazing dessert for company or #holidays.

Mix with an electric mixer until smooth.

Carrot Cake Earthquake Cake | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | this fantastic #cake is rich, decadent & divine! It's layered with #pecans, #coconut, vanilla chips & uses a boxed #carrotcake mix. Then it has a #cheesecake icing layer that sinks into the #dessert while baking. The explosion causes an earthquake! Amazing dessert for company or #holidays.

Pour the cake batter over top of the vanilla chips. Do not stir ingredients.

Carrot Cake Earthquake Cake | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | this fantastic #cake is rich, decadent & divine! It's layered with #pecans, #coconut, vanilla chips & uses a boxed #carrotcake mix. Then it has a #cheesecake icing layer that sinks into the #dessert while baking. The explosion causes an earthquake! Amazing dessert for company or #holidays.

Melt butter and cream cheese over low heat.

Carrot Cake Earthquake Cake | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | this fantastic #cake is rich, decadent & divine! It's layered with #pecans, #coconut, vanilla chips & uses a boxed #carrotcake mix. Then it has a #cheesecake icing layer that sinks into the #dessert while baking. The explosion causes an earthquake! Amazing dessert for company or #holidays.

Whisk until the mixture is softened enough like that in the picture above.

Carrot Cake Earthquake Cake | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | this fantastic #cake is rich, decadent & divine! It's layered with #pecans, #coconut, vanilla chips & uses a boxed #carrotcake mix. Then it has a #cheesecake icing layer that sinks into the #dessert while baking. The explosion causes an earthquake! Amazing dessert for company or #holidays.

Begin adding powdered sugar and whisk until all of it is incorporated.

Carrot Cake Earthquake Cake | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | this fantastic #cake is rich, decadent & divine! It's layered with #pecans, #coconut, vanilla chips & uses a boxed #carrotcake mix. Then it has a #cheesecake icing layer that sinks into the #dessert while baking. The explosion causes an earthquake! Amazing dessert for company or #holidays.

I added the powdered sugar in two batches.

Carrot Cake Earthquake Cake | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | this fantastic #cake is rich, decadent & divine! It's layered with #pecans, #coconut, vanilla chips & uses a boxed #carrotcake mix. Then it has a #cheesecake icing layer that sinks into the #dessert while baking. The explosion causes an earthquake! Amazing dessert for company or #holidays.

Now carefully pour the cream cheese mixture over top of the cake mix in the dish. Spread as evenly as possible but do not mix the layers.

Carrot Cake Earthquake Cake | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | this fantastic #cake is rich, decadent & divine! It's layered with #pecans, #coconut, vanilla chips & uses a boxed #carrotcake mix. Then it has a #cheesecake icing layer that sinks into the #dessert while baking. The explosion causes an earthquake! Amazing dessert for company or #holidays.

Combine cinnamon and sugar.

Carrot Cake Earthquake Cake | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | this fantastic #cake is rich, decadent & divine! It's layered with #pecans, #coconut, vanilla chips & uses a boxed #carrotcake mix. Then it has a #cheesecake icing layer that sinks into the #dessert while baking. The explosion causes an earthquake! Amazing dessert for company or #holidays.

Spread over top as evenly as possible. Do not stir into cake

If you want a smoother finish you can eliminate this step, if you prefer.

Carrot Cake Earthquake Cake | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | this fantastic #cake is rich, decadent & divine! It's layered with #pecans, #coconut, vanilla chips & uses a boxed #carrotcake mix. Then it has a #cheesecake icing layer that sinks into the #dessert while baking. The explosion causes an earthquake! Amazing dessert for company or #holidays.

Bake at 350 for about 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 25 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean and not gooey.

See how the cake craters and explodes like an earthquake? Yummy.

Carrot Cake Earthquake Cake | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | this fantastic #cake is rich, decadent & divine! It's layered with #pecans, #coconut, vanilla chips & uses a boxed #carrotcake mix. Then it has a #cheesecake icing layer that sinks into the #dessert while baking. The explosion causes an earthquake! Amazing dessert for company or #holidays.

Here’s what the cake looks like without any topping or sauce drizzled on top.

Carrot Cake Earthquake Cake | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | this fantastic #cake is rich, decadent & divine! It's layered with #pecans, #coconut, vanilla chips & uses a boxed #carrotcake mix. Then it has a #cheesecake icing layer that sinks into the #dessert while baking. The explosion causes an earthquake! Amazing dessert for company or #holidays.

This cake is really rich. It will satisfy any sweet tooth craving you have.

Here’s the recipe.

CARROT CAKE EARTHQUAKE CAKE

(My own concoction)

Carrot Cake Earthquake Cake | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | this fantastic #cake is rich, decadent & divine! It's layered with #pecans, #coconut, vanilla chips & uses a boxed #carrotcake mix. Then it has a #cheesecake icing layer that sinks into the #dessert while baking. The explosion causes an earthquake! Amazing dessert for company or #holidays.

Carrot Cake Earthquake Cake

Teresa Ambra
This outrageous over-the-top cake is layered with pecans, coconut and vanilla chips. Then it's topped with carrot cake batter and cream cheese icing. The icing sinks into the cake while baking causing a volcano effect. This rich, decadent dessert is perfect for company or holidays. Serve with ice cream and caramel sauce.
4.50 from 4 votes
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Course Cakes and Cheesecakes, Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 15
Calories 691 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 9x13" glass baking dish
  • 1 large mixing bowl
  • 1 electric mixer
  • 1 wooden spoon
  • measuring cups
  • measuring spoons
  • 1 nut chopper if nuts are not previously chopped
  • 1 medium mixing bowl
  • 1 small sauce pan
  • 1 whisk
  • 1 rubber spatula
  • 1 small bowl

Ingredients
  

  • 1 box Carrot Cake Mix
  • 2/3 cup canola oil or use coconut oil or avocado oil
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 cup half-and-half do not use water to mix the cake batter
  • 1 cup pecans finely diced
  • 1 1/2 cups coconut
  • 12 oz. bag vanilla chips
  • 8 oz. pkg. cream cheese cubed
  • 1 stick unsalted butter (1/2 cup)
  • 4 cups powdered sugar
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp. cinnamon

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 350°.
  • Grease and flour a 9x13” baking dish.
  • Spread pecans, then coconut and finally white vanilla chips in the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
  • Mix cake mix according to package directions using oil, eggs and half-and-half (instead of water); use an electric mixer.
  • Spread over top of pecans, coconut and vanilla chip layers. (Do not stir).
  • Melt butter and cream cheese over low to medium heat in small saucepan.
  • Remove from heat.
  • Add powdered sugar and whisk to combine.
  • Spread powdered sugar mixture over top of cake batter in baking dish.
  • Smooth the top but do not stir.
  • Combine granulated sugar and cinnamon.
  • Sprinkle evenly over top of cream cheese layer.
  • Bake for 45-60 minutes or until cake tests done.
  • If the cake looks like it’s browning too much on top, tent with foil and continue baking until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.
  • Cool completely before cutting into squares.
  • If desired, serve with ice cream, whipped topping and drizzle caramel sauce over top.
  • Store covered tightly.
  • After 2 days, store in refrigerator.

Notes

NOTE: My cake mix required 3 eggs, 2/3 cup canola oil and 1 cup water to make cake according to package directions. I substituted half-and-half for the water in the recipe to make the cake richer.
 
NOTE: Adding the cinnamon-sugar layer is a preference issue. If you enjoy extra cinnamon then add it. If you prefer a smoother top, leave it off.
 
NOTE: It is imperative that you grease and flour the baking dish so the nuts don’t stick to the bottom of the pan while baking.
 
NOTE: My cake took about 1 hour 20 minutes to bake completely.
 
NOTE: Do not stir the layers together, just layer them over top of each other.
 
© Can’t Stay Out of the Kitchen

Nutrition

Calories: 691kcalCarbohydrates: 82gProtein: 8gFat: 39gSaturated Fat: 15gPolyunsaturated Fat: 6gMonounsaturated Fat: 16gTrans Fat: 0.3gCholesterol: 66mgSodium: 380mgPotassium: 319mgFiber: 2gSugar: 70gVitamin A: 320IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 165mgIron: 2mg
Keyword cake, carrot cake, carrots, cheesecake, cream cheese, dessert
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
Carrot Cake Earthquake Cake | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | this fantastic #cake is rich, decadent & divine! It's layered with #pecans, #coconut, vanilla chips & uses a boxed #carrotcake mix. Then it has a #cheesecake icing layer that sinks into the #dessert while baking. The explosion causes an earthquake! Amazing dessert for company or #holidays.

This is so wonderful with caramel sauce drizzled over top.

Carrot Cake Earthquake Cake | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | this fantastic #cake is rich, decadent & divine! It's layered with #pecans, #coconut, vanilla chips & uses a boxed #carrotcake mix. Then it has a #cheesecake icing layer that sinks into the #dessert while baking. The explosion causes an earthquake! Amazing dessert for company or #holidays.

Carrot Cake Earthquake Cake is a sensational over-the-top dessert your friends and family will love.

Carrot Cake Earthquake Cake | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | this fantastic #cake is rich, decadent & divine! It's layered with #pecans, #coconut, vanilla chips & uses a boxed #carrotcake mix. Then it has a #cheesecake icing layer that sinks into the #dessert while baking. The explosion causes an earthquake! Amazing dessert for company or #holidays.

This delectable cake will tantalize your taste buds and have you coming back for more.

You may also enjoy these delicious recipes!

Funfetti Earthquake Cake

Funfetti Earthquake Cake | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen

Pina Colada Earthquake Cake

Pina Colada Earthquake Cake | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen

Earthquake Cake

Earthquake Cake | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen

Red Velvet Earthquake Cake

Red Velvet Earthquake Cake | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen
Carrot Cake Earthquake Cake | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | this fantastic #cake is rich, decadent & divine! It's layered with #pecans, #coconut, vanilla chips & uses a boxed #carrotcake mix. Then it has a #cheesecake icing layer that sinks into the #dessert while baking. The explosion causes an earthquake! Amazing dessert for company or #holidays.

Carrot Cake Earthquake Cake

Teresa Ambra
This outrageous over-the-top cake is layered with pecans, coconut and vanilla chips. Then it’s topped with carrot cake batter and cream cheese icing. The icing sinks into the cake while baking causing a volcano effect. This rich, decadent dessert is perfect for company or holidays. Serve with ice cream and caramel sauce.
4.50 from 4 votes
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Course Cakes and Cheesecakes, Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 15
Calories 691 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 9×13" glass baking dish
  • 1 large mixing bowl
  • 1 electric mixer
  • 1 wooden spoon
  • measuring cups
  • measuring spoons
  • 1 nut chopper if nuts are not previously chopped
  • 1 medium mixing bowl
  • 1 small sauce pan
  • 1 whisk
  • 1 rubber spatula
  • 1 small bowl

Ingredients
  

  • 1 box Carrot Cake Mix
  • 2/3 cup canola oil or use coconut oil or avocado oil
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 cup half-and-half do not use water to mix the cake batter
  • 1 cup pecans finely diced
  • 1 1/2 cups coconut
  • 12 oz. bag vanilla chips
  • 8 oz. pkg. cream cheese cubed
  • 1 stick unsalted butter (1/2 cup)
  • 4 cups powdered sugar
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp. cinnamon

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 350°.
  • Grease and flour a 9×13” baking dish.
  • Spread pecans, then coconut and finally white vanilla chips in the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
  • Mix cake mix according to package directions using oil, eggs and half-and-half (instead of water); use an electric mixer.
  • Spread over top of pecans, coconut and vanilla chip layers. (Do not stir).
  • Melt butter and cream cheese over low to medium heat in small saucepan.
  • Remove from heat.
  • Add powdered sugar and whisk to combine.
  • Spread powdered sugar mixture over top of cake batter in baking dish.
  • Smooth the top but do not stir.
  • Combine granulated sugar and cinnamon.
  • Sprinkle evenly over top of cream cheese layer.
  • Bake for 45-60 minutes or until cake tests done.
  • If the cake looks like it’s browning too much on top, tent with foil and continue baking until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.
  • Cool completely before cutting into squares.
  • If desired, serve with ice cream, whipped topping and drizzle caramel sauce over top.
  • Store covered tightly.
  • After 2 days, store in refrigerator.

Notes

NOTE: My cake mix required 3 eggs, 2/3 cup canola oil and 1 cup water to make cake according to package directions. I substituted half-and-half for the water in the recipe to make the cake richer.
 
NOTE: Adding the cinnamon-sugar layer is a preference issue. If you enjoy extra cinnamon then add it. If you prefer a smoother top, leave it off.
 
NOTE: It is imperative that you grease and flour the baking dish so the nuts don’t stick to the bottom of the pan while baking.
 
NOTE: My cake took about 1 hour 20 minutes to bake completely.
 
NOTE: Do not stir the layers together, just layer them over top of each other.
 
© Can’t Stay Out of the Kitchen

Nutrition

Calories: 691kcalCarbohydrates: 82gProtein: 8gFat: 39gSaturated Fat: 15gPolyunsaturated Fat: 6gMonounsaturated Fat: 16gTrans Fat: 0.3gCholesterol: 66mgSodium: 380mgPotassium: 319mgFiber: 2gSugar: 70gVitamin A: 320IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 165mgIron: 2mg
Keyword cake, carrot cake, carrots, cheesecake, cream cheese, dessert
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

13 Comments

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  • Julie kerr

    February 21, 2021 at 12:54 pm

    Do you have to use white chips if you don’t have to have chocolate or can I leave them out altogether thanks

    1. Teresa

      February 22, 2021 at 8:28 am

      Hi, Julie. While vanilla flavored are preferred, you can try the white chocolate chips too.

  • The 11 Best Earthquake Cake Recipes – Lovely Does It

    July 8, 2019 at 3:42 pm

    […]  CLICK TO COOK IT […]

  • Jen

    July 5, 2018 at 10:53 pm

    My husband doesn’t like carrot cake, can I freeze this cake? It’s just the two of us, and I can’t eat an entire cake by myself.

    1. Teresa

      July 6, 2018 at 8:17 am

      Hi, Jen. Yes you can freeze it. But if it was me, I would probably freeze it in individual portions. That way you don’t have to defrost the whole thing. Then pull one piece out on days you want to eat it.

  • Mary

    July 4, 2018 at 7:07 am

    Could you make this without the pecans if someone had a nut allergy?

    1. Teresa

      July 5, 2018 at 9:46 am

      Hi, Mary. Yes, you can leave them out or consider using a different kind of nut like almonds if the person isn’t allergic to every kind of nut.

    2. Shelia Moss

      June 9, 2020 at 11:25 am

      Please I would like to have the recipe for the texas tornado cake thank you

      1. Teresa

        June 9, 2020 at 12:37 pm

        Sheila, the Texas Tornado Cake can be found here: https://cantstayoutofthekitchen.com/2013/09/06/texas-tornado-cake/

  • Diane ROARK

    June 28, 2018 at 1:36 pm

    Teresa,

    I love Carrot cake and had to stop by to check out this recipe. I can see why it is called Earthquake cake. It is loaded with everything including all my favorites.

    Thank you for sharing,
    Diane

    1. Teresa

      June 28, 2018 at 4:29 pm

      Hi Diane. Yes, it’s one of those fun recipes that everyone enjoys. Thanks for stopping by.

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