This Christmas Chaos Cake is the ultimate holiday dessert, capturing the flavor and festive fun of the season in a delicious, no-frosting-required cake. With swirls of cranberry sauce, pockets of creamy cheese, and a perfect balance of sweet and tart, this cake is easy to make but impresses everyone who takes a bite. Inspired by the classic Earthquake Cake, it cracks and swirls as it bakes, creating a unique, imperfect look that adds to its charm.
Quick Description:
A delightful, no-frosting Christmas dessert, featuring a cake mix base swirled with cranberry sauce and filled with sweet cream cheese pockets. It’s a holiday treat that’s both easy and show-stopping, perfect for the Christmas rush.
Servings & Timing:
- Servings: 8-10
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Bake Time: 40-45 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
Ingredients List:
For the Cake Base:
- 1 ½ cups pecans, roughly chopped
- 1 (15.25 oz) box white or yellow cake mix
- 1 cup water
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 3 large eggs
For the Cream Cheese Filling:
- ¾ cup whole berry cranberry sauce
- 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups powdered sugar
Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper.
2. Prepare the Cake Base:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cake mix, water, vegetable oil, and eggs. Stir until smooth and well combined.
- Fold in the chopped pecans, and mix evenly.
3. Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling:
- In a separate bowl, beat together the cream cheese, butter, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar and beat until the mixture is fluffy.
4. Assemble the Cake:
- Pour the cake batter into the prepared baking pan and spread evenly.
- Drop spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture onto the cake batter in random spots. Use a knife or spatula to swirl the cream cheese mixture into the cake batter.
- Spoon the cranberry sauce evenly over the cake and swirl it in gently to create a marbled effect.
5. Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until the cake is golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- The cake will crack as it bakes, creating the “chaos” effect.
6. Cool & Serve:
- Let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before slicing.
- Serve warm or at room temperature. You can dust it with a bit of powdered sugar for extra flair.
Additional Notes:
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Make-Ahead: This cake can be baked a day ahead and stored covered at room temperature.
- Texture Tip: The cake is best served at room temperature or slightly warmed, as the cream cheese filling will be extra gooey.
Dietary Info (Approximate per slice):
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Protein: 4g
- Fat: 22g
- Carbs: 42g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 35g
Flavor Tips & Variations:
- Add chocolate chips: For a chocolate twist, sprinkle mini chocolate chips over the batter before baking.
- Fruit Swap: Swap cranberry sauce for raspberry or blueberry sauce for a different fruity flavor.
- Spice it up: Add ½ teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg to the cake batter for a warm, festive spice.
Ingredient Substitutions:
- Cake mix: Use a gluten-free cake mix for a gluten-free option.
- Butter: Substitute with plant-based butter for a dairy-free version.
- Powdered sugar: Use a sugar substitute like powdered erythritol for a lower-carb version.
Recipe Variations & Serving Suggestions:
- Tropical Twist: Replace cranberries with mango or pineapple chunks for a tropical holiday treat.
- Serve with Whipped Cream: Top with freshly whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for added indulgence.
Storage & Make-Ahead:
- Refrigerate for up to 3 days, or freeze the cake (before frosting) for up to 1 month.
- Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10 minutes for a warm treat.
FAQs:
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes, you can bake it a day ahead and store it at room temperature or in the fridge.
What other fruits can I use instead of cranberry sauce?
You can use raspberry, blueberry, or even strawberry jam for a different twist.
Can I make this cake dairy-free?
Yes, by substituting dairy ingredients with plant-based versions such as non-dairy butter, cream cheese, and milk.
Optional Personal Story:
“I created this recipe for the holiday season when I was craving something festive but didn’t want to spend hours frosting a cake. The cranberry and cream cheese swirls add a touch of elegance without the fuss. It’s been a family favorite ever since!”
