How to Make Christmas Chaos Cake (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Prep the Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Step 2: Add the Crunch
Spread the chopped pecans evenly across the bottom of the dish.
Step 3: Mix the Cake Batter
In a large bowl, combine the cake mix, water, oil, and eggs. Mix until smooth, then pour the batter over the pecans.
Step 4: Make the Cream Cheese Swirl
Beat cream cheese, butter, and vanilla until smooth. Gradually mix in powdered sugar until fully combined.
Step 5: Create the Chaos
Drop spoonfuls of cream cheese mixture and cranberry sauce over the cake batter. Lightly swirl—don’t overmix!
Step 6: Bake
Bake for 45–50 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean of cake batter (cream cheese may still be soft—that’s okay!).
Step 7: Cool & Serve
Let the cake cool for at least 30 minutes before slicing.
What to Serve With Christmas Chaos Cake
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Hot coffee or spiced tea
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Vanilla ice cream
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Whipped cream
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A drizzle of white chocolate sauce
Tips for the Best Chaos Cake
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Don’t over-swirl—less is more
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Use whole berry cranberry sauce for texture
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Let it cool fully for clean slices
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The cracks mean you did it right!
Storage Instructions
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Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days
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Bring to room temperature before serving
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Can be frozen (well wrapped) for up to 2 months
General Recipe Information
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Prep Time: 15 minutes
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Bake Time: 45–50 minutes
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Total Time: About 1 hour
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Servings: 12–15 slices
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! It actually tastes even better the next day.
Does it really not need frosting?
Absolutely not—the cream cheese swirl is the frosting.
Can I use homemade cranberry sauce?
Yes, just make sure it’s thick, not runny.
Why is my cake cracked?
That’s the signature look of an Earthquake-style cake—embrace it!
Conclusion
This Christmas Chaos Cake is proof that the best holiday desserts don’t need to be perfect—they just need to be delicious. With minimal effort and maximum flavor, it’s the kind of recipe you’ll come back to every December (and maybe even sooner!).
More Holiday Desserts You’ll Love
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Tennessee Peach Pudding
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Retro Bakery-Style Cinnamon Rolls
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Espresso Crème Croquembouche
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Coconut Cream Pie Dip
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Nutritional Information (Approximate per Slice)
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Calories: 420
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Fat: 24g
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Carbohydrates: 48g
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Sugar: 32g
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Protein: 5g
Values may vary based on ingredients used.
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