Have you ever heard of “crack cake”? It may sound funny, but there’s a good reason why it has that name! This bundt cake is so incredibly moist, flavorful, and addictively delicious that it’s practically impossible to stop at just one slice. With the perfect combination of boxed cake mix, a dash of cinnamon, and a sweet wine glaze, crack cake is the ultimate dessert that keeps people coming back for more. It’s simple to make, requires no special skills, and always impresses guests at gatherings.
In this article, I’ll share a detailed step-by-step guide on how to make crack cake. It’s a recipe you’ll find yourself coming back to for any occasion—be it a cozy night in or a festive celebration. Ready to discover why everyone’s obsessed with this cake? Let’s bake!
What Is Crack Cake?
Crack cake is a semi-homemade bundt cake that’s made using a boxed cake mix but elevated with some added ingredients that turn it into a decadent masterpiece. The cake is soaked in a sweet wine glaze that seeps into every bite, making it deliciously moist. The warm flavors of cinnamon and the richness of the wine add layers of flavor that make this cake so irresistible.
The best part? It’s incredibly easy to make. Crack cake is known for being a “dump cake” because you simply mix everything together, pour it into a bundt pan, and bake. No complicated steps, just amazing results.
Ingredients for Crack Cake Recipe
For the Cake:
- 1 box yellow cake mix (15.25 ounces)
- 1 small box instant vanilla pudding mix (3.4 ounces)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon
- 4 large eggs
- 3/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup white wine (dry wine like Chardonnay works best)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Wine Glaze:
- 1/4 cup butter (1/2 stick)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup white wine
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Crack Cake
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a bundt pan thoroughly to ensure that your cake releases smoothly after baking. You can also use a non-stick spray with flour, which makes the process even easier.
Step 2: Combine the Cake Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, vanilla pudding mix, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Mix the dry ingredients together to evenly distribute the cinnamon and sugars.
Next, add the eggs, vegetable oil, water, white wine, and vanilla extract. Use an electric hand mixer on medium speed to mix everything until well combined and smooth. The batter will be thick and fragrant from the cinnamon and wine.
Step 3: Pour and Bake
Pour the batter into your prepared bundt pan, using a spatula to smooth the top. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. The top should be golden brown, and the cake will have pulled slightly away from the edges of the pan.
Step 4: Make the Wine Glaze
While the cake is baking, prepare the glaze. In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine butter, sugar, wine, and water. Stir constantly until the mixture comes to a simmer, then continue to cook for about 2-3 minutes, until the sugar has dissolved completely. Remove from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
Step 5: Glaze the Cake
Once the cake has finished baking, remove it from the oven but leave it in the bundt pan. While the cake is still warm, use a skewer or toothpick to poke small holes all over the cake. Slowly pour the hot wine glaze over the cake, letting it seep into the holes. This step ensures that the cake becomes moist and flavorful.
Let the cake sit in the pan for at least 30 minutes to allow the glaze to absorb fully. Then, carefully turn the cake out onto a serving plate.
Serving Suggestions for Crack Cake
Crack cake is incredibly versatile and can be served in different ways:
- Plain and Simple: This cake is perfect as it is, thanks to the glaze that makes it so moist and flavorful. You can serve it plain, and it will still be a hit.
- With a Scoop of Ice Cream: Serve a warm slice with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat. The cold ice cream contrasts beautifully with the warm, spiced cake.
- Topped with Fresh Berries: Garnish with fresh strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries to add a burst of freshness and color.
Tips for Making the Perfect Crack Cake
- Use the Right Wine: A dry white wine like Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio works best for this recipe. Sweet wines can make the cake overly sweet, so it’s best to avoid them.
- Ensure Proper Greasing: Grease your bundt pan thoroughly to prevent the cake from sticking. A non-stick bundt pan combined with non-stick spray with flour can make all the difference.
- Cool Before Removing: Let the cake cool in the pan with the glaze for at least 30 minutes before trying to remove it. This helps the glaze soak in and prevents the cake from breaking apart.
Variations of Crack Cake
This crack cake is incredibly easy to customize! Here are a few variations to try:
- Chocolate Crack Cake: Substitute the yellow cake mix for chocolate cake mix and add chocolate pudding mix. You can even add chocolate chips for extra indulgence.
- Apple Spice Crack Cake: Add 1 cup of diced apples and use spiced rum instead of white wine. This variation is perfect for fall.
- Lemon Crack Cake: Use lemon cake mix and lemon pudding mix, and substitute the white wine with lemon liqueur for a zesty and refreshing twist.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this cake alcohol-free? Yes, you can substitute the white wine with apple juice or white grape juice for a non-alcoholic version. It will still be deliciously moist, but the flavor profile will change slightly.
Can I use a different type of pan? While a bundt pan is traditional for this cake, you can also use a 9×13-inch baking dish. Just be sure to adjust the baking time slightly—start checking for doneness around 35-40 minutes.
How should I store crack cake? Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you prefer, you can refrigerate the cake for up to 5 days; just let it come to room temperature before serving for the best texture.
Can I freeze crack cake? Yes, crack cake freezes well. Wrap the entire cake or individual slices tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil, and place them in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
Can I make crack cake without the glaze? The glaze is what makes this cake extra moist and gives it the signature “crack cake” texture. While you can skip the glaze, the cake will not be as moist or flavorful.
Conclusion
Crack cake has gained its legendary status for a reason—it’s incredibly easy to make, perfectly sweet, and oh-so-addictive. The combination of boxed cake mix, vanilla pudding, cinnamon, and a delectable wine glaze makes this cake stand out from the rest. It’s the kind of dessert that will have everyone asking for the recipe after just one bite.
Whether you’re looking for a new go-to dessert to wow your family and friends or simply want to indulge in something rich and satisfying, this crack cake recipe is a must-try. So grab your bundt pan and get ready to bake the cake that’s guaranteed to disappear fast!
