Crack Cake is a moist and delicious bundt cake that’s become a favourite in many households. Despite its unusual name, this cake is known for its addictive flavour and texture. The origins of Crack Cake are somewhat mysterious, but it’s often considered a Southern dessert that’s made its way into kitchens across the country. The combination of cake mix, pudding, and a sweet glaze makes it irresistible, perfect for any occasion.
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ToggleCrack Cake Recipe Without Wine
For those who prefer to avoid alcohol, this version of Crack Cake omits the wine but still delivers that signature taste.
Ingredients
- 1 box yellow cake mix
- 1 box instant vanilla pudding mix (3.4 oz)
- 4 large eggs
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup apple juice (as a wine substitute)
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup butter (for the glaze)
- 1/4 cup apple juice (for the glaze)
- 1/4 cup sugar (for the glaze)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a bundt pan.
- In a large bowl, mix the cake mix, pudding mix, eggs, water, oil, apple juice, sugar, and cinnamon until well combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared bundt pan.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the cake comes out clean.
- While the cake is baking, prepare the glaze by melting the butter in a small saucepan. Add the apple juice and sugar, and stir until the sugar is dissolved.
- Once the cake is done, let it cool for about 10 minutes in the pan. Then, poke holes all over the cake with a skewer or fork.
- Pour the warm glaze over the cake, allowing it to soak into the holes.
- Let the cake cool completely before serving.
Crack Cake Recipe From Scratch
Creating Crack Cake from scratch adds a homemade touch that elevates the flavor even more. Here’s how you can make it:
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 box instant vanilla pudding mix (3.4 oz)
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup apple juice or white wine
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup sugar (for the glaze)
- 1/4 cup apple juice or wine (for the glaze)
- 1/4 cup butter (for the glaze)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a bundt pan.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, pudding mix, baking powder, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, beat the eggs, then add the melted butter, milk, apple juice (or wine), and vanilla extract. Mix well.
- Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared bundt pan.
- Bake for 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the cake comes out clean.
- While the cake bakes, prepare the glaze by melting the butter in a small saucepan. Add the apple juice (or wine) and sugar, stirring until the sugar dissolves.
- Once the cake is done, cool it for 10 minutes in the pan. Poke holes all over the cake with a skewer or fork.
- Pour the warm glaze over the cake, ensuring it seeps into the holes.
- Let the cake cool completely before serving.
Equipment Needed
- Bundt pan
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk or electric mixer
- Skewer or fork
- Saucepan
Tips and Tricks
- For Moisture: Always poke enough holes in the cake to let the glaze penetrate deeply.
- Substitutes: If you’re avoiding wine, apple juice or white grape juice work well.
- Storage: Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Nutrition Information
(Optional: You can include a table with nutritional information per serving if desired.)
Serving Suggestions
- Serve Crack Cake warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- It pairs beautifully with a cup of coffee or tea for an afternoon treat.
Budget-Friendly
Crack Cake is an economical dessert, using simple ingredients that are often already in your pantry. Making it from scratch is a cost-effective option that still delivers a rich flavor.
Kid-Friendly
This cake is a hit with kids, especially if you omit the alcohol. The sweet, cinnamon-infused flavor appeals to young taste buds.
Dietary Restrictions
- Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free cake mix and pudding mix.
- Dairy-Free: Substitute milk and butter with dairy-free alternatives like almond milk and vegan butter.
Seasonal Variations
- Fall: Add a teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice to the batter for an autumn twist.
- Winter: Incorporate a bit of orange zest into the glaze for a festive flavor.
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Conclusion
Crack Cake is a versatile dessert that can be tailored to suit any occasion, dietary need, or season. Whether you’re making it with or without wine, from scratch, or with a mix, this cake is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Try it out and see why it’s earned its unique name!
Crack Cake Recipe: A Sweet Delight You Can’t Resist
Course: DessertCuisine: American12
servings15
minutes1
hour400
kcal1
hour15
minutesCrack Cake is a delightful, moist, and flavorful dessert that’s a hit at any gathering. It’s a simple bundt cake made with a boxed cake mix, pudding, and a delicious buttery-sugar glaze. The name “Crack Cake” comes from its addictive nature—once you take a bite, it’s hard to stop!
Ingredients
1 box yellow cake mix
1 package (3.4 oz) instant vanilla pudding mix
4 large eggs
3/4 cup water
3/4 cup vegetable oil
1/2 cup sugar
1/4 cup brown sugar
2 teaspoons cinnamon
1/2 cup white wine (optional, or substitute with milk)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Glaze:
1 stick butter (1/2 cup)
1 cup sugar
1/4 cup white wine (or substitute with milk)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Directions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a bundt pan.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, instant pudding mix, sugar, brown sugar, and cinnamon.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Add the eggs, water, vegetable oil, white wine (or milk), and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Mix well until the batter is smooth and well-combined.
- Pour Batter: Pour the batter into the prepared bundt pan, spreading it evenly.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
- Prepare the Glaze: While the cake is baking, prepare the glaze. In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the sugar and white wine (or milk). Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring constantly until the sugar is fully dissolved. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
- Glaze the Cake: Once the cake is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Poke holes all over the cake with a skewer or fork. Slowly pour the glaze over the cake, allowing it to soak in.
- Cool and Serve: Let the cake cool completely in the pan before transferring it to a serving plate. Slice and enjoy!
Recipe Video
Notes
- Overmixing: Avoid overmixing the batter as it can make the cake dense instead of light and fluffy.
Skipping the Glaze: The glaze adds essential moisture and flavor to the cake, so don’t skip it!
Using Cold Ingredients: Ensure that all ingredients, especially eggs, are at room temperature to help the batter mix evenly.