Crack Cake Recipe: A Sweet Delight You Can’t Resist

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Crack Cake Recipe
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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.

Crack 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.

Crack Cake Recipe

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

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a bundt pan.
  2. In a large bowl, mix the cake mix, pudding mix, eggs, water, oil, apple juice, sugar, and cinnamon until well combined.
  3. Pour the batter into the prepared bundt pan.
  4. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the cake comes out clean.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. Pour the warm glaze over the cake, allowing it to soak into the holes.
  8. 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:

Crack Cake Recipe

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

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a bundt pan.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, pudding mix, baking powder, and salt.
  3. In a separate bowl, beat the eggs, then add the melted butter, milk, apple juice (or wine), and vanilla extract. Mix well.
  4. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined.
  5. Pour the batter into the prepared bundt pan.
  6. Bake for 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the cake comes out clean.
  7. 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.
  8. Once the cake is done, cool it for 10 minutes in the pan. Poke holes all over the cake with a skewer or fork.
  9. Pour the warm glaze over the cake, ensuring it seeps into the holes.
  10. 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.)

Crack Cake Recipe

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: American
Servings

12

servings
Prep time

15

minutes
Cooking time

1

hour 
Calories

400

kcal
Total time

1

hour 

15

minutes

Crack 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.

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