Easy Crack Cake Recipe

If you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing dessert that's insanely easy to make and irresistibly delicious, this crack cake recipe is it! It's made with simple boxed cake mix and pantry staples, and it's just so, so good. It's moist, buttery, and sweet ... and it's topped off with a decadent white wine glaze that takes it over the top. It’s the perfect dessert for gatherings, holidays, or just because!

My Take on Crack Cake

The first time I tried crack cake, I was instantly hooked.

I remember hearing about it from a friend who swore by its simplicity and flavor. It sounded too good to be true—how could something made from a boxed cake mix be that incredible? Buuuut once I made it for myself, I completely understood the hype.

The combination of the wine glaze and the tender cake is what makes this recipe stand out. Honestly, my family loves it so much that it's become one of our go-to desserts for family get-togethers.

Now, what I love most about this recipe is it's versatily. You can easily tweak the flavors, add nuts, or even switch up the cake mix flavor to create a new spin. And the best part? It’s easy enough to make for any occasion, but tastes like it took hours!

Ingredients for Crack Cake

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this delicious crack cake:

For the Cake:

• 1 box yellow cake mix
• 1 box vanilla instant pudding mix (3.4oz)
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• ¼ cup white sugar
• 1 tsp. cinnamon
• 4 eggs
• ¾ cup milk
• ¾ cup neutral oil
• ½ cup white wine
• ½ cup chopped pecans (optional)

For the Glaze:

• 1 stick butter (½ cup)
• ¼ cup white wine
• 1 cup sugar

How to Make Crack Cake

Five simple and easy steps are all you have to follow to make this incredibly delicious crack cake.

Step 1: Prep the Cake Batter

Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a bundt pan. In a large bowl, whisk together the cake mix, instant pudding mix, brown sugar, white sugar, and cinnamon. Then, add the eggs, milk, oil, and white wine.

Whisk until fully incorporated. Fold in chopped pecans if using.

Step 2: Bake

Pour the batter into the greased bundt pan. Transfer to the oven and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

Step 3: Prepare the Glaze

About 10 minutes before the cake finishes baking, prepare the glaze. In a saucepan, combine the butter, sugar, and white wine. Stir over medium-low heat until the butter melts and the sugar dissolves.

Step 4: Add the Glaze

Remove the cake from the oven and poke holes all over the top using a fork. Slowly pour the glaze over the warm cake, letting it soak into the holes.

Step 5: Let It Rest and Serve

Allow the cake to rest for 30 minutes before removing it from the pan. Run a knife around the edges, then flip the cake onto a serving plate. Slice and enjoy warm or at room temperature.

FAQs About Crack Cake

Can I use a different type of wine?

Yes! While white wine is traditional, you can experiment with other varieties like red wine or even a dessert wine for a unique flavor twist.

How do I store leftover cake?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also freeze slices for up to a few months!

My Expert Tips for Making Crack Cake

1. Use Room Temperature Ingredients: For the best texture, make sure your eggs and milk are at room temperature before adding them to the batter. This will help everything mix more evenly.
2. Don’t Skip the Wine in the Glaze: The white wine adds a unique depth to the glaze, balancing the sweetness with a subtle tang. If you're worried about the alcohol content, most of it evaporates during cooking, leaving behind just the flavor.
3. Poke Lots of Holes: After taking the cake out of the oven, poke plenty of holes with a fork or toothpick to let the glaze fully soak into the cake, making it extra moist and flavorful.
4. Customize with Add-Ins: While the pecans are optional, they add a great crunch and extra texture. You can also swap them out for walnuts or even chocolate chips for a fun twist.
5. Let It Rest: Let the cake sit for at least 30 minutes after pouring the glaze so the flavors can fully develop. The longer it sits, the better it gets!

Final Thoughts

Crack cake is one of those recipes that never fails to impress.

It’s simple enough for beginner bakers, yet the flavor is anything but basic.

So, whether you’re baking it for a special occasion or just to satisfy a sweet tooth, this cake always hits the spot. Give it a try and I promise it will become one of your favorites too!

Oh, and as always, if you do end up making it, let me know what you thought in the comments below.

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