Crack Cake: The Addictive Dessert Everyone Loves
If you’re searching for an addictive dessert, crack cake is the answer. It’s known for its incredible flavor and moist texture. The homemade recipe combines sweet, buttery goodness that dessert lovers adore.
Perfect for gatherings or just to satisfy your sweet tooth, crack cake is a favorite. It’s bound to become a beloved staple in your kitchen. Get ready for a delicious journey that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Table of Contents
What is Crack Cake?
Crack cake is a dessert that many love for its rich flavors and moist texture. It’s made with yellow cake mix and other ingredients. Once baked and glazed, it becomes hard to resist.
Its sweetness and hint of wine make it special. It’s different from regular cakes.
Origin of the Name
The name “crack cake” comes from how addictive it is. It’s like toffee crack. It was first called a wine cake, and the name stuck because it’s so delicious.
Thanks to blogs and social media, more people want to make it. It’s a hit at parties and gatherings.
The Recipe’s Popularity
Crack cake is now a favorite at many events. It’s known for its unique taste and texture. People love to share how it makes any event better.
Social media is full of praise for its flavor. It’s a top choice for any celebration.

Ingredients for Making Crack Cake
Making a homemade crack cake is easy with the right ingredients. These ingredients make the cake moist and flavorful. They help you create a dessert that’s hard to resist.
Essential Components
The key to a great crack cake is in the ingredients:
- Yellow Cake Mix: 15.25 oz size box
- Instant Vanilla Pudding: 3.4 oz size box
- Ground Cinnamon: 2 teaspoons
- Light Brown Sugar: 50 grams (¼ cup)
- Granulated Sugar: 50 grams (¼ cup)
- Large Eggs: 4, at room temperature
- Vegetable Oil: 6 oz (¾ cup)
- Water: 6 oz (¾ cup)
- Pure Vanilla Extract: 2 teaspoons
- White Wine: 4 oz (½ cup)
These ingredients help the cake stay tender and tasty. The mix of sugars and vanilla makes it a hit. It’s perfect for those who love homemade desserts.
Possible Ingredient Swaps
Baking should be flexible, meeting different needs. Here are some swaps you can try:
- Replace white wine with milk for a non-alcoholic version.
- Omit or reduce the amount of granulated sugar to create a less sweet cake.
- Substitute vegetable oil with unsalted butter for different flavor nuances.
- Consider using almond extract in place of vanilla for a unique twist.
These ideas let you adjust the ingredients to suit your taste. You can make a cake that everyone will enjoy.

Homemade Crack Cake Recipe
Making the perfect homemade crack cake is simpler than you think. With a simple recipe for crack cake, you can wow your family and friends. This dessert is both tasty and beautiful. Follow these steps to bake a crack cake that looks and tastes amazing.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First, preheat your oven to 350°F. Make sure to grease and flour a bundt pan well. This helps the cake come out easily.
- In a big mixing bowl, mix together 1 15.25 oz yellow cake mix, 3.4 oz instant vanilla pudding mix, ¼ cup packed light brown sugar, and ¼ cup granulated sugar.
- Next, add 2 teaspoons of cinnamon, 5 large eggs, ½ cup whole milk, ½ cup vegetable oil, and 1 cup sour cream. Mix until it’s smooth.
- Then, stir in ½ cup sweet white wine for extra flavor. Pour the batter into the prepared bundt pan.
- Bake for 50-60 minutes, checking if it’s done with a toothpick.
- After baking, let the cake cool in the pan for about 15 minutes. Then, move it to a wire rack.
- While the cake cools, make the glaze. Melt ½ cup salted butter in a saucepan over low heat. Add ¼ cup sweet white wine and 1 cup granulated sugar. Cook until the sugar dissolves.
- Pour the glaze over the cooled cake. Let it soak for at least 15-20 minutes before serving.
Baking Tips for Perfection
To bake a great crack cake at home, remember these tips:
- Make sure to measure your ingredients accurately for the best results.
- Greasing your bundt pan well is key to prevent sticking.
- Watch your baking time closely as oven temperatures can differ.
- Use the toothpick test towards the end of baking to check if it’s done.
- If using a dark pan, bake for a bit less time to avoid overcooking.
By using this homemade crack cake recipe and following these tips, you’ll make a moist and delicious cake. It’s sure to be a hit at any event.
Best Crack Cake Variations
Exploring different crack–cake variations lets you enjoy new flavors. These options suit various tastes while keeping that irresistible charm. You can stick to classic tastes or try something bold like chocolate or red velvet.
Classic Yellow Cake with Vanilla Pudding
This mix combines a 15.25 oz yellow cake mix with 3.4 oz vanilla pudding. It also includes ¾ cup vegetable oil for moisture. The recipe calls for 4 large eggs and a sprinkle of cinnamon for a cozy taste.
Each slice has about 387 calories. It’s a delightful treat for any time.
Chocolate and Red Velvet Variations
For a rich taste, try the chocolate crack cake. It mixes a small box of chocolate pudding with the cake mix and ¼ cup light brown sugar. Red velvet variations add a vibrant twist with ½ cup red wine in the batter.
These recipes use 4 oz salted butter and a glaze of ¼ cup red wine. They make the traditional crack–cake even more special.
Crack Cake with Caramel
This crack–cake variation is irresistible, thanks to its decadent caramel glaze. The glaze adds a smooth, sweet topping that makes the dessert even more indulgent. If you want to wow your guests, learning to make caramel glaze is essential.
How to Create the Caramel Glaze
To make the perfect caramel glaze, melt 1 cup of granulated sugar in a heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat. Stir constantly for 4 to 5 minutes until it turns golden amber. Then, whisk in 1/2 cup of unsalted butter and 1/4 cup of white wine. Simmer for 1 to 2 more minutes. This will give your crack–cake a glossy, flavorful finish.
Serving Suggestions
When serving your crack cake with caramel, focus on presentation. Drizzle extra caramel glaze over the slices for a stunning look. Serving with fresh fruit, whipped cream, or vanilla ice cream adds flavor and a refreshing contrast. This combination makes your dessert a showstopper for any celebration.
FAQ
What makes crack cake so addictive?
Can I use a different type of cake mix?
Is it necessary to use white wine in the glaze?
How can I ensure my crack cake is moist?
What are some delicious crack cake flavors to try?
What toppings work best for crack cake with caramel?
Is there a way to make a gluten-free crack cake?
Can I prepare crack cake in advance?
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