This Crack Cake is truly a game-changer for your dessert repertoire. Moist, decadent, and infused with a buttery wine glaze that soaks into every bite, this cake earned its name because it’s absolutely addictive! The combination of yellow cake mix, pudding, and brown sugar creates an incredibly tender crumb, while the wine adds a subtle complexity that will have everyone asking for your secret.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Ridiculously Simple: Despite its impressive flavor, this cake requires minimal effort—just mix, bake, and glaze!
Perfect for Entertaining: Looks fancy in a bundt shape but requires no decorating skills whatsoever.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Actually tastes even better the next day after the flavors have had time to meld together.
Guaranteed Crowd-Pleaser: That wine-infused glaze creates such a unique flavor profile that people will be begging for the recipe.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Cake:

Yellow cake mix: The foundation of our cake that provides reliable structure and vanilla flavor.
Brown sugar: Adds moisture and a rich caramel undertone that elevates the basic cake mix.
Instant vanilla pudding mix: The secret weapon for creating an ultra-moist texture that stays tender for days.
Ground cinnamon: Provides a warm spice note that complements the wine perfectly.
Eggs: The binding agent that gives structure and richness to the cake.
Water: Activates the cake mix and creates proper batter consistency.
Vegetable oil: Keeps the cake incredibly moist and prevents it from drying out.
Vanilla extract: Enhances the flavor profile with its aromatic sweetness.
White wine: The unexpected star ingredient that adds complexity and a subtle tang.

For the Glaze:

Butter: Creates a rich, decadent base for the glaze.
Brown sugar: Dissolves into the butter for a caramel-like sweetness.
White wine: Adds sophistication and balances the sweetness of the glaze.

Variations

Not feeling the original recipe? Try these delicious twists:

Red Wine Version: Replace white wine with red wine for a deeper flavor and gorgeous color.
Spiced Cake: Add a teaspoon of nutmeg and a half teaspoon of cloves for a festive holiday version.
Citrus Lover’s Cake: Add the zest of one orange to the batter and replace some of the wine in the glaze with orange juice.
Alcohol-Free Option: Substitute the wine with apple juice or white grape juice for a family-friendly version.

How to Make Crack Cake

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Thoroughly spray a 10″ bundt pan with baking spray, then dust it with flour, tapping out any excess. This critical preparation ensures your cake will release perfectly after baking.

Step 2: Mix the Batter

In a large mixing bowl, combine all cake ingredients—cake mix, brown sugar, pudding mix, cinnamon, eggs, water, vegetable oil, vanilla extract, and white wine. Beat with a hand mixer or stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment until smooth and well combined, about 2-3 minutes.

Step 3: Bake to Perfection

Pour the batter into your prepared bundt pan. Tap the pan gently on the counter a few times to eliminate air bubbles and ensure an even layer. Bake for 45-50 minutes, until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 4: Prepare the Glaze

While the cake bakes, make your glaze. In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Whisk in the brown sugar until completely dissolved, then add the white wine and stir to combine. Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 5: The Magic Touch

When the cake is done, leave it in the pan and immediately poke holes all over the top surface using a toothpick or skewer. While the cake is still hot, slowly pour the warm glaze over the top, allowing it to seep into the holes and around the edges.

Step 6: Cool and Release

Let the glazed cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then carefully invert onto a serving plate. The glaze will have created a delicious sticky exterior that makes each slice absolutely irresistible.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Don’t Skip the Pudding Mix: It’s crucial for the cake’s moist texture.
Room Temperature Ingredients: Let your eggs come to room temperature for better incorporation.
Use Good Wine: Choose a wine you’d actually drink—the flavor definitely comes through in the finished cake.
Patience with Glazing: Pour the glaze very slowly to allow maximum absorption.
Even Baking: Position your bundt pan in the center of the oven for consistent heat distribution.

How to Serve

This Crack Cake is versatile when it comes to serving options:

Warm Indulgence

Serve warm slices with a scoop of quality vanilla ice cream for a contrast of warm cake and cold cream.

Elegant Dessert

Dust with powdered sugar and garnish with fresh berries for a more sophisticated presentation.

Coffee Pairing

This cake pairs beautifully with coffee, particularly a medium-bodied brew that complements the wine and cinnamon notes.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store the cake at room temperature under a cake dome or wrapped in plastic wrap for up to 3 days. The flavor actually improves overnight as the glaze continues to permeate the cake.

Freezing

This cake freezes beautifully! Wrap individual slices or the whole cake (unglazed) tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature and warm slightly before serving.

Reheating

To recapture that fresh-baked warmth, microwave individual slices for 15-20 seconds or warm in a 300°F oven for about 10 minutes.

FAQs

What kind of white wine works best for this cake?
A medium-dry white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc works wonderfully. Avoid overly sweet wines like Moscato, which might make the cake too sweet, or very oaky Chardonnays which can overpower the other flavors.

Can I make this cake without alcohol?
Absolutely! Simply substitute the wine with an equal amount of apple juice, white grape juice, or even ginger ale. You’ll get a slightly different flavor profile but still a deliciously moist cake.

Why did my bundt cake stick to the pan?
Bundt pans require thorough greasing and flouring. Make sure to get into all the nooks and crannies of the pan. Also, don’t let the cake cool completely in the pan—10 minutes is ideal before turning it out.

Can I make this cake a day ahead for a party?
This is actually one of those rare cakes that improves with time! Making it a day ahead allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Just store it covered at room temperature until serving time.

Final Thoughts

This Crack Cake truly lives up to its name—one bite and you’ll be hooked! The perfect balance of sweetness, warm spice, and that special kiss of wine makes this cake irresistible for both casual gatherings and special occasions. With minimal effort and maximum flavor, it’s about to become your new go-to dessert for impressing friends and family.

Crack Cake Recipe