Irresistible Crack Cake with White Wine Glaze: Your Go-To Easy Dessert Recipe
Prepare to be utterly captivated by the sheer deliciousness of this Irresistible Crack Cake. With just one bite, its rich flavor and incredibly moist texture will have you completely hooked. The secret to its effortless preparation lies in a simple yellow cake mix, transformed into something truly extraordinary with a few key additions. This recipe proves that you don’t need complex techniques to create a show-stopping dessert that tastes incredibly decadent, especially with its signature, intoxicating white wine glaze that soaks into every tender crumb.
As someone who appreciates both flavor and convenience, finding reliable, delicious, and easy cake recipes is essential for those special occasions, holiday gatherings, or simply to brighten an ordinary day. This particular Bundt cake consistently delivers, earning rave reviews from everyone who tries it. Its amazing flavor profile, combined with an unparalleled moistness, makes it truly addictive. Baked to a beautiful golden brown, the cake is then generously drenched in a unique and delightful white wine glaze, adding a sophisticated touch that elevates it far beyond a standard cake mix dessert, making it a truly unforgettable treat.
If you share a love for the elegant simplicity and perfect texture of Bundt cakes, you’re in for a treat. The Bundt pan creates beautiful ridges that are perfect for holding glazes and makes for a stunning presentation with minimal effort. This recipe joins a collection of other beloved Bundt cake creations that are perfect for any gathering. Be sure to explore our other fantastic recipes, including the comforting Apple Bundt Cake, the rich and flavorful Banana Bundt Cake, and the eternally popular Easy Chocolate Bundt Cake Recipe for more delightful options that will impress your family and friends.
Why This Recipe Works: The Magic Behind the Moistness and Flavor
The allure of this “Crack Cake” isn’t just in its enticing name; it’s deeply rooted in its ingenious construction and incredible ease. This recipe brilliantly begins with a humble yellow cake mix, a testament to how easily everyday staples can be elevated to gourmet status. But we don’t stop there. We take this foundation to an entirely new level by incorporating a box of instant vanilla pudding mix directly into the batter. This is where the magic truly happens, as the pudding mix infuses the cake with an extraordinary moistness and a wonderfully tender, almost custardy crumb that’s incredibly difficult to achieve with a standard cake mix alone. This secret ingredient ensures a luxurious texture that keeps people coming back for more.
Beyond the pudding, a harmonious blend of brown sugar, granulated sugar, and a hint of warm cinnamon contributes to a rich, complex flavor profile that is both comforting and incredibly appealing. These ingredients work together to create a depth of taste that belies the recipe’s simplicity, adding notes of caramel and spice that perfectly complement the vanilla base. Finally, the cake is crowned with an unforgettable white wine glaze. This glaze isn’t just for shine; it’s poured over the hot cake, allowing it to soak deep into the surface through strategically poked holes, adding another layer of moisture and a subtle, sophisticated tang that makes each bite utterly addicting. Every component plays a crucial role in creating a dessert that’s not only incredibly delicious but also surprisingly simple to prepare, making it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that never disappoints.
Gather Your Ingredients: What You’ll Need for This Decadent Dessert
Making this incredible Crack Cake requires just a handful of readily available ingredients. The beauty of this recipe lies in its ability to transform simple pantry staples into a truly gourmet experience. Here’s a detailed look at what you’ll need to create this moist and flavorful dessert:
For the Cake Batter:
- Yellow Cake Mix (15.25 oz box): This is your foundational ingredient, chosen for its mild flavor and ease. Opt for a good quality brand that specifies “moist” or “super moist” for the best starting point. Any reputable brand will work perfectly.
- Instant Vanilla Pudding (3.4 oz box): The secret weapon for unparalleled moistness and a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture. Ensure you choose “instant” pudding, not the cook-and-serve variety. For a more homemade touch, our Homemade Vanilla Pudding Recipe can be adapted if you’re up for an extra step.
- Brown Sugar: Adds a beautiful caramelized depth and a slight chewiness to the cake, enhancing its rich flavor. If you’re feeling ambitious, try making your own Homemade Brown Sugar for an even fresher taste.
- Granulated Sugar: Provides sweetness and contributes to the cake’s fine crumb structure, balancing the richness of the brown sugar.
- Cinnamon (2 tsp): A warm, inviting spice that complements the vanilla and sugar beautifully, adding a subtle aromatic layer to the cake’s overall flavor profile.
- Large Eggs (4): Act as a binder and add richness. For optimal incorporation and a lighter cake, ensure your eggs are at room temperature before mixing.
- Water (¾ cup): The necessary liquid component that brings the dry ingredients together, ensuring the batter reaches the perfect consistency.
- Vegetable Oil (¾ cup): Crucial for adding extra moisture and contributing to the cake’s incredibly tender crumb.
- White Wine (½ cup): This is what gives the “Crack Cake” its unique signature. Any kind of white wine you enjoy drinking, such as Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio, or even a sweeter Riesling, will work beautifully. Rest assured, the alcohol bakes out, leaving only a subtle, sophisticated flavor.
For the Decadent White Wine Glaze:
- Butter (½ cup): Always opt for real butter for the richest flavor and silkiest texture in your glaze. Unsalted butter is preferred to control the overall saltiness.
- White Wine (¼ cup): Another pour of white wine is added to the glaze, ensuring that characteristic wine flavor penetrates the cake deeply. The alcohol in the glaze will also cook off during heating.
- Granulated Sugar (1 cup): Forms the sweet, syrupy base of the glaze, creating that irresistible sheen and providing a perfect complement to the cake.
The full list of exact measurements and detailed instructions can be found in the comprehensive recipe card at the bottom of this post, making it incredibly easy to follow along and bake this delightful dessert.
Unlock New Flavors: Creative Variations to Try
One of the joys of baking, especially with a versatile recipe like our Crack Cake, is the freedom to experiment and customize. While the classic version is undeniably perfect and adored by many, these creative variations allow you to tailor the cake to your personal preferences, specific occasions, or simply to add a new dimension of flavor with minimal effort. Don’t be afraid to make this recipe truly your own!
- Change Cake Flavor: This is an incredibly easy way to create an entirely new dessert experience without altering the core method. Don’t limit yourself to yellow cake mix! For chocolate lovers, a rich chocolate crack cake is divine. A vibrant strawberry version makes a perfect spring or summer treat, while a zesty lemon cake offers a refreshing tang. Simply swap out the yellow cake mix for your preferred flavor, and the rest of the recipe largely remains the same, delivering exciting new results every time.
- Experiment with White Wine Varieties: The type of white wine you choose can subtly alter the glaze’s flavor profile and the cake’s overall character. While any kind works, exploring different varieties can be a delightful culinary adventure. A crisp Chardonnay will lend a drier, more robust note, while a light Pinot Grigio offers a delicate fruitiness. For a sweeter touch, consider a Riesling or Moscato, which will enhance the sweetness of the cake. Feel free to use whatever wine you enjoy drinking, as its essence will be beautifully infused into the cake and glaze.
- Adjust Sugar Levels: For those who prefer a less intensely sweet cake or enjoy a richer molasses flavor, you can certainly adjust the sugar content in the cake batter. Try substituting some of the granulated sugar with additional brown sugar, or use a mixture of half brown sugar and half granulated sugar for a deeper caramel note. Remember that the glaze itself is quite sweet, so achieving a harmonious balance is key to the perfect bite.
- Alternate Toppings: While the white wine glaze is integral to this recipe and highly recommended, you can certainly explore other luxurious toppings to crown your cake. A silky Cream Cheese Glaze adds a tangy richness that pairs wonderfully with many cake flavors. For a thicker, more indulgent finish, our classic Homemade Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe provides a comforting and familiar touch that everyone loves. You could also drizzle with a simple caramel sauce or a chocolate ganache for added decadence.
- Add Nuts or Fruits to the Batter: For an extra layer of texture and flavor, consider folding in a cup of chopped pecans, walnuts, or even toasted almonds into the batter before baking. Dried cranberries, golden raisins, or finely diced, drained peaches can also add a delightful chewiness and fruity counterpoint, making each slice even more interesting.
- Spice It Up: Enhance the existing cinnamon with a pinch of nutmeg, allspice, or even a tiny bit of ground ginger for a warmer, more complex spice profile. This is especially delightful if you’re making a fall-themed or holiday version of the cake.
- Citrus Zest: For a brighter flavor, add the zest of one lemon or orange to the cake batter. This will complement the white wine glaze beautifully and add a fragrant lift to the cake.
Baking Brilliance: Step-by-Step Instructions for Your Crack Cake
Creating this magnificent Crack Cake is surprisingly straightforward, even for novice bakers. The key is to follow these clear and concise steps to achieve a perfectly moist, flavorful, and beautifully glazed dessert:
- Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven. Begin by setting your oven to preheat to a consistent 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175°C). Next, and this is crucial for ensuring your Bundt cake releases cleanly, generously grease and lightly flour a 10-inch Bundt pan. Pay extra attention to all the intricate nooks and crannies of the pan to prevent sticking. Using a baking spray with flour is highly recommended. Set your prepared pan aside for when the batter is ready.
Step 2: Mix the Cake Batter. In a large mixing bowl, combine all the cake ingredients: the yellow cake mix, instant vanilla pudding mix, brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, large eggs, water, vegetable oil, and ½ cup of white wine. Using either a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment or a sturdy hand mixer, beat the ingredients on medium speed until they are thoroughly combined and the batter appears smooth and uniform. Remember to scrape down the sides of the bowl periodically with a spatula to ensure all ingredients are well incorporated and no dry spots remain.
Step 3: Bake to Golden Perfection. Carefully pour the prepared cake batter into your generously greased and floured Bundt pan. Gently tap the pan on the counter a few times to release any air bubbles. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 45 to 50 minutes. Baking times can vary slightly depending on your specific oven, so begin checking for doneness around the 40-minute mark. The cake is done when a wooden skewer or toothpick inserted into the thickest part of the center comes out clean, with no wet batter attached.
Step 4: Craft the Decadent Glaze. While the cake is baking, prepare the glaze so it’s ready as soon as the cake comes out of the oven. In a small saucepan, combine the butter and 1 cup of granulated sugar for the glaze. Heat this mixture over medium heat, whisking continuously, until the sugar has completely dissolved and the ingredients are well combined and smooth. Once the sugar is dissolved, remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the remaining ¼ cup of white wine. Keep the glaze warm; you want to pour it over the cake while both are hot.
Step 5: Glaze and Cool to Perfection. As soon as the cake comes out of the oven, while it’s still piping hot and sitting in the Bundt pan, use a wooden skewer, the tines of a fork, or a toothpick to poke numerous holes all over its top surface. These holes will act as channels, allowing the glorious glaze to penetrate deeply into the cake. Generously pour the warm white wine syrup glaze evenly over the entire hot cake, ensuring it reaches all areas and begins to soak into the poked holes. Allow the cake to sit undisturbed in the pan for at least 1 hour to cool completely and fully absorb all that delicious glaze. This resting period is crucial for the cake’s moistness and flavor development. Once completely cooled, gently run a thin butter knife around the outside edges and the center tube of the pan to loosen the cake. Then, place a serving plate on top of the Bundt pan and carefully invert the pan to release the cake onto the plate. Slice, serve, and prepare for pure delight!
Pro Tips for a Perfect Crack Cake Every Time
Achieving a show-stopping Crack Cake that’s consistently moist, flavorful, and beautifully glazed is easier than you might think, especially when armed with these insider tips and tricks. These small details can make a significant difference in your baking success:
- Glaze While Hot: The Golden Rule! This is arguably the most critical tip for this recipe. The glaze must be poured over the cake while the cake is still piping hot, immediately after coming out of the oven. The warmth of the cake helps it absorb the rich, buttery, wine-infused syrup more effectively and deeply. This absorption creates that incredibly moist and flavorful result that truly gives this cake its addictive “crack” quality. Don’t let the cake cool before glazing!
- Avoid Overbaking: Keep a close eye on your cake as it bakes. Oven temperatures can vary significantly, even among ovens of the same model, so relying solely on the clock might lead to an overbaked, dry cake. Start checking for doneness a few minutes before the minimum bake time specified. A clean wooden skewer or toothpick inserted into the center is your most reliable indicator. An overbaked cake will lose its signature moistness and tender crumb.
- Serve with Panache: Elevate both the presentation and the taste experience by serving your Crack Cake with fresh berries (strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries are excellent choices) and a generous dollop of homemade whipped cream. Not only does this add a visually stunning contrast of colors and textures, but the fresh fruit and light, airy cream perfectly complement the rich, dense cake, enhancing the overall dessert experience. A scoop of vanilla bean ice cream is also a fantastic addition.
- Room Temperature Ingredients are Key: For the best results in any cake recipe, especially this one, ensure all your cold ingredients, particularly the eggs, are at room temperature. Room temperature ingredients emulsify more effectively with the fats in the recipe, creating a smoother, more uniform batter. This leads to a lighter, more tender cake crumb and a better rise. Take your eggs out of the fridge at least 30 minutes before you plan to bake.
- Alcohol Evaporates Completely: Rest assured, the alcohol content from the white wine completely cooks out during the baking process of the cake, and also when the glaze is heated and absorbed. This means that your delicious Crack Cake is entirely non-alcoholic once baked and cooled, making it safe and suitable for serving to guests of all ages, including children and those who avoid alcohol.
- Grease Your Bundt Pan Generously: Bundt cakes, with their intricate designs and deep crevices, can be notoriously tricky to release without sticking. To avoid any heartbreak or torn cake, take the time to generously grease and lightly flour every single crevice of your Bundt pan. A baking spray specifically designed for baking, which contains flour, is highly recommended for thorough coverage. Ensuring every inch is coated will make removal much smoother and stress-free.
- Choose a Quality Moist Yellow Cake Mix: While any brand of yellow cake mix can work as your base, opting for one that is specifically advertised as “moist” or “super moist” will provide an even better starting point for your cake. These mixes often contain ingredients that naturally enhance moisture, thus improving the final texture of your finished Crack Cake.
- Instant Pudding is a Must: Double-check that you’re picking up a box of *instant* vanilla pudding mix at the grocery store, not the cook-and-serve variety. Instant pudding is specifically formulated to be incorporated into batters for added moisture, richness, and stability without requiring stovetop cooking first. Using the wrong type of pudding will not yield the same desired results in terms of texture and moistness.
- Dust with Powdered Sugar: For a simple yet elegant finish that adds a touch of visual appeal, a light dusting of powdered sugar over the cooled cake can make it look even more appealing. This is entirely optional but adds a lovely, subtle sweetness and a beautiful presentation, especially if serving without other garnishes.
- Don’t Rush the Cooling Process: Although it’s incredibly tempting to dig in immediately after glazing, allowing the cake to cool fully in the pan (as instructed for glaze absorption) and then on a wire rack is essential. This allows the cake to set properly, prevents it from crumbling when sliced, and gives the glaze ample time to fully soak in and become one with the cake, enhancing its signature texture.
Storing Your Delicious Crack Cake for Maximum Freshness
To ensure your Crack Cake remains as delicious and moist as the day it was baked, proper storage is key. This incredibly moist cake is quite forgiving, but a few simple guidelines will help you preserve its incredible texture and flavor for several days, allowing you to enjoy it longer.
At room temperature, your Crack Cake will happily last for up to 3 to 4 days. To store it on the countertop, first ensure the cake is completely cooled after glazing and has been removed from the pan. Then, tightly cover the entire cake or any individual slices with plastic wrap. For an extra layer of protection against drying out and to maintain its freshness, place the wrapped cake inside an airtight container. Keep it away from direct sunlight or heat sources.
However, if you happen to live in a particularly warm or humid climate, or if your home tends to be quite warm, refrigeration is highly recommended. The high moisture content of this cake, combined with warm temperatures, can significantly shorten its shelf life and potentially lead to spoilage faster. When refrigerating, use the same method: wrap tightly in plastic wrap and store it in an airtight container to prevent it from absorbing odors from other foods in the fridge. For more detailed information on prolonging the life of your baked goods, you can refer to our comprehensive guide on How Long Does Cake Last in the Fridge, which offers valuable insights for all your baked treats.
While the cake stores well, for the absolute best taste and texture, we recommend trying to enjoy it within the first two to three days after baking. If it does seem a little less fresh after a few days, a quick, gentle warming in the microwave for 10-15 seconds per slice can sometimes help revive its moistness and bring back its fresh-baked appeal.
Can You Make This Without Wine? Delicious Alternatives
While white wine is a distinctive ingredient in this Crack Cake, adding a unique depth of flavor and sophistication, we understand that not everyone wishes to use alcohol in their baking. The good news is, you can absolutely make this cake without wine and still achieve a wonderfully moist, flavorful, and incredibly delicious result!
For those who prefer to substitute the wine, there are several excellent non-alcoholic alternatives that will work beautifully in both the cake batter and the glaze. These options will help maintain the liquid balance and introduce delightful flavors:
- Non-Alcoholic White Wine: This is the most direct substitute, as non-alcoholic white wine will provide a very similar flavor profile to regular wine without any alcohol content. It’s often found in the same section as regular wine or in specialty beverage stores.
- Apple Cider: Apple cider (ensure you’re using sweet cider, not apple cider vinegar) offers a delightful fruity tang and natural sweetness that complements the yellow cake and cinnamon notes beautifully. Its crisp flavor will add a wonderful dimension.
- White Grape Juice: This is another fantastic non-alcoholic option, providing sweetness and a subtle fruitiness that mimics some of the lighter characteristics of white wine. Look for a good quality white grape juice for the best results, as its flavor will be more concentrated.
- Peach Nectar or Apricot Nectar: For a sweeter, more fruit-forward cake, peach or apricot nectar can be a lovely substitute, adding a rich, syrupy sweetness and a distinct fruity aroma that pairs well with the vanilla and spice.
It’s also worth reiterating a common misconception and providing reassurance: the alcohol in the wine completely evaporates during the high heat of the baking process for the cake, and when the glaze is cooked and heated on the stovetop. This means that even if you use regular wine as specified in the original recipe, the finished cake is entirely non-alcoholic and perfectly safe for everyone to enjoy, including children, pregnant women, and those who avoid alcohol for personal or religious reasons. So, whether you opt for a wine-free substitute or stick to the original recipe, you can serve this delightful cake with confidence and peace of mind!
More Easy Cake Recipes to Love and Share
If you’ve enjoyed the simplicity, incredible moistness, and deliciousness of our Crack Cake, you’re likely always on the lookout for more effortless dessert ideas that deliver maximum flavor with minimal fuss. Building on the theme of easy-to-make, crowd-pleasing cakes, here are some of our other favorite recipes that are perfect for any occasion, from simple weeknight treats to elaborate holiday gatherings:
- Chocolate Bundt Cake Recipe: A rich, fudgy, and intensely chocolatey delight that’s surprisingly simple to whip up. Perfect for chocolate lovers, this Bundt cake offers a comforting classic that always hits the spot.
- Easy 7 Up Cake Recipe: This iconic classic cake is famous for its bright, citrusy flavor and an incredibly moist texture, thanks to the unique addition of lemon-lime soda in the batter. It’s light, refreshing, and truly unique.
- White Texas Sheet Cake: A quintessential crowd-pleasing sheet cake that’s ideal for large gatherings, potlucks, and celebrations. It boasts a tender, delicate crumb topped with a sweet, luscious, and utterly irresistible frosting.
- Cherry Chip Cake Recipe: A wonderfully nostalgic and delightfully pink cake, generously speckled with sweet cherry bits. This cheerful dessert brings a vibrant and playful touch to any table, evoking childhood memories with every bite.
- Chocolate Cherry Cake Recipe: Experience the perfect marriage of rich, decadent chocolate and the sweet-tart burst of cherries. This combination results in a deeply flavorful, moist, and elegantly presented dessert that’s perfect for a special occasion.
- Tornado Cake: A fun and visually appealing cake known for its unique marbled or swirled design and a delicious combination of flavors, often featuring chocolate and vanilla or other complementary tastes. It’s as fun to look at as it is to eat!
We hope these recipes inspire your next baking adventure and help you create more delicious memories in your kitchen. Happy baking!
We adore hearing about your baking successes and culinary adventures! Please do leave us a comment below if you try this amazing Crack Cake Recipe – we’d absolutely love to know what you think and hear about your experience. Your feedback is invaluable!
Crack Cake Recipe
Here’s the full, printable recipe card for the incredibly popular and utterly delicious Crack Cake with its signature white wine glaze. Prepare for a dessert that’s easy to make and impossible to resist!
Average Rating: 4.74 out of 5 stars from 15 votes
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Servings: 9 slices
Cuisine: American
Course: Dessert
Calories: 632 kcal per serving
Author: Carrie Barnard
Ingredients
FOR THE CAKE:
- 1 Box Yellow Cake Mix (15.25 oz cake mix)
- 1 Box Instant Vanilla Pudding (3.4 oz)
- ¼ cup Brown Sugar
- ¼ cup Granulated Sugar
- 2 tsp Cinnamon
- 4 Large Eggs
- ¾ cup Water
- ¾ cup Vegetable Oil
- ½ cup White Wine (any kind will work)
FOR THE GLAZE:
- ½ cup Butter
- ¼ cup White Wine
- 1 cup Granulated Sugar
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175°C) and generously grease and flour a 10” Bundt pan. Ensure every crevice is coated to prevent sticking.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine all the cake ingredients: yellow cake mix, instant vanilla pudding, brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, large eggs, water, vegetable oil, and ½ cup white wine. Mix with a stand mixer or hand mixer until the batter is thoroughly combined and smooth, scraping down the bowl as needed.
- Pour the prepared cake batter into the greased Bundt pan. Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until a wooden skewer or toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean, with no wet batter attached. Avoid overbaking.
- While the cake is baking, prepare the glaze. In a small saucepan, combine the ½ cup butter and 1 cup granulated sugar. Heat this mixture over medium heat, whisking continuously, until the sugar has completely dissolved and the mixture is smooth. Remove from heat and then stir in the ¼ cup white wine. Keep the glaze warm.
- As soon as the cake is removed from the oven, while it’s still hot and in the Bundt pan, use a wooden skewer or a toothpick to poke numerous holes all over the top surface of the cake.
- Generously pour the warm white wine glaze evenly over the entire hot cake, making sure it seeps into all the poked holes.
- Allow the cake to sit in the pan for at least 1 hour to cool completely and allow the glaze to fully absorb into the cake. This step is crucial for ultimate moistness.
- Once thoroughly cooled, gently run a butter knife around the outside edges and the center tube of the pan to loosen the cake. Place a serving plate on top of the Bundt pan and carefully invert the pan to release the cake onto the plate.
- The delicious Crack Cake is now ready to slice, serve, and enjoy!
Recipe Notes
- For the best results and a smooth, uniform batter, it’s highly recommended to use room temperature ingredients for this cake recipe.
- Please be assured that the alcohol from the wine fully cooks out during the baking process for the cake and when the glaze is heated. This means the finished cake is completely non-alcoholic and suitable for everyone.
Nutrition Facts
Per Serving (based on 9 servings):
- Calories: 632 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 70g
- Protein: 5g
- Fat: 38g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 14g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
- Sodium: 509mg
- Potassium: 213mg
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 52g
- Vitamin A: 424 IU
- Vitamin C: 1mg
- Calcium: 98mg
- Iron: 3mg