Best Mother’s Crack Cake

Introduction

When I first made this cake, I wasn’t sure what to expect. I had heard a lot of hype about its addictive nature, but it wasn’t until I took the first bite that I truly understood. The cake is incredibly moist, with the perfect balance of sweetness and spice. My husband and I literally can’t stop eating it once it’s made — we often find ourselves sneaking pieces in the middle of the night! It’s one of those cakes that’s so good, you can’t put it down. The name “Crack Cake” couldn’t be more fitting, as it’s the most addictive cake I’ve ever made. In fact, this cake is so popular in our house that it doesn’t last long — we usually finish it in a day or two (if we can keep it hidden from the kids). If you’re looking for a dessert that’s easy to make and incredibly delicious, this is the one you need to try.

Ingredients

• 1 box Duncan Hines yellow cake mix
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup white sugar
• 1 box vanilla pudding instant mix
• 2 teaspoons cinnamon
• 4 eggs
• 3/4 cup water
• 3/4 cup oil

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven:
   Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a bundt pan to ensure that the cake doesn’t stick during baking. This will make it much easier to remove the cake once it’s done.
2. Mix the Ingredients:
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, brown sugar, white sugar, vanilla pudding mix, and cinnamon. Use a whisk to mix these dry ingredients together. Then, add the eggs, water, and oil. Beat on medium speed with an electric mixer until the batter is smooth and well blended.
3. Pour the Batter:
   Once the batter is well mixed, pour it evenly into the prepared bundt pan. Make sure to spread the batter out evenly to ensure that it bakes uniformly.
4. Bake:
   Place the bundt pan in the preheated oven and bake for 50-60 minutes. To check if the cake is done, insert a toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean, the cake is ready. If not, continue baking for another 5-10 minutes.
5. Cool the Cake:
   After baking, remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, carefully invert the cake onto a wire rack to cool completely. This cooling process helps to set the cake and make it easier to slice.
6. Optional Glaze (for extra indulgence):
   For an extra indulgent finish, you can add a glaze. In a saucepan, combine 1/4 cup melted butter, 1/2 cup sugar, and 1/4 cup water. Bring it to a boil while stirring, until the sugar dissolves. Once it’s ready, pour the warm glaze over the cooled cake to create a shiny, delicious finish.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
   Slice the cake and serve! Watch it disappear in no time — it’s that good.

Nutrition Facts
Servings: 12
Calories per Serving: 290 kcal
Nutritional Breakdown (per serving):

• Calories: 290 kcal
• Sugar: 27g
• Sodium: 250mg
• Fat: 16g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 13g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 36g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 35mg

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 50-60 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

How to Serve
This cake is best served with a cup of coffee or tea, making it the perfect treat for any occasion. Here are a few ways to enjoy it:

• Plain and Simple: Serve the cake on its own, letting the delicious flavors of cinnamon, vanilla, and brown sugar shine through.
• With Ice Cream: Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side for an extra indulgent dessert.
• With Fresh Fruit: Serve with a side of fresh berries or a fruit compote to balance the richness of the cake.
• Topped with Whipped Cream: A dollop of whipped cream adds a light and creamy contrast to the cake’s richness.
• As a Dessert for Parties: Slice the cake into smaller pieces and serve at gatherings. It’s sure to be a crowd favorite!

Additional Tips

1. Make Sure to Grease and Flour the Pan: Bundt pans can be tricky, so be sure to grease and flour it thoroughly to ensure the cake comes out easily.
2. Use Room Temperature Ingredients: For best results, make sure the eggs and other ingredients are at room temperature. This helps the batter come together more smoothly.
3. Don’t Overmix the Batter: Once the wet and dry ingredients are combined, mix just until incorporated to avoid overworking the batter, which can lead to a dense cake.
4. Customize the Glaze: If you want to make the glaze even richer, add a teaspoon of vanilla extract or a pinch of cinnamon for a more complex flavor.
5. Store Properly: If there’s any cake left over, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. It also freezes well for longer storage.

Recipe Variations

1. Chocolate Crack Cake: Swap the yellow cake mix for a chocolate cake mix and add a few chocolate chips to the batter for a chocolate twist.
2. Nutty Version: Add 1/2 cup of chopped nuts, like walnuts or pecans, to the batter for some added crunch.
3. Spicy Crack Cake: For a spicier flavor, add more cinnamon or even a dash of nutmeg to the batter.
4. Lemon Glaze: Replace the butter in the glaze with lemon juice and zest for a fresh, tangy twist.
5. Caramel Crack Cake: Top the cake with a caramel glaze instead of the butter glaze for a different rich finish.

Serving Suggestions

• For Family Gatherings: This cake is perfect for family get-togethers and celebrations. Its moist, dense texture and rich flavor make it a great choice for any occasion.
• As a Birthday Cake: If you’re looking for a birthday cake that’s easy to make and everyone will love, this one is sure to impress.
• Holiday Treat: Serve this cake during the holidays for a festive, comforting dessert.
• With Coffee or Tea: Enjoy it as a mid-afternoon snack with a hot drink, or even as an after-dinner dessert.

Freezing and Storage

• Freezing: This cake freezes well! If you want to make it ahead of time, you can freeze the entire cake or individual slices. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil, and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, just thaw it at room temperature for a few hours.
• Storage: Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you have leftover glaze, store it separately in the refrigerator for up to a week.

FAQ Section

1. Can I make this cake without the glaze?
   Yes, the cake is delicious on its own, but the glaze adds an extra layer of sweetness and shine. Feel free to skip it if you prefer a less indulgent version.
2. Can I use a different type of cake mix?
   Yes, you can experiment with different cake mixes. A spice cake mix or a butter cake mix could also work well.
3. Is this cake suitable for vegetarians?
   Yes, this cake is vegetarian, but it does contain eggs. If you need a vegan version, you can try egg replacements like flax eggs.
4. Can I add frosting instead of a glaze?
   Absolutely! You can use cream cheese frosting, buttercream, or any frosting of your choice instead of the glaze.
5. Can I make this cake in a different pan?
   Yes, if you don’t have a bundt pan, you can use a 9×13-inch cake pan or a round cake pan. Just be sure to adjust the baking time.
6. How do I know when the cake is done?
   A toothpick inserted into the center of the cake should come out clean when the cake is done.
7. Can I make this cake ahead of time?
   Yes, this cake can be made a day or two in advance. Just be sure to store it properly in an airtight container.
8. Can I make this cake without the pudding mix?
   The pudding mix adds moisture and richness, but you can leave it out if necessary. The cake may be a bit less moist, but still delicious.
9. Can I use a different flavor of pudding mix?
   Yes! You can experiment with different flavors like chocolate or butterscotch for a unique twist.
10. Can I add fruit to this cake?
    You can add fruit like diced apples or berries to the batter, but keep in mind it may change the texture slightly.

Conclusion

Best Mother’s Crack Cake is a dessert that will leave everyone begging for more. Its perfect balance of sweetness, spice, and moisture makes it a crowd favorite, and the addition of the glaze makes it extra indulgent. Whether you’re serving it for a holiday, a special occasion, or just a treat for the family, this cake will not disappoint. So go ahead, make this addictive cake, and get ready for it to disappear in no time!

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