Crack Cake is an irresistible bundt cake that combines a yellow cake mix with a sweet wine glaze, creating a moist and flavorful dessert. The addition of pudding mix, brown sugar, cinnamon, and sweet wine gives this cake its unique and delicious taste. It’s perfect for special occasions, holidays, or whenever you want to treat yourself to a delightful dessert. Below, you will find the detailed recipe along with frequently asked questions, cooking notes, variations, and a keto-friendly version.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 1 yellow cake mix
- 1 (3.4 oz) box vanilla pudding mix
- ¼ cup packed light brown sugar
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon
- 5 large eggs, room temperature
- ½ cup whole milk
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup sour cream
- ½ cup sweet white wine (Riesling is recommended)
For the Glaze:
- ½ cup salted butter
- ¼ cup sweet white wine
- 1 cup granulated sugar
Instructions
Making the Cake:
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a bundt cake pan.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, vanilla pudding mix, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and cinnamon.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Add the eggs, milk, vegetable oil, sour cream, and sweet white wine to the dry mixture. Mix on low speed until combined, then increase the speed to medium and beat for about 2 minutes, or until the batter is smooth and well combined.
- Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared bundt pan. Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
- Cool: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Making the Glaze:
- Prepare Glaze: In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the sweet white wine and granulated sugar. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 5-7 minutes, or until the sugar is fully dissolved and the mixture thickens slightly.
- Glaze the Cake: While the cake is still warm, poke holes all over the surface using a skewer or fork. Slowly pour the glaze over the cake, allowing it to soak into the holes.
Cook Notes and Variations
Cooking Tips:
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure that the eggs and sour cream are at room temperature before mixing. This helps to create a smoother batter.
- Glaze Absorption: Pour the glaze slowly to ensure it gets absorbed into the cake, making it extra moist and flavorful.
Variations:
- Chocolate Crack Cake: Substitute the yellow cake mix with a chocolate cake mix and use chocolate pudding mix instead of vanilla. The glaze can also be modified with a tablespoon of cocoa powder for a chocolatey twist.
- Nutty Variation: Add 1 cup of chopped nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, to the batter for a delightful crunch.
- Fruit Addition: Fold in 1 cup of fresh or dried fruit, like raisins or cranberries, into the batter for a fruity variation.
Keto and Low Carb Version:
For those following a keto or low-carb diet, making a few adjustments can help:
- Cake Mix Substitute: Use a keto-friendly cake mix or make your own by combining almond flour, coconut flour, and a low-carb sweetener.
- Pudding Mix Substitute: Use a sugar-free pudding mix.
- Sugar Substitute: Replace brown sugar and granulated sugar with a keto-approved sweetener like erythritol or monk fruit sweetener.
- Wine Substitute: Opt for a low-carb sweet wine or omit it entirely and use a low-carb syrup instead.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use a different type of wine?
Yes, you can use any sweet white wine, such as Moscato or Chardonnay. If you prefer a non-alcoholic version, white grape juice can be used as a substitute.
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! Crack Cake can be made a day in advance. Store it in an airtight container at room temperature. The flavors tend to develop and intensify over time, making it even more delicious the next day.
Can I freeze Crack Cake?
Yes, you can freeze the cake. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
What can I serve with Crack Cake?
Crack Cake pairs wonderfully with a dollop of whipped cream, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or fresh berries. It’s also delicious with a cup of coffee or tea.
Crack Cake is a crowd-pleasing dessert that’s both easy to make and irresistibly delicious. The combination of a moist, flavorful cake with a rich, sweet glaze makes it a standout treat for any occasion. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or try one of the variations, this cake is sure to be a hit. Give it a try and enjoy the delightful flavors and textures of this fantastic dessert.
