Crack Cake with Warm Cinnamon and Buttery Wine Glaze

 Irresistible Crack Cake with Warm Cinnamon and Buttery Wine Glaze

An unforgettable bundt cake bursting with flavor, simplicity, and pure indulgence.

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Introduction: The Cake That Lives Up to Its Name

There’s a reason this dessert is famously called Crack Cake—because once you try a slice, you won’t be able to stop. This buttery, moist bundt cake is laced with warm hints of cinnamon, rich vanilla, and an indulgent sweet wine glaze that seeps into every bite, making it impossibly soft and flavorful. Made with pantry staples like cake mix, pudding mix, and sour cream, this semi-homemade wonder transforms into a decadent treat that tastes 100% from scratch.

Whether you're baking for a brunch, holiday gathering, or just want to impress with minimal effort, this is your go-to dessert. The texture is unbeatable: tender, moist, and rich, with a crackly, sweet exterior thanks to the soaking glaze. And the best part? It only gets better the next day.

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Ingredients & Their Roles

Cake Ingredients

1 box yellow cake mix

The perfect shortcut! Provides structure, flavor, and a soft crumb.

1 (3.4 oz) package instant vanilla pudding mix

Adds moisture, depth, and helps create that ultra-tender texture.

¼ cup packed light brown sugar

Brings a touch of molasses sweetness and adds a deeper, caramelized flavor.

¼ cup granulated sugar

Balances the brown sugar for the perfect sweetness level.

2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

Adds warmth and spice, complementing the sweetness and wine glaze.

5 large eggs (room temperature)

Give richness, structure, and help the cake rise beautifully.

½ cup whole milk

Keeps the batter smooth and enhances moisture.

½ cup vegetable oil

Makes the crumb extra tender and keeps the cake moist for days.

1 cup sour cream

Adds tang, richness, and ensures the cake stays incredibly moist.

½ cup sweet white wine (Riesling recommended)

Lends a subtle fruitiness and enhances the cake’s flavor complexity.

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Glaze Ingredients

½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter

The base of the glaze; adds richness and flavor.

½ cup granulated sugar

Sweetens the glaze and helps form the crackly crust.

¼ cup sweet white wine

Mirrors the wine in the cake, deepening the flavor and aroma.

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Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare Your Pan

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Generously grease and flour a 10- or 12-cup bundt pan to prevent sticking.

2. Make the Cake Batter

In a large mixing bowl, combine:

Yellow cake mix

Vanilla pudding mix

Brown sugar

Granulated sugar

Cinnamon

Whisk to blend the dry ingredients. Then add:

Eggs

Milk

Vegetable oil

Sour cream

Sweet white wine

Beat the mixture using a hand or stand mixer on medium speed for 2–3 minutes, until smooth and well-combined.

3. Bake the Cake

Pour the batter evenly into the prepared bundt pan. Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the cake has pulled slightly from the sides of the pan.

4. Make the Wine Glaze

While the cake is baking, make the glaze. In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine:

Butter

Sugar

White wine

Stir until the sugar is fully dissolved, then remove from heat.

5. Soak the Cake

Once baked, remove the cake from the oven but leave it in the pan. Using a toothpick or skewer, poke holes all over the bottom of the cake.

Slowly pour the warm glaze over the cake, letting it seep into the holes. Let it sit for 15–20 minutes to fully absorb.

6. Invert & Cool

After the glaze has soaked in, gently loosen the edges of the cake with a spatula. Invert the cake onto a serving platter and let it cool slightly before slicing.

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Why This Crack Cake Is Loved

✔️ Ultra-moist and stays that way for days

✔️ Insanely easy — no need to make cake from scratch

✔️ Flavor-packed with cinnamon, vanilla, and wine

✔️ Perfect for holidays, potlucks, or casual gatherings

✔️ Better the next day, making it great for prepping ahead

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Pro Tips for the Perfect Crack Cake

Room temperature eggs ensure the batter emulsifies smoothly for a better crumb.

Don’t skip the poking step — it allows the glaze to fully absorb into the cake.

Let it rest overnight for maximum flavor. The glaze continues to soak in and improve texture.

Use a high-quality sweet wine, like Riesling or Moscato, for the best flavor.

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Serving Suggestions

This cake is incredible served slightly warm with:

A dollop of whipped cream

A scoop of vanilla ice cream

A drizzle of caramel or chocolate sauce

Paired with a glass of the same wine used in the glaze

Perfect for brunch, dessert, or even a cheeky breakfast slice the next morning (we won’t tell!).

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Conclusion: Simple, Addictive, and Perfect Every Time

This Crack Cake recipe is the kind of dessert that wows with minimal effort. The combination of cake mix, pudding, cinnamon, and a buttery wine sugar glaze creates a rich, indulgent experience that you’ll crave again and again. It’s simple enough for beginners, yet decadent enough to impress even the most seasoned dessert lovers.

With its long shelf life, unbeatable texture, and unforgettable flavor, this cake will quickly become your most requested recipe—and possibly, your new obsession.

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Make it once, and you'll understand exactly why it’s called Crack Cake.

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