Crack Cake

May be an image of cake

Crack Cake: The Addictively Moist Dessert Everyone Falls in Love With

Few desserts live up to their reputation quite like Crack Cake. Despite its playful name, this cake contains no illicit ingredients—only a dangerously delicious combination of yellow cake mix, vanilla pudding, cinnamon, and a rich butter–sugar glaze that soaks into the cake while it’s still warm. The result is a dessert that’s incredibly moist, deeply flavorful, and almost impossible to stop eating. One slice quickly turns into two… or three.

This cake is beloved for two reasons: it’s shockingly easy to make and it tastes like something you’d expect from a professional bakery. Let’s dive into what makes Crack Cake so special and how you can make it perfectly at home.

What Makes Crack Cake So Irresistible?

Crack Cake stands out because of its texture and technique. Instead of frosting the cake after baking, a hot buttery glaze is poured over the finished cake, allowing it to seep into every crumb. This creates a dessert that stays moist for days and develops even better flavor as it rests.

Key highlights include:

A tender crumb from pudding mix in the batter
Warm cinnamon notes throughout
A glossy, sugary glaze that caramelizes inside the cake
No mixer required—just a bowl and a spoon

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Cake

Yellow cake mix
Instant vanilla pudding mix
Eggs
Vegetable oil
Water
Ground cinnamon

For the Glaze

Butter
Granulated sugar
Brown sugar
Water
Vanilla extract

(Exact measurements can vary slightly by preference, but this classic combination is the heart of Crack Cake.)

Step-by-Step Method to Make Crack Cake

Step 1: Prepare the Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Generously grease a Bundt pan, making sure to coat every curve and crevice. Crack Cake is very moist, so proper greasing ensures it releases cleanly after baking.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, instant vanilla pudding mix, and ground cinnamon. Stir them together until the mixture looks uniform and free of lumps.