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The Best Crack Cake

A moist and flavorful cake that captures the essence of indulgence, perfect for any occasion.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 12 servings
Course: Cake, Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 320
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the cake
  • 1 box yellow cake mix (15.25 oz) Offers a rich, buttery taste.
  • 1 box instant vanilla pudding mix (3.4 oz) Adds creaminess and depth.
  • 4 large eggs Essential for moisture and structure.
  • 1/2 cup water For mixing and hydrating the batter.
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil Ensures the cake remains moist and tender.
  • 1/2 cup sour cream Introduces tanginess and richness.
  • 1/2 cup packed brown sugar Natural sweetness with a hint of caramel flavor.
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon Provides warmth and spice.
For the glaze
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter Adds richness to the glaze.
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar Sweetness for the glaze.
  • 1/4 cup water Helps form the perfect glaze consistency.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking pan.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, instant vanilla pudding mix, eggs, water, vegetable oil, sour cream, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon. Stir until the mixture is smooth and uniformly blended.
Baking
  1. Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, smoothing it out evenly. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Glazing
  1. While the cake bakes, melt the unsalted butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the granulated sugar and 1/4 cup of water, letting the mixture simmer for 3-4 minutes until it thickens slightly.
  2. Once the cake has baked and cooled slightly, pour the warm glaze evenly over the top, allowing it to soak in.

Notes

For optimal results, use high-quality vanilla pudding mix and consider adding chopped nuts or chocolate chips. Allow the cake to cool completely before cutting it into pieces. Experiment with flavored extracts for a twist.