Crack Cake Recipe recipe photo - Crack Cake Recipe by Jan

Crack Cake Recipe

Published: February 22, 2025 Prep Time: About 20 minutes Cook Time: 45 minutes Total Time: About 1 hour 5 minutes Serves: 12 Difficulty: Easy Category: Dessert Cuisine: American

Ingredients

  • 1 box (15.25 oz) yellow cake mix
  • 1 box (3.4 oz) instant vanilla pudding mix
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 cup butter, melted
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 2 tablespoons milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F and grease a 9x13 inch baking pan.
  2. In a large bowl, combine cake mix, pudding mix, eggs, oil, water, and sour cream.
  3. Beat with an electric mixer on medium speed for 2 minutes until smooth.
  4. Pour half of the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly.
  5. In a small bowl, mix together brown sugar, granulated sugar, and cinnamon.
  6. Sprinkle half of the sugar mixture over the batter in the pan.
  7. Pour remaining batter over the sugar mixture and spread evenly.
  8. Sprinkle remaining sugar mixture on top.
  9. Drizzle melted butter over the entire cake.
  10. Bake for 40-45 minutes until golden brown and a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.
  11. While cake is baking, make the glaze by whisking together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract.
  12. Remove cake from oven and immediately pour glaze over the hot cake.
  13. Let cool completely before cutting and serving.

Special Notes

This addictive crack cake gets its name from being so delicious it's hard to stop eating! The combination of yellow cake mix with vanilla pudding creates an incredibly moist and tender crumb. The cinnamon sugar layers add sweetness and texture, while the simple glaze provides the perfect finishing touch. This cake is perfect for potlucks, parties, or any time you need a quick and impressive dessert. The cake can be stored covered at room temperature for up to 3 days.