Some cakes are elegant. Some are pretty. And some—like this Mother’s Crack Cake—are just flat-out addictive. Loaded with cinnamon, sugar, and a touch of white wine, this buttery Bundt cake is soaked in a rich sugar-wine glaze that turns every bite into gooey perfection. It’s the cake your mom’s friend brought to every potluck and everyone begged her for the recipe.
Spoiler: It starts with a box mix… and that’s what makes it magical.
Why I Love This Recipe
This cake is nostalgic, foolproof, and outrageously good. It’s super moist thanks to sour cream and oil, warmly spiced with cinnamon, and finished with a buttery wine glaze that sinks into every nook and cranny. The result? A dense, tender cake that stays moist for days (if it even lasts that long).
Whether you’re baking it for Mother’s Day, the holidays, or just because it’s Tuesday, this Mother’s Crack Cake will win hearts.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 1 box (15.25 oz) yellow cake mix
- 1 box (3.4 oz) instant vanilla pudding mix
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 2 tsp cinnamon
- 1 cup sour cream
- ¾ cup vegetable oil
- 4 large eggs
- ½ cup white wine (Chardonnay or sweet Moscato work beautifully)
- Optional: 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Sugar-Wine Glaze:
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup white wine
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Ingredient Swaps and Notes
- Wine options: Dry white like Chardonnay adds subtle tang, while Moscato makes it extra sweet and floral.
- Cake mix base: Yellow cake is classic, but try spice cake or butter pecan for seasonal spins.
- Add-ins: Chopped pecans or walnuts give it a nice crunch.
- Want it booze-free? Swap the wine for white grape juice or apple juice, and it’s still a winner.
Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Pan
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Generously grease and flour a Bundt pan (or use baking spray with flour). This step is key to releasing the cake cleanly.
Step 2: Make the Cake Batter
In a large bowl, whisk together the cake mix, pudding mix, sugars, and cinnamon.
Add in the sour cream, oil, eggs, wine, and vanilla extract (if using).
Beat on medium speed for 2–3 minutes until the batter is smooth and thick.
Step 3: Bake
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 4: Make the Glaze
While the cake bakes, melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat.
Stir in the sugar and wine, cooking until the sugar dissolves and the mixture begins to bubble (about 5 minutes). Remove from heat and stir in vanilla.
Step 5: Glaze the Cake
While the cake is still warm and in the pan, poke holes all over with a skewer or fork.
Slowly pour the glaze over the cake, letting it soak in thoroughly. Let it sit in the pan for 15–20 minutes before inverting onto a plate.
Tips for Success
- Don’t underbake – This cake is dense and moist, so test the center with a toothpick.
- Let it rest – The glaze needs time to soak in and the cake needs time to set.
- Use a wine you’d drink – If it tastes good in a glass, it’ll taste great in the cake.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
This cake is dreamy on its own, but if you want to elevate it:
- Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream
- Add a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon
- Sip with a glass of the same white wine used in the recipe
- Pair it with These Old School No-Bake Cookies for a nostalgic dessert spread
- Or go Southern-style and add Big Family Banana Pudding to the table too
Storage & Leftovers
- Room temperature: Store in a covered container for up to 3 days.
- Fridge: Keeps well chilled for up to 5 days—just bring to room temp before serving.
- Freezer: Wrap tightly in plastic and foil, freeze up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in fridge.
More Recipes You’ll Love
If this crack cake made you swoon, don’t miss these other cozy and crowd-pleasing desserts:
- Easy Pumpkin Spice Muffins – warm, fluffy, and totally seasonal
- Copycat Neiman Marcus Cookies – loaded with secret ingredients for the perfect bite
- Unicorn Poop Bark – fun, colorful, and a total crowd-pleaser
- Old School No-Bake Cookies – classic and comforting
- Big Family Banana Pudding – creamy, dreamy, and always a hit
Final Thoughts
This Mother’s Crack Cake is proof that some of the best recipes are the simplest. With minimal effort and maximum reward, it’s rich, moist, and bursting with warm, buttery flavor. Whether you’re baking for mom, friends, or your own sweet tooth, this cake is guaranteed to win hearts (and recipe requests).
Tried it? Snap a pic and tag @chefmaniac! Want more crowd-favorite recipes like this? Hit follow and keep the good stuff coming!
Leave a Reply