Crack cake, also known as cake mix cake or pudding cake, is an insanely easy cake recipe that produces the most moist, decadent, and addictive cake you’ll ever eat. This recipe combines a simple boxed cake mix with instant pudding and sour cream to create a sweet treat with an irresistibly tender crumb and rich flavor.
The name “crack cake” comes from two things. First, the combination of dry packaged ingredients keeps the prep easy and fast. Second, the cake is so mouthwateringly delicious that it’s nearly impossible to stop eating it once you have a bite – just like an addictive drug, hence “crack cake.”
While the full recipe has only a handful of ingredients that get stirred together in minutes, the results are absolutely over-the-top. Perfectly moist texture, dense cake crumbs, and deep flavor make this the ultimate cake for birthdays, celebrations and anytime you need an insanely easy crowd-pleasing dessert.
Read on to learn how simple mixing up a boxed cake recipe can produce professional-bakery-level perfection. The step-by-step method and tips will have you whipping up crack cake that looks impressive and tastes even better.
Ingredients Needed for Irresistible Crack Cake
The beauty of crack cake is that it comes together with common ingredients you likely have on hand:
Boxed cake mix – Any flavor works, like vanilla, chocolate, spice or funfetti. Look for high-quality brands.
Eggs, oil, water – As needed per the instructions on the cake mix box. This binds the batter.
Instant pudding mix – Vanilla or cheesecake flavors work best. Adds moisture.
Sour cream – Makes the cake extra dense and tender.
Chocolate chips, toffee, candy – Optional mix-ins to make it over-the-top.
Frosting – Any creamy frosting complements the cake. Cream cheese is perfect.
That’s truly all you need for easy crack cake bliss. The key is using ingredients that add moisture, like the pudding and sour cream. Now let’s get to the dead simple method.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Crack Cake
Preheat oven to temperature listed on cake mix box, usually 350°F. Grease a cake pan well.
Make cake batter as directed on box, using eggs, oil and water. Mix just until blended.
Add pudding mix and sour cream to batter. Beat again until fully combined.
Fold in any mix-ins like chocolate chips, toffee bits, crushed candy.
Pour batter into pan and evenly spread out. Bake for time listed on box.
Cool cake completely before frosting – at least 1 hour. Chilling speeds up frosting.
Generously frost top and sides with desired frosting. Refrigerate frosted cake.
That’s truly all there is to it! Now let’s go over some tips for perfect crack cake every time.
Tips and Tricks for Making Irresistible Crack Cake
Follow these tips when whipping up your cake mix cake:
Use high-quality cake mixes for the best texture like Betty Crocker or Duncan Hines.
Adjust baking time if using a different size pan than listed on the box.
Beat the batter well after adding the pudding and sour cream.
Grease the pan well for pretty, intact cake sides when serving.
Refrigerate the completely cooled cake 30 minutes before frosting.
Use any flavor frosting you like! Cream cheese, vanilla buttercream, chocolate are all amazing.
Store the finished cake refrigerated for up to 5 days.
Mix up a batch using these tips and get ready for the new favorite cake in your recipe collection. Now let’s go over serving ideas and adaptations.
Serving Suggestions for Crack Cake
This easy cake recipe is perfect for:
Birthdays, celebrations, anniversaries
Potlucks, parties, backyard BBQs
School or office parties, bake sales
Dessert buffets or chic cake stands
Party favors or gifts for friends and teachers
Fun weekend project with kids
Plated restaurant-style dessert
Any day you need an impressive cake, fast!
Crack cake impresses guests but takes just minutes to prepare and pleases all ages. Adapt it to your needs:
Use gluten-free or dairy-free cake mix
Swap in allergy-friendly frosting
Decorate simply with sprinkles or elaborately with flowers
Nutrition Information for Crack Cake
Like any rich cake recipe, crack cake is high in fat, carbs and calories, so moderation is key. The nutrition will vary based on ingredients:
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