Gooey Crack Cake

Close-up of a moist, golden cake slice on a dessert plate, glistening with syrup.

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Make the most irresistible Gooey Crack Cake with yellow cake mix, vanilla pudding, cinnamon, sugars, white wine, and a dreamy butter glaze.

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Alright, so let me tell you how this madness began. It was one of those chaotic Saturdays where you’re trying to juggle laundry, kids, and whatever passes for cleaning these days. And somehow, despite the mess, my sweet tooth was in full-on diva mode. You know the feeling, right? When nothing sounds good enough unless it’s sugary, buttery, and downright sinful.

I started rummaging through the pantry, half-hopeful, half-desperate. A sad-looking box of yellow cake mix caught my eye. Next to it? A lone packet of instant vanilla pudding. And then, like some sort of divine intervention, I remembered the half-bottle of white wine sitting in the fridge—leftover from a girls’ night where gossip outshined the actual drinking.

And, just like that, this Gooey Crack Cake was born. And let me tell you, it’s pure comfort food gold. I mean, who knew throwing some wine into a cake could be such a game-changer? The first bite was like… well, it was like rediscovering that old childhood joy of licking the beaters when Mom wasn’t looking. Rich, buttery, slightly messy—honestly, kind of like life itself.

This cake is the kind of dessert you whip up when you need something warm and decadent but can’t be bothered with anything fussy. And if you mess it up a little? Even better. It’s gooey, it’s forgiving, and it’s going to disappear faster than you think.

Why You’ll Love This Gooey Crack Cake Recipe?

  • Easy-Peasy, No-Stress Baking: This recipe is practically foolproof. Boxed cake mix and pudding mix mean you’re already halfway to dessert heaven.

  • Unbelievable Texture: It’s all about that gooey middle. The wine and pudding work together to create something so rich and moist, you’ll wonder why you haven’t been baking this all your life.

  • A Little Bit Fancy: Adding white wine feels like a subtle flex, you know? It’s sophisticated, even if you’re still in pajamas and haven’t done laundry in days.

  • Irresistible Glaze: That buttery, sugary glaze just seeps into the cake, making every bite pure magic.

Close-up of a moist, golden cake slice on a dessert plate, glistening with syrup.

Ingredient Notes:

This Gooey Crack Cake is all about comfort and just a little bit of elegance (thanks, wine). Let’s break it down:

  • Yellow Cake Mix: The ultimate cheat code for foolproof cake. And let’s be real, who’s got time to measure flour and sugar from scratch every time?

  • Instant Vanilla Pudding Mix: The secret to that ultra-moist, luscious texture. Plus, it gives the cake an extra bit of sweetness.

  • Eggs, Oil, and Water: The basics for binding everything together and keeping it moist.

  • Cinnamon, Brown Sugar, Granulated Sugar: Adds that cozy, nostalgic flavor we all love.

  • White Wine: Here’s the wildcard. It adds moisture, sure, but it also gives the cake a subtle, sophisticated richness. Plus, it makes you feel fancy.

  • Butter Glaze: Melted butter, sugar, and white wine. I’m pretty sure this is what dreams are made of.

Moist, golden bundt cake resting on a white serving plate.

How To Make Gooey Crack Cake?

So, here’s where the magic happens. And, honestly, it’s pretty hard to mess up.

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Step 1: Preheat & Prep
Fire up your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 10-inch Bundt pan with butter or cooking spray. Like, really grease it. This cake loves to stick.

Step 2: Make the Batter
Grab a big mixing bowl and toss in the cake mix, pudding mix, eggs, cinnamon, sugars, water, oil, and white wine. Stir until just combined—no need to get fancy. In fact, overmixing is the enemy of gooeyness.

Step 3: Bake
Pour your batter into that greased Bundt pan and bake for about 45 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick poked into the middle comes out clean-ish. A few crumbs are fine, gooey is the goal here.

Step 4: Prepare the Glaze
While your cake is baking, whip up the glaze. Melt butter over medium heat, stir in sugar and wine, and keep stirring until the sugar’s all dissolved—about 4-5 minutes.

Step 5: Glaze & Cool
Here’s where it gets good. Poke holes all over your cake while it’s still hot, then pour that buttery glaze right over the top. Let it soak in, making everything extra rich and gooey.

Step 6: Serve & Swoon
Flip your cake out onto a plate, slice it up, and dive in. It’s messy, it’s sweet, and it’s ridiculously satisfying.

Storage Options:

If you manage not to eat the whole thing, just pop leftovers in an airtight container. It’ll keep at room temperature for 2-3 days or in the fridge for up to a week. But honestly, good luck making it last that long.

Variations and Substitutions:

  • Going Booze-Free? Replace the wine with apple juice or even milk. It’ll be slightly less rich, but still delicious.

  • Chocolate Version: Swap yellow cake mix for chocolate and add chocolate chips. Decadence level: through the roof.

  • Nuts for Crunch: Sprinkle in some chopped pecans or walnuts for texture.

  • Cinnamon Roll Vibes: Add nutmeg and cloves along with the cinnamon.

Close-up of a dense, syrup-soaked cake slice with a soft crumb.

What to Serve with Gooey Crack Cake?

  • Vanilla Ice Cream: Because hot cake + cold ice cream = happiness.

  • Coffee or Tea: The slight bitterness cuts through all that sweetness. Perfect combo.

  • Fresh Berries: Just to pretend you’re being healthy.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make Gooey Crack Cake without wine?
Totally! Try apple juice or even milk if you’re not feeling the wine.

Why is my cake sticking to the pan?
Grease that pan like your life depends on it. Butter, oil, cooking spray—whatever works. And flouring it doesn’t hurt either.

Can I freeze Gooey Crack Cake?
Yep! Wrap it up tight and freeze for up to 3 months. Just let it thaw in the fridge overnight before you dig in.

Glazed cake with a shiny finish and a slightly crisp edge.

This Gooey Crack Cake is one of those desserts that sticks with you—literally and figuratively. Make it once and I guarantee you’ll be craving it again and again. And hey, if you make it and absolutely love it (which you will), drop me a comment. Can’t wait to hear what you think!

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Keep the Flavor Coming – Try These:

Close-up of a dense, syrup-soaked cake slice with a soft crumb.

Gooey Crack Cake

Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
The Gooey Crack Cake is a combination of comfort and sophisticated flavors. It begins with a cake mix, enhanced by the addition of smooth instant vanilla pudding resulting in a texture that is both rich and airy. The warm embrace of cinnamon intertwined with the nuances of granulated and brown sugar creates an interplay of tastes. However what truly sets this cake apart is the touch of wine which adds a subtle complexity that teases the palate. Topped with a glaze that melts in your mouth this cake is not a dessert; it represents the joyous fusion of simple ingredients coming together to create an extraordinary culinary experience.
8 Servings

Ingredients

Cake:

  • 1 box yellow cake mix
  • 1 3.4 oz package instant vanilla pudding mix
  • 4 eggs
  • 2 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/4 c granulated sugar
  • 1/4 c brown sugar
  • 3/4 c water
  • 3/4 c vegetable oil
  • 1/2 c white wine

Butter Glaze:

  • 1/2 c unsalted butter
  • 1 c granulated sugar
  • 1/4 c white wine

Instructions
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Grease a 10-inch Bundt pan, with butter or cooking spray.
  2. In a mixing bowl combine the cake mix, vanilla pudding mix, eggs, cinnamon, granulated sugar, brown sugar, water, vegetable oil and white wine. Gently stir the ingredients together until they are just combined. Avoid overmixing.
  3. Pour the batter into the greased bundt pan. Place it in the oven. Bake for approximately 45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the cake comes out clean.
  4. While the cake is baking you can prepare the glaze. In a saucepan over medium-high heat melt the butter. Add granulated sugar and white wine to it. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes. Until all sugar has dissolved completely.
  5. Once your cake is done baking use a fork to poke holes over it while it's still hot. Pour the butter glaze slowly over the surface of the cake so that it seeps into those little holes.
  6. To serve your cake gently loosen it from the pan using a knife or spatula. Carefully invert it, onto a serving plate. Enjoy this treat while it's still warm!

Notes

Don't worry if you're a fan of our Gooey Crack Cake but need a gluten-free option. We've got you covered! Just make a few substitutions. You can still enjoy this delightful treat. Swap out the cake mix with your favorite gluten-free yellow cake mix. There are plenty of great brands available that offer a similar taste and texture. Likewise choose a gluten-free instant vanilla pudding mix. These changes won't be noticeable so you'll still get that balance of moistness and flavor. And don't worry about the rest of the ingredients they're naturally gluten-free.
Audrey
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I'm Bitty, owner of nodashofgluten.com, where I share simple, delicious recipes for all tastes, including gluten-free. Check out my "About Me" page for more info!

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