Gooey Crack Cake is a rich and indulgent dessert that combines the simplicity of a boxed cake mix with the irresistible flavors of cinnamon, vanilla, and a hint of white wine (or apple juice). This cake is known for its moist, gooey texture that melts in your mouth and keeps you coming back for more. Perfect for any occasion, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser and a favorite in your dessert rotation.
Ingredients
- 1 box yellow cake mix
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup white sugar
- 1 box instant vanilla pudding mix
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon
- 4 eggs
- 3/4 cup water
- 3/4 cup oil
- 1/2 cup white wine (can substitute apple juice)
- 1 cup chopped nuts (optional)
Directions
- Preheat and Prepare the Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan to prevent the cake from sticking.
- Mix the Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cake mix, brown sugar, white sugar, instant vanilla pudding mix, and cinnamon. Stir until well combined. Add in the eggs, water, oil, and white wine (or apple juice) and mix until smooth. If using, fold in the chopped nuts.
- Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the cake to cool slightly before slicing and serving.
Servings and Timing
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Servings: 12
Variations
- Flavor Variations: Try swapping the yellow cake mix for a spice or carrot cake mix to add different flavor profiles to the cake.
- Non-Alcoholic Version: Replace the white wine with apple juice or a fruit juice of your choice if you prefer a non-alcoholic version.
- Nuts: For extra texture, add walnuts, pecans, or almonds to the batter. You can also sprinkle some on top before baking for a beautiful finish.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store the Gooey Crack Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you’d like it to last longer, it can be refrigerated for up to 1 week.
- Reheating: To enjoy the cake warm, heat individual slices in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds.
10 FAQs
- Can I use a different flavor of cake mix? Yes! You can use chocolate, spice, or even carrot cake mix for a different flavor.
- Can I omit the wine? Yes, you can substitute the wine with apple juice or any other juice for a non-alcoholic version.
- Is the texture supposed to be gooey? Yes, the gooey texture is the hallmark of this cake, making it moist and rich.
- Can I make this cake ahead of time? Yes, you can make the cake a day ahead and store it covered at room temperature. It tastes just as good the next day!
- Can I add frosting to this cake? This cake is rich enough on its own, but if you prefer frosting, a light dusting of powdered sugar or a simple glaze could be a great addition.
- Can I make this cake without the pudding mix? The pudding mix contributes to the moist texture of the cake, but you can try making it without it. Just be sure to adjust the moisture levels accordingly.
- Can I freeze this cake? Yes, you can freeze this cake. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 2 months.
- What if I don’t have a 9×13 pan? You can use a different size pan, but adjust the baking time accordingly. A smaller pan may require a shorter baking time, while a larger pan may require a longer baking time.
- Is this cake better warm or cold? Gooey Crack Cake is delicious both warm and at room temperature, so feel free to enjoy it however you prefer.
- Can I add other spices like nutmeg or cloves? Absolutely! Nutmeg, cloves, or allspice can add depth and warmth to the flavor of the cake. Feel free to experiment with spices to match your taste.
Conclusion
Gooey Crack Cake is a must-try dessert that delivers big flavor with minimal effort. The combination of cake mix, vanilla pudding, cinnamon, and white wine creates a gooey, melt-in-your-mouth treat that will quickly become a favorite. Whether you’re serving it for a holiday gathering or a weeknight dessert, this cake is sure to impress everyone who tries it.