This Mom’s Best Cake is a nostalgic, comforting treat that will have everyone asking for seconds. Moist, tender, and bursting with flavor, it’s the perfect blend of cinnamon warmth and vanilla sweetness. Whether for celebrations or an everyday indulgence, this cake is so addictive, you’ll find yourself making it again and again.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: Made with a boxed mix for simplicity but enhanced with extra ingredients for a homemade feel.
- Incredibly Moist: The pudding mix and oil create a perfectly tender crumb.
- Versatile: Dress it up with a glaze or enjoy it as-is for a comforting dessert.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for birthdays, holidays, or a family gathering.
Ingredients
- 1 box Duncan Hines yellow cake mix
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup white sugar
- 1 box (3.4 oz) vanilla pudding instant mix
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon
- 4 eggs
- 3/4 cup water
- 3/4 cup oil
Optional Glaze (for extra indulgence):
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup water
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- Bundt pan (or any preferred cake pan)
- Mixing bowl
- Electric mixer
- Wire rack
- Saucepan (for optional glaze)
Step-by-Step Directions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a bundt pan thoroughly to prevent sticking. You can use a different type of pan; follow the baking times listed on the back of the cake mix box.
Step 2: Prepare the Batter
In a large mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, brown sugar, white sugar, vanilla pudding mix, and cinnamon. Add the eggs, water, and oil. Beat on medium speed for 2-3 minutes until the batter is smooth and well blended.
Step 3: Pour the Batter
Pour the prepared batter evenly into the greased and floured bundt pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
Step 4: Bake the Cake
Place the bundt pan in the preheated oven and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 5: Cool the Cake
Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Carefully invert the pan onto a wire rack and allow the cake to cool completely before serving.
Step 6: Optional Glaze
For an extra touch of indulgence, combine the melted butter, sugar, and water in a small saucepan. Heat over medium-high, stirring constantly, until the sugar is fully dissolved. Drizzle the warm glaze over the cooled cake for a shiny, sweet finish.
Serving and Storage Tips
- Serving: This cake is perfect as a dessert or a sweet breakfast treat. Dust with powdered sugar or serve with whipped cream for added flair.
- Storage: Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate it for up to a week.
- Freezing: Wrap slices individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Variations
- Nutty Addition: Add 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts to the batter for a nutty crunch.
- Spiced Twist: Swap cinnamon with pumpkin pie spice or cardamom for a different flavor profile.
- Citrus Flavor: Replace some of the water with orange juice and add orange zest for a citrusy twist.
- Chocolate Lover’s Dream: Stir in 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips into the batter.
Helpful Notes and Tips from Chefs
- Greasing the Pan: Use a nonstick cooking spray with flour or butter the pan and dust it with flour to ensure the cake releases easily.
- Don’t Overmix: Overmixing can lead to a dense cake. Beat just until the batter is smooth and combined.
- Cooling Time: Let the cake cool slightly in the pan before inverting to prevent it from breaking apart.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different cake mix brand?
Yes! Any yellow cake mix will work, though Duncan Hines is known for its consistent results.
What can I substitute for the oil?
You can use melted butter or unsweetened applesauce for a slightly different flavor and texture.
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Absolutely. This cake stays moist for days, making it a great make-ahead dessert.
Can I skip the glaze?
Yes, the cake is delicious on its own, but the glaze adds an extra layer of sweetness and moisture.
How do I ensure my bundt cake comes out cleanly?
Make sure to grease and flour the pan thoroughly and let the cake cool slightly before attempting to remove it.
This Mom’s Best Cake is everything you want in a dessert—easy, moist, and full of nostalgic flavors. It’s the ultimate no-fuss cake that’s guaranteed to impress everyone at the table.
