A delightfully moist and flavorful cake with a rich cinnamon-spiced aroma, Mom’s Best Cake is a classic that brings comfort and joy with every bite. Made with simple pantry staples, this cake is perfect for family gatherings, celebrations, or just an indulgent afternoon treat.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Simple ingredients: Easy-to-find items make this recipe accessible and hassle-free.
Irresistibly moist: Thanks to the addition of pudding mix, this cake stays soft and tender.
Versatile: The optional glaze adds a delightful sweetness, but the cake is just as delicious on its own.
Perfect for any occasion: Whether it’s a holiday or a weekday, this cake is sure to please.
Customizable: Add nuts, raisins, or chocolate chips to suit your preferences.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
1 box Duncan Hines yellow cake mix
1/4 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup white granulated sugar
1 box vanilla pudding instant mix (large size)
2 teaspoons cinnamon
4 eggs
3/4 cup water
3/4 cup oil
Optional Glaze:
1/4 cup melted butter
1/2 cup sugar
1/4 cup water
Directions
Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a bundt pan or your preferred baking pan.
Mix the batter: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cake mix, brown sugar, white sugar, vanilla pudding mix, and cinnamon. Add the eggs, water, and oil. Beat on medium speed until smooth and well combined.
Pour the batter: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pan.
Bake: Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Adjust baking time for different pan types.
Cool the cake: Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before inverting onto a wire rack to cool completely.
Optional glaze: For an extra touch, combine melted butter, sugar, and water in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Pour the warm glaze over the cooled cake.
Servings and Timing
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 50-60 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 12 slices
Calories: 340 kcal per serving
Variations
Add-ins: Stir in 1/2 cup chopped nuts, raisins, or mini chocolate chips to the batter for added texture.
Spices: Enhance the flavor with a pinch of nutmeg or allspice.
Citrus twist: Add a teaspoon of orange or lemon zest for a bright, fresh flavor.
Layered cake: Bake in two round cake pans for a layered presentation and frost with cream cheese frosting.
Vegan option: Use an egg replacer and swap oil for applesauce to make it vegan-friendly.
Storage/Reheating
Storage: Keep the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Refrigerate if adding the glaze to extend its shelf life to 5 days.
Freezing: Wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Reheating: Warm individual slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds for a fresh-from-the-oven taste.
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FAQs
How do I prevent the cake from sticking to the pan?
I recommend greasing and flouring the pan thoroughly or using a non-stick baking spray to ensure easy release.
Can I make this cake without a bundt pan?
Yes! You can use a 9×13-inch pan, two 8-inch round pans, or even cupcake tins. Adjust the baking time accordingly.
Can I use a different flavor of pudding mix?
Absolutely! Try chocolate, butterscotch, or even lemon pudding mix to give the cake a new flavor profile.
Is the glaze necessary?
No, the cake is delicious on its own, but the glaze adds an extra layer of sweetness and moisture that I love.
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes, you can bake the cake a day in advance. Store it in an airtight container, and if using glaze, add it just before serving.
Conclusion
Mom’s Best Cake is a timeless dessert that’s as easy to make as it is delightful to eat. Its tender crumb and warm cinnamon flavor make it a favorite for all occasions. Whether you enjoy it plain or with the optional glaze, this cake is sure to become a cherished recipe in your kitchen.
📖 Recipe:
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Mom’s Best Cake
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Discover the ultimate comfort dessert with Mom’s Best Cake—a moist and flavorful classic made with a hint of cinnamon and a rich vanilla aroma. Perfect for family gatherings or casual indulgence, this cake is easy to prepare with pantry staples and offers delightful variations to suit every taste.
Ingredients
1 box Duncan Hines yellow cake mix
1/4 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup white granulated sugar
1 large box vanilla pudding instant mix
2 tsp cinnamon
4 eggs
3/4 cup water
3/4 cup oil
Optional Glaze:
1/4 cup melted butter
1/2 cup sugar
1/4 cup water
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a bundt pan or desired baking pan.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cake mix, brown sugar, white sugar, vanilla pudding mix, and cinnamon. Add eggs, water, and oil. Beat on medium speed until smooth.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan.
- Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Adjust time for different pans.
- Cool the cake in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
- Optional glaze: Combine butter, sugar, and water in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, stirring until sugar dissolves. Pour over the cooled cake.
Notes
Add-ins like nuts, raisins, or chocolate chips can be incorporated for variety.
Adjust spices to taste, such as adding nutmeg or allspice.
Ensure the pan is thoroughly greased to prevent sticking.
The glaze adds extra moisture but is optional.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 50-60 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12 servings
- Calories: 340 kcal
