The most addictive cake ever! Moist, tender, and bursting with cinnamon–vanilla flavor—a classic that brings everyone back for seconds.
Prep Time: 10 min · Bake Time: 50–60 min · Total Time: ~1 hr 10 min
Servings: 12–14 slices
📚 Table of Contents
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Why This Cake Is So Irresistible
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Ingredients You’ll Need
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Quick Recipe Overview
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Step‑by‑Step Guide
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Optional Glaze for Extra Decadence
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Storage & Serving Tips
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Tips & FAQs
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Kristy’s Note
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More Heirloom Cake Favorites
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Bake & Share!
🌟 1. Why This Cake Is So Irresistible
This is a retro-style, scratch-ish cake that hits all the comfort-zone sweet spots: the buttery crumbles of yellow cake, warm cinnamon, and the velvet depth of vanilla pudding. It’s nostalgic, crowd-pleasing, and totally approachable—no one minds it’s from a box. 😉
🛒 2. Ingredients You’ll Need
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1 box Duncan Hines yellow cake mix
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¼ cup brown sugar
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¼ cup granulated sugar
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1 box (larger size) vanilla instant pudding mix
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2 tsp ground cinnamon
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4 large eggs
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¾ cup water
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¾ cup vegetable oil
Optional Glaze:
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¼ cup melted butter
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½ cup sugar
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¼ cup water
🥄 3. Quick Recipe Overview
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Mix dry + wet ingredients until smooth.
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Pour into a greased bundt pan.
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Bake at 350°F for 50–60 minutes (or per cake mix instructions).
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Cool 10 minutes, invert, then cool completely.
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Drizzle optional warm glaze for an extra indulgent finish.
🍽 4. Step‑by‑Step Guide
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Prep Oven & Pan
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a bundt pan (or follow pan size instructions on cake mix). -
Mix the Batter
In a large bowl, beat together yellow cake mix, both sugars, vanilla pudding mix, and cinnamon. Add eggs, water, and oil, beating on medium speed until smooth. -
Bake
Pour batter evenly into the pan. Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. -
Cool the Cake
Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then carefully invert onto a wire rack to cool completely.
🍯 5. Optional Glaze for Extra Decadence
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In a small saucepan, combine melted butter, sugar, and water.
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Bring to a boil, stirring to dissolve the sugar.
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Drizzle warm glaze over the cooled cake, allowing it to soak in for a glossy, sweet finish.
🥡 6. Storage & Serving Tips
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Keep covered at room temperature for up to 3 days.
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Reheat slices briefly in the microwave for a “just-baked” feel.
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Glaze on leftovers for a refresh—it perks up each slice!
❓ 7. Tips & FAQs
Can I use low-fat pudding?
Yes—plump up the texture slightly, but still delicious.
What pan sizes work?
Bundt is classic, but you can use a tube, Bundt mini, or standard 9×13 pan—adjust bake time per box instructions.
Can I perfume it with other spices?
Absolutely! Nutmeg, cardamom, or even a touch of ginger work beautifully with cinnamon.
📝 8. Kristy’s Note
This cake reminds me of Sunday nights at grandma’s house—simple ingredients, incredible warmth. It’s perfect for those nostalgic cravings and always sparks joy when I bake it for friends and family. Give it a spin—you won’t want to stop at one slice!
🍰 9. More Heirloom Cake Favorites
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Retro Pineapple Upside-Down Cake
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Classic Sour Cream Coffee Cake
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Buttermilk Pound Cake with Lemon Glaze
✅ 10. Bake & Share!
Made this cake? Tag me @KristyCookRecipes on Instagram—I’d love to see your nostalgic masterpiece! Leave a comment with your favorite family cake memory. Let’s celebrate sweetness—together! 💛