Mom’s Best Cake – The Most Addictive and Delicious Cake Recipe
If you’re searching for the best cake recipe that’s easy to make and guaranteed to impress, Mom’s Best Cake is the answer. This cake is moist, rich, and packed with flavor, making it the perfect dessert for any occasion. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, hosting a holiday gathering, or just craving a sweet treat, this cake will become your go-to recipe. The combination of yellow cake mix, vanilla pudding, and a blend of brown and white sugar creates a cake that’s soft, tender, and perfectly sweet. Topped with a delicious glaze or frosting, this cake is irresistible from the first bite. If you’ve been looking for easy dessert recipes, moist cake recipes, or the best cake recipes for family gatherings, you’ve come to the right place. This cake not only tastes amazing but also fills your kitchen with a heavenly aroma while baking. It’s one of those recipes that becomes a family tradition, passed down through generations because of its simple yet incredible flavor. With just a few ingredients and easy steps, you can create a cake that tastes like it came from a high-end bakery.
Ingredients
To make Mom’s Best Cake, you only need a few simple ingredients. Most of them are pantry staples, making this a convenient dessert option when you want something quick and delicious.
For the Cake:
- 1 box Duncan Hines yellow cake mix
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup white sugar
- 1 box (5.1 oz) vanilla instant pudding mix
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup water
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon butter extract (optional for extra flavor)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk (or more for desired consistency)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon butter extract (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare the Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan or bundt cake pan to prevent the cake from sticking. You can also use non-stick cooking spray if you prefer. - Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, brown sugar, white sugar, and vanilla pudding mix. Stir well to ensure the sugars and pudding mix are evenly distributed throughout the cake mix. This combination creates a soft, tender cake with a rich flavor. - Add the Wet Ingredients
Add the vegetable oil, water, eggs, vanilla extract, and butter extract (if using) to the dry mixture. Beat on low speed with an electric mixer until the ingredients are combined. Then increase the speed to medium and mix for about 2 minutes, or until the batter is smooth and creamy. The pudding mix helps create a rich, moist texture, while the vanilla and butter extract add depth to the flavor. - Pour and Bake
Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Tap the pan gently on the counter to remove any air bubbles. Bake in the preheated oven for 35 to 40 minutes (if using a 9×13-inch pan) or 45 to 50 minutes (if using a bundt pan). The cake is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. - Cool the Cake
Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. If using a bundt pan, carefully invert the cake onto a wire rack and let it cool completely before glazing. If using a 9×13-inch pan, you can leave the cake in the pan while it cools. - Prepare the Glaze
While the cake is cooling, prepare the glaze. In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, vanilla extract, and butter extract (if using). Adjust the consistency by adding more milk if the glaze is too thick or more powdered sugar if it’s too thin. The glaze should be smooth and pourable. - Glaze the Cake
Once the cake has cooled completely, drizzle the glaze over the top of the cake. You can use a spoon or a piping bag to create even lines. Let the glaze set for about 15 minutes before slicing and serving. - Serve and Enjoy
Cut the cake into slices and serve. This cake pairs beautifully with a cup of coffee or tea, making it a perfect dessert or afternoon treat. The moist, rich texture combined with the sweet glaze creates a delicious balance of flavors.
Tips for Success
- Use High-Quality Ingredients – The flavor of the cake depends on the quality of the ingredients. Use a high-quality yellow cake mix and pure vanilla extract for the best taste.
- Don’t Overmix the Batter – Overmixing can create a dense cake. Mix until just combined to keep the cake light and fluffy.
- Let the Cake Cool Completely – Glazing a warm cake can cause the glaze to melt and become too thin. Allow the cake to cool completely before glazing.
- Add Extra Flavor – Try adding a teaspoon of almond extract or a dash of cinnamon to the batter for a unique twist.
Variations
- Chocolate Chip Cake – Add 1 cup of mini chocolate chips to the batter for a chocolatey version of Mom’s Best Cake.
- Lemon Cake – Substitute lemon pudding mix for the vanilla pudding mix and add 1 teaspoon of lemon zest for a bright, tangy flavor.
- Coconut Cake – Add 1 cup of shredded coconut to the batter and use coconut extract instead of butter extract for a tropical twist.
- Nutty Cake – Add 1/2 cup of chopped pecans or walnuts to the batter for extra texture and flavor.
How to Store Mom’s Best Cake
Room Temperature: Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Keep it covered to prevent it from drying out.
Refrigerator: If you prefer to keep the cake longer, store it in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Let it sit at room temperature for 15 to 20 minutes before serving for the best texture.
Freezer: You can freeze this cake for up to 2 months. Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe container or resealable bag. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
Why This Recipe Works
Mom’s Best Cake is the perfect combination of convenience and flavor. The yellow cake mix and pudding mix create a foolproof base that’s rich and tender. The combination of brown sugar and white sugar adds depth and sweetness, while the glaze enhances the flavor without overpowering the cake itself. This cake is versatile, easy to make, and consistently delicious – no wonder it’s called Mom’s Best Cake!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different flavor of cake mix?
Yes, you can substitute white, chocolate, or spice cake mix for the yellow cake mix to create different flavor variations.
Can I use a different type of pudding mix?
Yes, vanilla pudding works best for a classic flavor, but you can use chocolate, butterscotch, or lemon pudding mix for a unique twist.
Can I make this cake without the glaze?
Yes, the cake is delicious on its own. You can also dust it with powdered sugar or top it with whipped cream if you prefer a lighter option.
Mom’s Best Cake is a dessert that’s simple to make yet impressive enough to serve at special occasions. The moist, rich texture and sweet glaze make this cake truly irresistible. Once you try it, you’ll understand why it’s called Mom’s Best Cake – it’s the kind of dessert that brings back memories and creates new ones with every bite!