🛒 Ingredients
1 (18.25 oz) box chocolate fudge cake mix (like Duncan Hines)
1 (3.4 oz) package instant chocolate pudding mix (optional but recommended for richness)
4 large eggs
½ cup vegetable oil
1 cup (240ml) water
1 tsp vanilla extract
½ cup powdered sugar, plus more for dusting
🔥 Pro Tip: The pudding mix adds moisture and depth — don’t skip it!
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
1️⃣ Prep & Preheat
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish or line with parchment paper.
2️⃣ Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine:
Cake mix
Instant chocolate pudding mix (if using)
3️⃣ Add Wet Ingredients
Add:
Eggs
Oil
Water
Vanilla extract
Beat with a spoon or hand mixer until smooth (~2 mins).
Stir in ½ cup powdered sugar — this helps create the signature crinkle effect.
✅ Batter will be thick — that’s perfect!
4️⃣ Bake to Perfection
Pour batter into prepared pan.
Smooth the top gently.
Bake 30–35 minutes, until a toothpick comes out with moist crumbs (not wet batter).
Watch closely — edges should be set, center slightly soft.
5️⃣ Cool & Dust
Let cool completely in the pan.
Sift or sprinkle a generous layer of powdered sugar over the top.
It’ll settle into the cracks — creating that iconic snowy look.
6️⃣ Slice & Serve
Cut into squares.
Serve at room temperature.
🍽️ Serving Ideas:
With vanilla ice cream
A glass of cold milk
Drizzled with caramel or chocolate sauce
🌈 Variations & Pro Hacks
🌱 Gluten-Free? Use GF chocolate cake mix + GF pudding
🍫 From-Scratch Version: Mix 1¾ cups flour, 1¾ cups sugar, ¾ cup cocoa, 1 tsp baking soda, ½ tsp salt — then add wet ingredients as above
🧊 Make-Ahead Magic: Keeps 4 days at room temp or 1 week in fridge
❄️ Freeze It! Freeze uncut cake for up to 3 months — thaw, re-dust with powdered sugar
☕ Mocha Twist: Add 1 tbsp instant coffee or espresso powder to the batter
🧁 Mini Muffins: Bake at 350°F for 15–18 mins — perfect portion control
🧠 Why This Works So Well
Powdered sugar in batter = tender crumb + crackle-prone surface
Pudding mix = extra moisture and shelf life
Slight underbake = fudgy center that firms as it cools
Cooling time = allows cracks to set before dusting
It’s not magic — it’s Southern baking science. ✨
❤️ Final Thought: Sometimes, the Best Things Are Simple & Sweet
You don’t need a long ingredient list or hours in the kitchen to make something truly special.
Just good chocolate, real eggs, and love.
This Crinkle Cake proves that the most memorable desserts are often the simplest — where every bite tastes like childhood joy and cozy nights.
So next time you want to bake something beautiful…
Grab that mixing bowl.
Whip up this easy recipe.
And let your kitchen fill with the scent of cocoa, vanilla, and home-baked happiness.
Because sometimes, happiness comes cracked and covered in sugar. 💛