Introduction:

There’s a reason this is called Mom’s Best Cake — because it really is the best. Moist, tender, perfectly sweet, and kissed with cinnamon, this cake is as comforting as a warm hug. Made with simple pantry ingredients and a boxed cake mix shortcut, it delivers bakery-quality flavor with minimal effort.

This recipe has been passed around kitchens, scribbled on notecards, and shared at potlucks for generations. The addition of vanilla pudding mix gives it that incredibly rich and soft crumb, while cinnamon and brown sugar bring in that warm, cozy flavor you remember from childhood.

If you’re looking for a cake that’s easy to make but still wows every single time — this is it.

📝 Ingredients:

1 box Duncan Hines yellow cake mix
1 box (5.1 oz) vanilla instant pudding mix (large size)
¼ cup brown sugar

¼ cup white granulated sugar
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
4 large eggs

¾ cup water
¾ cup vegetable oil

Optional Add-Ins: Chopped nuts, mini chocolate chips, or a simple glaze.

👩‍🍳 Preparation:

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a Bundt pan or a 9×13-inch baking dish.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, vanilla pudding mix, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and ground cinnamon. Stir until evenly blended.

Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients

Add the eggs, water, and vegetable oil to the dry mixture. Beat using a hand or stand mixer on medium speed for about 2–3 minutes, until the batter is smooth and well combined.

Step 4: Pour Into Pan

Pour the batter into your prepared pan, spreading it evenly. Tap the pan gently on the counter to release any air bubbles.

Step 5: Bake

Bake at 350°F for 45–55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 6: Cool and Serve

Let the cake cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes, then turn it out onto a wire rack to cool completely if using a Bundt pan. If baked in a 9×13, you can cool and serve straight from the pan.

Optional: Dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with a simple glaze (powdered sugar + milk + vanilla) before serving.

🔄 Variation:

Add Nuts: Fold in ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts for added texture.

Swirl It: Reserve a small amount of cinnamon sugar and swirl it through the batter before baking for a marble effect.
Add Fruit: Mix in diced apples or sliced bananas for a fruity twist.
Make It Chocolatey: Toss in ½ cup mini chocolate chips for a sweet surprise.

Turn into Cupcakes: Pour batter into cupcake tins and bake 18–22 minutes.

🍳 Cooking Note:

The addition of the vanilla pudding mix is what makes this cake incredibly moist and rich — it’s the secret weapon here. Make sure not to overmix the batter once everything is combined to keep the crumb tender.

🍽️ Serving Suggestions:

Enjoy warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Perfect with coffee or tea for a cozy afternoon snack.
Serve with whipped cream and fresh berries for a light, elegant dessert.

Slice and toast leftover pieces, then butter them like cinnamon toast (trust us!).

💡 Tips:

For best flavor, use high-quality cinnamon.
This cake stays moist for days – store in an airtight container at room temperature.

Want more sweetness? Add a cinnamon-sugar glaze.
Let cake cool fully before glazing to avoid runny icing.

⏱️ Prep Time:

10 minutes

⏲️ Cooking Time:

45–55 minutes

⌛ Total Time:

1 hour 5 minutes (including cooling)

🧪 Nutritional Information (Approx. per slice – serves 12):

Calories: 375
Protein: 4g
Sodium: 330mg

❓ FAQs

Q: Can I use a different brand of cake mix?
A: Yes, but Duncan Hines yields the softest texture in this recipe. Use any moist-style yellow cake mix for similar results.

Q: Do I need to make the pudding first?
A: No, just add the dry pudding mix directly to the batter. That’s what makes the cake moist and dense.

Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Definitely! This cake actually tastes even better the next day. Store covered at room temp for up to 4 days.

Q: Can I freeze it?
A: Yes. Cool completely, wrap tightly in plastic and foil, and freeze up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

📝 Conclusion:

Mom’s Best Cake is the kind of recipe that stays in the family for generations — and for good reason. It’s simple, comforting, and downright addictive. That moist texture, cinnamon-sugar flavor, and dreamy vanilla aroma make it perfect for any occasion.

From potlucks and family dinners to holiday brunches and everyday cravings, this cake has you covered. Bake it once, and you’ll understand why it’s called “the best.” ❤️