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Crinkle Cake (Easy Sour Cream Bundt Cake)


 There are few desserts that make a bigger impression with less effort than this beautiful Crinkle Cake. With its golden, crackled top, incredibly moist crumb, and sweet vanilla glaze, it's the kind of cake that looks like it came from a neighborhood bakery—but starts with a simple boxed cake mix!

One of my favorite things about this recipe is how dependable it is. Whether I'm baking for a holiday gathering, Sunday dinner, or simply because we're craving something sweet, this cake never disappoints. Every slice is soft, rich, and full of classic homemade flavor.

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Why You'll Love This Crinkle Cake

This recipe has become a favorite in my kitchen for so many reasons.

  • Starts with a boxed cake mix for convenience.
  • Wonderfully moist thanks to sour cream.
  • Beautiful crackled top that looks bakery-worthy.
  • Perfect for holidays, birthdays, brunches, and potlucks.
  • Easy enough for beginner bakers.
  • Delicious with coffee, tea, or a glass of cold milk.

What Does Crinkle Cake Taste Like?

Imagine a rich vanilla pound cake with an incredibly tender crumb and a delicate buttery flavor. The sour cream adds moisture and a slight tang that balances the sweetness perfectly, while the vanilla glaze creates a beautiful finishing touch.

Every bite is soft, comforting, and just sweet enough.

Recipe Benefits

  • Ready with minimal prep.
  • Uses pantry-friendly ingredients.
  • Easy to customize with different cake mix flavors.
  • Stays moist for several days.
  • Makes a stunning centerpiece dessert.

Ingredients

For the Cake

  • 1 box (15.25 ounces) yellow or white cake mix
  • 1 cup full-fat sour cream
  • 4 large eggs, room temperature
  • ½ cup vegetable oil (or melted butter)
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

For the Vanilla Glaze

  • 1½ cups powdered sugar
  • 3–4 tablespoons milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Kitchen Tools You'll Need

  • 10- or 12-cup Bundt pan
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Hand mixer or stand mixer
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Cooling rack
  • Whisk

Ingredient Substitutions and Variations

This recipe is incredibly versatile.

Try Different Cake Mixes

  • Lemon cake mix
  • Butter cake mix
  • Chocolate cake mix
  • Spice cake mix

Sour Cream Substitute

Full-fat plain Greek yogurt works beautifully if you're out of sour cream.

Flavor Additions

  • Lemon zest
  • Orange zest
  • Mini chocolate chips
  • Chopped pecans or walnuts
  • Cinnamon
  • Almond extract

How to Make Crinkle Cake

Step 1: Prepare the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Grease and flour a 10- or 12-cup Bundt pan, making sure every crevice is coated well.

Step 2: Mix the Batter

In a large bowl, combine:

  • Cake mix
  • Sour cream
  • Eggs
  • Oil
  • Vanilla

Beat on medium speed for about 2 minutes until smooth.

The batter will be thick—this is exactly what you want.

Step 3: Bake

Spread the batter evenly into the prepared Bundt pan.

Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 4: Cool

Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 15 minutes.

Carefully invert it onto a cooling rack and allow it to cool completely.

Step 5: Make the Glaze

Whisk together:

  • Powdered sugar
  • Vanilla
  • Milk

Add just enough milk to create a smooth glaze that slowly drizzles from the whisk.

Pour over the cooled cake and let it cascade down the sides.

What to Serve with Crinkle Cake

This cake pairs wonderfully with:

  • Fresh strawberries
  • Blueberries
  • Raspberries
  • Whipped cream
  • Vanilla ice cream
  • Hot coffee
  • Earl Grey tea
  • Hot chocolate

It's equally delicious for brunch, dessert, or an afternoon coffee break.

Tips for the Best Crinkle Cake

  • Bring eggs and sour cream to room temperature.
  • Don't overmix the batter.
  • Avoid overbaking to keep the cake moist.
  • Grease the Bundt pan thoroughly.
  • Let the cake cool for 15 minutes before removing it from the pan.
  • Allow the cake to cool completely before glazing.

Storage Instructions

Store the cake covered at room temperature for up to 3 days.

For longer storage, refrigerate it for up to 5 days in an airtight container.

To freeze, wrap the unglazed cake tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and glaze before serving.

General Information

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 40–45 minutes

Cooling Time: 1 hour

Total Time: About 2 hours

Servings: 12

Difficulty: Easy

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is it called Crinkle Cake?

As the thick batter rises in the oven, the surface naturally develops beautiful cracks and ridges, creating the signature "crinkle" appearance.

Why didn't my cake release from the Bundt pan?

Make sure the pan is generously greased and floured before adding the batter. Allowing the cake to cool for about 15 minutes before inverting also helps it release cleanly.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! In fact, many people find the flavor is even better the next day.

Can I freeze Crinkle Cake?

Yes! Freeze the cake without the glaze for the best results, then add fresh glaze after thawing.

Nutritional Information (Approximate Per Serving)

  • Calories: 390
  • Carbohydrates: 49g
  • Protein: 5g
  • Fat: 19g
  • Saturated Fat: 5g
  • Cholesterol: 70mg
  • Sodium: 340mg
  • Sugar: 33g

Nutrition values are estimates and may vary depending on the ingredients used.

More Easy Cake Recipes You'll Love

If you enjoyed this Crinkle Cake, be sure to try these reader favorites:

  • Lemon Bundt Cake
  • Classic Sour Cream Coffee Cake
  • Chocolate Pound Cake
  • Vanilla Glazed Butter Cake
  • Cinnamon Swirl Bundt Cake

Let's Bake Something Wonderful!

I hope this easy Crinkle Cake becomes one of your favorite go-to desserts. It's proof that simple ingredients can create something truly special, whether you're baking for a celebration or just treating your family to something sweet.

If you make this recipe, I'd love to hear how it turned out! Leave a review below, share your favorite variation, and don't forget to snap a photo and share it on Pinterest. Seeing your beautiful creations is one of my favorite parts of sharing recipes.

Happy baking!