The Ultimate Fizzy Soda Cake Recipe Everyone Will Love

Sweet memories of childhood baking adventures sparked my love for this classic soda cake recipe that combines simplicity with unexpected delight.

Bubbling carbonation works magic in creating an incredibly moist, light-textured dessert.

Pantry staples become something extraordinary with just a few clever tricks.

Every home baker can master this surprisingly easy technique that requires minimal effort.

Soft crumbs and gentle sweetness promise a comforting treat perfect for afternoon gatherings.

Whipping up this cake feels like sharing a warm culinary secret with friends.

Peek into your kitchen and let the baking magic begin.

Soda Cake Surprises

• Simplify Baking Process: Transform a standard cake mix into a delightful dessert with just two ingredients, making the preparation incredibly straightforward and beginner-friendly.
• Burst of Citrus Flavor: Infuse your cake with vibrant orange soda and extract, creating a unique, refreshing taste that sets this recipe apart from traditional baked goods.
• Quick Crowd-Pleaser: Craft a stunning layer cake that looks professionally decorated but requires minimal culinary skills, perfect for casual gatherings or special celebrations.
• Customize with Ease: Experiment with different soda flavors and food coloring to personalize the cake, making it a versatile recipe for any occasion or personal preference.

Ingredients For Soda Cake

• Cake Mix: A convenient base that provides the foundation for the cake's structure and flavor.
• Orange Soda: A unique liquid ingredient that replaces traditional water or milk, adding moisture and subtle citrus notes.
• Orange Extract: Enhances the orange flavor and provides an intense citrus aroma to the cake.

• Whipped Frosting: A light and creamy topping that adds sweetness and a smooth texture to the cake.
• Orange Gel Food Color: Creates a vibrant orange hue for the decorative frosting layer.

• Parchment Paper Circles: Ensures easy cake removal and prevents sticking to the cake pans.
• Baking Spray: Helps to grease the cake pans and prevents the cake from sticking during baking.

Soda Cake How-To

Step 1: Prepare Baking Equipment

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line two 9-inch round cake pans with parchment paper and lightly spray with non-stick baking spray. Set pans aside.

Step 2: Create Cake Batter

• Cake mix
• Orange soda
• Orange extract

Use a handheld mixer on medium-low speed and blend for 1-2 minutes until smooth and well incorporated.

Step 3: Bake The Cake

Pour cake batter evenly into prepared pans. Bake for 22-24 minutes until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Allow cakes to cool completely.

Step 4: Prepare Frosting

In a small bowl, mix half a container of whipped frosting with 2-3 drops of orange gel food coloring. Stir until color is uniform.

Step 5: Assemble The Cake

Place first cake layer on serving dish. Spread remaining frosting from first container evenly across the top.

Step 6: Layer And Frost

Carefully position second cake layer on top. Use remaining whipped frosting to cover entire cake’s top and sides.

Step 7: Decorate Cake Edges

Using a decorators bag with star tip or a Ziploc bag with snipped corner, pipe decorative rose shapes around the cake’s outer edge by squeezing with consistent pressure.

Tips For Soda Cake

• Boost Soda Flavor: Add extra orange extract or zest to intensify the citrusy taste and make the cake more vibrant.
• Frosting Hack: Chill the cake for 15-20 minutes after frosting to help the layers set and create a smoother appearance.
• Prevent Sticking: Always use parchment paper circles and baking spray to ensure easy cake removal from the pan.
• Color Control: Start with minimal food gel coloring and gradually add more to achieve the desired orange shade without overwhelming the frosting.
• Texture Tip: Mix cake batter just until combined to maintain a light, fluffy texture and avoid overmixing.

Variations For Soda Cake

• Lemon Soda Delight: Replace orange soda with lemon-lime soda and lemon extract for a zesty citrus flavor profile.
• Chocolate Cola Remix: Swap orange soda with cola and add cocoa powder to the cake mix for a rich chocolate experience.
• Vegan Berry Soda Cake: Use gluten-free cake mix, replace soda with sparkling berry juice, and substitute whipped frosting with coconut cream frosting for a plant-based version.
• Gluten-Free Vanilla Soda Cake: Utilize gluten-free cake mix, use clear vanilla soda, and add vanilla extract for a classic gluten-free alternative.

Pairing Ideas For Soda Cake

• Chilled Citrus Sorbet: Complement the cake's bright orange flavor with a refreshing, tangy sorbet that cleanses the palate and enhances the dessert's citrusy notes.
• Creamy Vanilla Latte: Balance the cake's sweetness with a smooth, rich coffee drink that provides a subtle contrast and adds depth to the overall taste experience.
• Sparkling Prosecco: Elevate the cake's festive nature with a light, bubbly wine that cuts through the sweetness and adds a touch of elegance to the dessert.
• Orange Liqueur Cocktail: Intensify the orange essence with a citrus-based cocktail that echoes the cake's vibrant flavor profile and creates a harmonious drinking companion.

Storage Tips For Soda Cake

• Store the cake in an airtight container or cover with plastic wrap in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Keep the cake away from strong-smelling foods to prevent flavor absorption.
• Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil. Place in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
• If serving within 1-2 days, keep the cake covered at room temperature in a cool, dry place. Use a cake dome or loosely tent with foil to maintain moisture.
• Cut individual slices and store them separately in sealed containers for easy grab-and-go portions. This method helps preserve freshness and prevents the entire cake from drying out.

Soda Cake FAQs

• What makes the orange soda unique in this cake recipe?

The orange soda replaces traditional liquid ingredients like water or milk, adding natural flavor and moisture to the cake mix, creating a lighter and more tender texture.

• Can I use a different type of soda instead of orange soda?

Yes, you can experiment with other sodas like cola, sprite, or root beer to create different flavor variations of the cake.

• Do I need any special baking skills to make this soda cake?

No, this recipe is beginner-friendly and requires minimal baking skills. You just need to mix the cake mix with soda, bake, and frost the cake.

• How do I know when the cake is fully baked?

Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean without any wet batter, the cake is fully baked and ready to be removed from the oven.

Soda Cake Recipe

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4.5 from 8 reviews

• Total Time: 34-36 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Sweet Southern Soda Cake brings nostalgic comfort straight from grandma’s kitchen, blending simple pantry ingredients into a miraculously moist dessert. Quick and easy preparation makes this cake perfect for spontaneous gatherings or quiet moments when you crave something delightfully homemade.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 15.25 ounces (432 grams) vanilla cake mix
• 12 ounces (340 milliliters) orange soda

Flavor Enhancers:

• 1 teaspoon (5 milliliters) pure orange extract
• 2 to 3 drops orange gel food color

Frosting:

• 24 ounces (680 grams) whipped white frosting, (two 12-ounce containers)

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F and prepare two 9-inch round cake pans by lining with parchment circles and lightly spraying with baking spray.
2. In a medium mixing bowl, combine cake mix with orange soda, stirring until no dry mix remains.
3. Add orange extract and blend using a handheld mixer on medium-low speed for 1-2 minutes until smooth and homogeneous.
4. Distribute batter evenly between prepared cake pans, ensuring uniform coverage.
5. Bake for 22-24 minutes, checking doneness by inserting a toothpick – it should come out clean when the cake is fully baked.
6. Remove from oven and allow cakes to cool completely at room temperature.
7. In a separate small bowl, mix half a container of whipped frosting with 2-3 drops of orange gel food coloring until color is consistent.
8. Place first cake layer on serving dish and spread remaining half of frosting evenly across the top using a silicone or offset spatula.
9. Carefully position second cake layer on top of the first.
10. Cover entire cake with remaining white whipped frosting, smoothing sides and top for a clean finish.
11. Using a decorator’s bag with a star tip, pipe decorative rose-shaped borders around the cake’s outer edge by applying consistent pressure and creating circular motions.

Notes

• Swap out the cake mix for a gluten-free alternative to make this recipe suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Use low-sugar soda and a sugar-free frosting to create a diabetic-friendly version of this dessert.
• Experiment with different soda flavors like cream soda or root beer to create unique cake variations that surprise your taste buds.
• Store leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days to maintain its moisture and freshness.

• Prep Time: 12 minutes
• Cook Time: 22-24 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 431
• Sugar: 50 g
• Sodium: 210 mg
• Fat: 17 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 72 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 40 mg