Today: Get My No Fail, Easy Cookbook Series for 60% OFF
Buy Now

Soda Cake

Pin RecipeReview Recipe
a slice of Soda Cake on a spatula
This easy soda cake recipe only requires two ingredients to create this moist and delicious two-layer cake.
Jump to Recipe
Table of Contents
  1. Soda Cake Ingredients
  2. Substitutions And Additions
  3. How To Make This Soda Cake Recipe
  4. How To Serve
  5. Storage
  6. Frequently Asked Questions
  7. More Recipes You’ll Love
  8. JUMP TO RECIPE

You’ll wonder why you never made this soda cake before when all you need is a box of cake mix, a can of soda pop, and an oven. We chose orange flavor for this fun recipe but you can use any kind of soda, whether you are in the mood for something sweet or tangy, so feel free to get creative.

a slice of cake topped with frosting on a spatula

Soda Cake Ingredients

Soda Cake raw ingredients that are labeled
Don't want to lose this recipe? Get it emailed to you directly! Enter your email below. Plus you'll get a free e-cookbook and amazing recipes sent to you daily.

You’ll need:

  • 1 (15.25-ounce) box of vanilla cake mix
  • 1 (12-ounce) can of orange soda
  • 1 teaspoon of pure orange extract
  • 2 (12-ounce) containers of whipped white frosting
  • 2 to 3 drops of orange gel food color

Substitutions And Additions

ORANGE FLAVOR: You can add one tablespoon of fresh orange zest if you do not have pure orange flavoring on hand.

SODA: You can substitute any fruit-flavored soda for the orange soda for this delicious cake. Try grape, strawberry, or lemon-lime for great choices.

FROSTING: You can add one teaspoon of pure orange flavoring to the orange-tinted frosting.

You can also add two teaspoons of fresh orange zest to the whipped frosting for an extra citrus zing.

How To Make This Soda Cake Recipe

OUR RECIPE DEVELOPER SAYS

These pre-cut parchment paper rounds are great to have on hand to make lining the round pans easier.

STEP ONE: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line two 9-inch round cake pans with parchment circles, and lightly spray with a baking spray (Baker’s Joy or a generic version). Set them aside.

STEP TWO: Add the dry cake mix to a medium-sized mixing bowl. Pour the orange soda over the boxed cake mix and add the orange extract.

PRO TIP:

You are only using the dry cake mix and not using the additional ingredients called for on the box.

STEP THREE: Use an electric mixer on medium-low speed, and mix for 1 to 1½ minutes until completely combined and smooth.

ingredients blended together in a bowl until combined

STEP FOUR: Evenly divide the cake batter between the two prepared cake pans.

Bake for 22 to 24 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center of the cake comes away clean. Allow the cakes to cool completely.

2 baked cakes placed on a cooling rack

STEP FIVE: Once the cakes have cooled, place half of one of the containers of whipped frosting into a small mixing bowl.

Add two to three drops of the orange gel food color. Stir well until the color is uniform. Set it aside.

food coloring added to frosting in a bowl

STEP SIX: Remove one of the cakes from the cake pan and place it on a serving dish. 

STEP SEVEN: Spoon the remaining ½ of the opened frosting container onto the cake.

Using a silicone spatula or an offset spatula, spread the frosting evenly over the top of the cake.

frosting spread over the top of one of the cooled cakes

STEP EIGHT: Carefully place the second cake layer on top of the bottom layer.

2nd cake placed on top of the first frosted cake

STEP NINE: Using the silicone spatula or the offset spatula, evenly spread the second container of whipped frosting over the top and sides of the cake.

frosting spread on top of the cake

STEP TEN: Using a decorator’s bag fitted with a star-shaped decorator’s tip, or a quart-size Ziploc with a small corner of the bag snipped off, hold the bag ½ inch above the surface of the outer edge of the cake.

Using even pressure squeeze the bag in a circle to form a small rose shape. Repeat the pattern around the cake. 

cake being decorated with rose shape frosting

PRO TIP:

This recipe will also work for other shapes of cakes such as bundt cakes and rectangular cakes or even with cupcakes. You’ll just have to adjust the cooking time based on the directions on the box.

How To Serve

This easy dessert is so quick to make that you can whip it up any time you have a craving for something sweet.

Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a dollop of whipped cream on the side for an extra indulgent treat.

If you love this simple recipe, you’ll also love this creamsicle pie and Butterfinger cake too!

Storage

IN THE FRIDGE: Store any leftovers of this moist cake covered in the refrigerator for up to four days.

IN THE FREEZER: You can freeze the unfrosted cake layers for up to two months.

Wrap the layers in plastic wrap, then in a layer of aluminum foil. Allow the layers to thaw overnight in the refrigerator before frosting.

close up shot of a frosted cake on a cake stand

This orange creamsicle cake is probably one of the easiest cake recipes to make. With only two ingredients needed to make the cake itself, you really can’t go wrong.

The soda will give you a moist and fluffy cake that will astound anyone you serve it to if you are willing to share the unique secret ingredient.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use diet soda in this recipe?

You could use diet soda in this recipe, but we would recommend sticking to regular soda to avoid any artificial sweeteners.

Can I use a different flavor of the soda?

You can make this cake with virtually any soda flavor. If you are using a dark soda, it may be wise to pair it with a chocolate cake mix so that your white cake isn’t too discolored.

There are so many different flavor combinations for the cake flavor in this recipe, that you can have plenty of fun with it.

Can I freeze this cake?

The unfrosted cake can be frozen for up to two months. Wrap it well in plastic wrap and then a layer of aluminum foil before storing it in the freezer.

More Recipes You’ll Love

Get Recipes on Pinterest

get recipes on pinterest
get digital lazy cookbooks
Get a Free Cookbook
Subscribe now to receive our FREE Sweet & Treats digital cookbook with 15 amazing desserts inside!
a slice of Soda Cake on a spatula

Soda Cake

5 from 71 votes
This easy soda cake recipe only requires two ingredients to create this moist and delicious two-layer cake.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings 12 slices

Ingredients
  

Cake

  • 15.25 ounces vanilla cake mix
  • 12 ounces orange soda
  • 1 teaspoon pure orange extract
  • 24 ounces whipped white frosting, (two 12-ounce containers)
  • 2 to 3 drops orange gel food color

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line two 9-inch round cake pans with parchment circles, and lightly spray with baking spray (Baker’s Joy or a generic version). Set them aside.
  • Add the cake mix to a medium-sized mixing bowl.
  • Pour the orange soda over the cake mix.
  • Add the orange extract.
  • Use a handheld mixer on medium-low speed and mix for 1 to 1½ minutes until completely combined and smooth.
  • Evenly divide the cake batter between the 2 prepared cake pans. Bake for 22 to 24 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes away clean. Allow the cakes to completely cool.
  • Once the cakes have cooled, place half of 1 of the containers of whipped frosting into a small mixing bowl. Add 2 to 3 drops of the orange gel food color. Stir well until the color is uniform. Set it aside.
  • Remove 1 of the cakes from the cake pan and place on a serving dish.
  • Spoon the remaining ½ of the opened frosting container onto the cake. Using a silicone spatula or an offset spatula, spread the frosting evenly over the top of the cake.
  • Carefully place the second cake layer on top of the bottom layer.
  • Using the silicone spatula or the offset spatula, evenly spread the second container of whipped frosting over the top and sides of the cake.
  • Using a decorator’s bag fitted with a star-shaped decorator’s tip, or a quart-size Ziploc with a small corner of the bag snipped off, hold the bag ½ inch above the surface of the outer edge of the cake. Using even pressure squeeze the bag in a circle to form a small rose shape. Repeat the pattern around the cake.

Notes

  • This recipe will also work for other shapes of cakes such as bundt cakes and rectangular cakes or even with cupcakes. You’ll just have to adjust the cooking time based on the directions on the box.
  • These pre-cut parchment paper rounds are great to have on hand to make lining the round pans easier.
  • You are only using the dry cake mix and not using the additional ingredients called for on the box.

Nutrition

Calories: 267kcal | Carbohydrates: 52g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 6g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Trans Fat: 1g | Sodium: 305mg | Potassium: 32mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 37g | Calcium: 81mg | Iron: 1mg
Have You Tried This Recipe?Follow me on Pinterest @spaceshipslb

Get Recipes on Facebook

get recipes on facebook

Proudly Prepared by the Spaceships Kitchen

This recipe was developed, tested, cooked and photographed by the Spaceships Kitchen. From our dinner table to yours, we hope you think it's out of this world!

You May Also Like

get digital lazy cookbooks

Reader Interactions

Comments

    Leave a Comment

    Recipe Rating




    Comments

  1. Katrina Johnson says

    5 stars
    This looks delicious! I love how there are so many ways to make it. To answer the question, I have always called it soda.

  2. Violet leonard says

    5 stars
    This would be fun to try! Maybe a golden butter cake mix and 7 up soda. Maybe some chocolate frosting. I call it soda. Growing up in Iowa, we called it pop there. Thanks for the recipe!

  3. Maria says

    5 stars
    I always call it pop from childhood but now call it soda. Sometimes I fall back and call it pop. This cake sounds great! I’ve made one using Coke with chocolate cake and it was great.

  4. Terry Chadwick says

    I have never made a soda cake but am looking forward to making using orange soda. It sounds super yummy.

  5. Ann says

    5 stars
    I love using a chocolate cake mix and a cherry cola (like Dr. pepper) then iced with cool whip and decorated with maraschino cherries that have been rinsed and dried! Eazy peazy and delicious!

  6. Debra says

    5 stars
    Around here we would call it a “pop” cake! I’ve never tried one but this sounds so good with the orange flavor, the only thing I would change is I would make my own frosting, I never did like canned frosting.

  7. Anne says

    5 stars
    Sounds very refreshing and EASY! I like easy recipes for my family and my son loves the flavor of orange. Thanks for the great recipe.

  8. Grace says

    5 stars
    I have never baked a soda cake before. We usually refer to soda as Pop. This sounds very yummy and will try this recipe in the near future. Thank you for the great recipes.

  9. Jenifer Evans says

    5 stars
    I can’t wait to try this recipe! I usually bake my cakes in a 9×13 pan. I recently made an icing using lemon zest and Wow! what a wonderful difference in the flavor, so I will definitely use orange zest for this recipe.

    Also, where I am from, we call it soda,or, soda water, not pop.

  10. Linda Smith says

    5 stars
    I love the simplicity of this recipe……I have always baked and especially the childrens birthday cakes…..my husband always enjoyed what I call summer light cakes….this one hits the spot!!!

  11. Brenda says

    5 stars
    I have made a similar cake. The soda depended on the cake mix. I have used diet cola with a chocolate cake for a sheet cake. Decorating is half the fun!

  12. Amy Arnold says

    As far as calling it soda or pop….it’s just coke for us! 🤣🤣🤣 Love from GA!!

  13. Erika Czajkowski says

    5 stars
    I can’t wait to try this recipe! I’m going to use strawberry soda instead of orange and throw some finely chopped strawberries into the batter because I’ve never seen strawberry extract.

  14. ann woloschak says

    5 stars
    I have made Soda Cake many times, and everyone loves it! They always comment on how moist it is. I also make chocolate cake by using cola. It’s very good , too. When making the orange cake, I usually put mandarin oranges on top in a flower design instead of the icing rosettes.

  15. Kelly Kardos says

    5 stars
    This looks fun! I’ve never used soda in baking before. Here in So Cal we call it soda. I remember visiting my grandparents in PA and hearing “pop” for the first time. I thought that was was pretty funny and my first realization how words are different in parts of the country

  16. Barbara J Lambert says

    5 stars
    This looks delicious! I call it pop! Would love to try this using green river for st. Patrick’s day.

  17. Suzette says

    5 stars
    i definitely call it pop and i have never baked a cake with a tin of pop before. I’m game to try this recipe to what it would be like.

  18. Laura MacArthur says

    5 stars
    Hi
    I have made a few cakes using “pop”. I think it is a fun way to have kids bake with you too!! It is very easy to make & there are so many flavours to make. The cake taste awesome.

  19. Susan says

    5 stars
    I can’t wait to try this; may even make it for Mothers Day tomorrow.

    Orange soda is my favorite so I am delighted that’s the one in this recipe and will later try one using Sprite with adding lime flavorings to the mix and to a cool whip topping.

  20. Sabrina Woods says

    5 stars
    I have made a pop cake before it was a cherry 7up chocolate chip cake. It was a bunt cake with cherry 7up icingand pieces of cherries too…yummy

  21. Vicki in Birmingham says

    5 stars
    I call it soda. But growing up in the South, everyone called it Coke…it didn’t matter what brand or flavor it was, it was Coke. For example, I usually got a Grape Coke or an Orange Coke!
    By the way, this recipe looks delicious! Especially since I thought the Soda in the title had to do with baking soda, rather than a drink!

  22. Vicki in Birmingham says

    5 stars
    I call it soda. But growing up in the South, everyone called it Coke…it didn’t matter what brand or flavor it was, it was Coke. For example, I usually got a Grape Coke or an Orange Coke!
    By the way, this recipe looks delicious! Especially since I thought the Soda in the title had to do with baking soda, rather than a drink!

  23. Beverly says

    5 stars
    This looks so yummy! Can’t wait to try it. I use “coke” all the time. That’s what I grew up saying about all carbonated drinks. I use “soda” in many receipe. Dr. Pepper cake is delicious, Ribs, and I put soda as the “Water” in the bottom of my pans when I am making ham or turkey. Gives a delicious flavor.

  24. Diane C Harrison says

    5 stars
    I love making soda (Pop in my part of the country) cakes. They are wonderfully moist and flavorful! I always enjoy decorating my cakes with either icing stars, rosettes, etc or just sprinkles!

  25. Jill says

    5 stars
    When I went to college I called it pop, when I left I was calling it soda. It was a weird KC and St Louis thing as my school was between. Today I still call it soda.

  26. Andrea says

    I love “7-up” pound cake and would love to try this creamsicle version.

    I usually call it soda.

  27. Edie Danner says

    5 stars
    I would use orange also it sounds so yummy.Do you think cream cheese Icing would taste good with this cake? I do.

  28. KJ says

    I’ve never made a cake with soda but this recipe sounds great! I think I’d like to try making a cherry cake with sprite!

  29. MaryJo says

    This looks yummy and easy. Growing up in the Midwest we always called it pop. I think I’ ll try cream cheese frosting. Thanks for sharing 🙂

  30. Sarah harashe says

    I’m making this today for Mother’s Day with Cherry 7up. We’ll see how it goes😄

  31. Christina Moore says

    5 stars
    I would use red cream soda or strawberry soda if I couldn’t find my red cream soda. This recipe is something I’m going to have to try out it sounds delicious.

  32. Carol Jacobson says

    5 stars
    Sounds so easy and delicious. Am definitely going to give it a try. Maybe with 7up, Husband loves things with lemon. Have tried many of your recipes and most have been delicious.

  33. Lynette Dyas says

    5 stars
    I have made a Dr. Pepper cake with chocolate cake mix before. This recipe using orange soda sounds sooo good.

  34. Lilia Z says

    We call it pop here in Eastern Washington. Husband originally from Massachusetts and he called it soda. Can’t wait to try this recipe with lemon-lime soda!

  35. Bonda Albers says

    5 stars
    This sounds yummy. I call them soda. I have twins who will be 51 this week and have been making a strawberry soda pop cake since their first birthday. It was a Pillsbury winner. It has 12 oz. Soda but also eggs and food coloring. Back then, we didn’t have strawberry frosting, so we tinted vanilla pink and added strawberries to the top. I made it in round layers then, but now in a 13×9 pan.its a favorite in our family. I’d like to try this orange flavored one tho. Thanks for your great recipes!

  36. Joni Jennings says

    5 stars
    It’s incredibly delicious! I would probably make a STRABERRY SODA SHEET cake with chocolate fudge icing to resemble that amazing flavor of a big red juicy strawberry dipped in creamy decadent chocolate fudge!!🍓🍫
    LOVE IT!!

  37. Sharon says

    5 stars
    I call it soda, even though I’m from Canada. I have always only used 7Up with a cake mix and I’ve always used a Bundt pan. I look forward to trying your orange soda cake. Yum!

  38. Sherrijo capodiferro says

    5 stars
    I’m from NY so I call it soda. I have also made this with chocolate cake mix and cherry dr. Pepper. Any flavor you usecits delicious

16108

Free Membership!

Get all our new recipes straight to

your inbox plus a BONUS

download in your first email! ❤