Ultra Moist Orange Soda Cake Recipe

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Bright, citrusy, and bursting with nostalgic soda shop flavor, this Ultra Moist Orange Soda Cake is a crowd-pleaser from the very first bite. Imagine a tender, fluffy orange cake with layers so soft they practically melt on your tongue—each bite infused with the zesty tang of orange soda. Topped with a creamy whipped frosting and a swirl of vibrant orange buttercream, this cake is not only delicious but visually fun and festive. It’s the perfect treat for birthdays, potlucks, or any moment that calls for a cheerful dessert.

This cake leans into the retro vibes of orange soda but upgrades the experience with an unbelievably moist crumb, thanks to the carbonation magic of the soda itself. Whether you’re looking for a fun twist on a classic sheet cake or an easy dessert that doesn’t skimp on flavor, this recipe delivers. Plus, with minimal prep and pantry-friendly ingredients, it’s a great go-to for last-minute gatherings or sweet cravings.

Why You’ll Love This Orange Soda Cake Recipe

• Super easy to make with just a few ingredients
• Perfectly moist and light texture thanks to the soda
• Bright orange flavor without being overpowering
• Great for parties, birthdays, or casual weeknight desserts
• Pairs beautifully with whipped or cream cheese frosting

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

To make the most of this recipe, gather these essential tools:

• Mixing Bowls: You’ll need at least one large mixing bowl to combine your cake ingredients. A second medium bowl can help with preparing the frosting.
• Hand or Stand Mixer: To ensure the batter and frosting are well blended and smooth.
• 9×13-Inch Baking Dish: The ideal size for a sheet-style soda cake that bakes evenly.
• Rubber Spatula: Perfect for folding and scraping batter or frosting from the bowl.
• Cooling Rack: Essential for allowing your cake to cool completely before frosting.
• Offset Spatula or Butter Knife: To spread the frosting evenly over the cake.

Each tool plays a crucial role in achieving the light, fluffy texture and smooth finish that make this dessert shine.

Preparation Tips

Start by making sure all your ingredients are at room temperature—this helps everything mix together more smoothly. When incorporating the orange soda into the cake batter, pour it in slowly and mix just until combined. Overmixing can reduce the fluffiness. After baking, allow the cake to cool completely before applying the frosting to avoid melting. If you’re adding decorative buttercream or garnishes, refrigerate the cake briefly first so the base frosting sets firmly. A chilled cake also slices cleaner, making presentation a breeze.

Ingredients for this Ultra Moist Orange Soda Cake Recipe

For the Cake:

• 1 box orange cake mix (15.25 oz)
• 1 cup orange soda (like Crush or Fanta)
• 4 large eggs
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil

For the Frosting:

• 1 tub whipped topping (like Cool Whip), thawed
• 1 package (3.4 oz) instant vanilla pudding mix
• 1 cup cold milk
• Optional: orange food coloring or orange zest for extra flair

For Garnish (Optional):

• Orange buttercream swirl (store-bought or homemade)
• Orange striped straw (for decoration)
• Orange zest or sprinkles

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Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray or line with parchment paper for easier removal and cleanup.

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Step 2: Make the Cake Batter

In a large mixing bowl, combine the orange cake mix, eggs, vegetable oil, and orange soda. Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, blend on low speed for 30 seconds to incorporate, then beat on medium speed for 2 minutes until smooth and slightly fluffy. Avoid overmixing to maintain a light texture.

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Step 3: Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into your prepared 9×13-inch baking dish. Use a spatula to spread it evenly. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The cake should be golden with a soft, springy texture.

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Step 4: Cool Completely

Remove the cake from the oven and place it on a wire rack to cool completely. This step is crucial before frosting to avoid melting the whipped topping.

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Step 5: Prepare the Frosting

In a medium bowl, whisk together the cold milk and instant vanilla pudding mix for 2 minutes until slightly thickened. Gently fold in the thawed whipped topping until fully combined and fluffy. Add orange food coloring or zest if desired for an extra pop of color and flavor.

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Step 6: Frost the Cake

Once the cake is fully cooled, spread the frosting evenly over the top using an offset spatula or butter knife. For a more decorative look, pipe on an orange buttercream swirl and top with an orange-striped straw.

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Step 7: Chill Before Serving (Optional)

Place the frosted cake in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to help the frosting set and enhance slicing. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

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Notes

This Orange Soda Cake is incredibly versatile. You can swap out the orange soda for other fruit sodas like strawberry or lemon-lime for a new twist. If you’re using a different cake mix flavor, make sure it complements the soda for a balanced taste. While the frosting in this recipe is light and fluffy, you can go for a rich cream cheese or buttercream frosting for a more decadent version. The soda not only adds flavor but also gives the cake its signature light and airy texture, so don’t skip it.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Overmixing the Batter: Mixing too much can cause the cake to become dense instead of fluffy.
• Skipping the Cooling Phase: Applying frosting on a warm cake will cause it to melt and slide off.
• Using Flat Soda: Fresh, carbonated soda is key to activating the batter and giving it lift.
• Using Incorrect Pan Size: A 9×13″ pan ensures even cooking. Smaller pans may cause overflow or uneven baking.
• Not Preheating the Oven: Starting with a cold oven can lead to underbaked centers.

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Storage Instructions

Store the frosted cake in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 4 days. The whipped frosting holds up best when chilled. If unfrosted, the cake can also be wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and stored at room temperature for 2 days, or frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before frosting and serving.

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Estimated Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice (1/12 of the cake)
Calories: ~280
Total Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 40mg
Sodium: 300mg
Total Carbohydrates: 38g
Sugar: 26g
Fiber: <1g
Protein: 2g

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use diet orange soda?

Yes, but the cake may be slightly less sweet and the texture may vary a bit.

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Absolutely! Bake and frost the cake a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

What type of frosting works best with this cake?

The whipped pudding frosting is light and balances the citrus flavor, but cream cheese or buttercream also pair well.

Can I use a different flavor of cake mix?

Yes! Vanilla or white cake mix works great, or experiment with lemon or strawberry.

Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Totally! Kids love the bright flavor and color. You can also let them decorate with sprinkles or candies.

Can I make cupcakes with this recipe?

Yes, just adjust the baking time to 15–18 minutes for standard cupcakes.

Do I need to refrigerate the cake?

If it’s frosted with whipped topping, yes. For other frostings, it can be left at room temperature for 1–2 days.

Can I double this recipe?

Yes! Double the ingredients and bake in two 9×13 pans or one large sheet pan. Perfect for parties.

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Conclusion

This Ultra Moist Orange Soda Cake is a playful, nostalgic dessert that brings both fun and flavor to the table. It’s a breeze to make and delivers a show-stopping result with its fluffy texture, citrusy sweetness, and creamy frosting. Whether you’re baking it for a birthday, a potluck, or just to satisfy your sweet tooth, it’s a guaranteed hit. Plus, with so many ways to customize it, this cake is sure to become a favorite in your dessert rotation.

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