Impress your friends and family with a delicious homemade cake! This foolproof 2-ingredient soda pop cake recipe is not complicated or time-consuming. With just two simple ingredients, you can create a mouthwatering dessert that will have everyone asking for seconds.

A moist and fluffy two-ingredient soda pop cake, frosted with your favorite frosting.

Really? A 2-ingredient cake recipe?

I'm not joking, you can make the most incredible cake with just two ingredients! By simplifying the process and reducing the number of ingredients needed, this recipe takes away the stress associated with baking. It allows you to focus on creating a delicious cake. With just two ingredients, you can still achieve a cake that is moist, flavorful, and sure to impress.

The science behind the soda pop cake recipe

The secret of this cake lies in the chemical reaction that occurs when these two ingredients are combined. Soda, with its carbonation and flavorings, adds moisture to the cake batter and creates bubbles that give the cake a light and airy texture. The acidity in the soda pop also helps to activate the leavening agents in the cake mix, resulting in a cake that rises beautifully. It's a simple yet effective way to achieve a cake that is both tasty and tender.

Ingredients

You only need two things for this soda pop cake recipe: a can of soda and a cake mix. from there you can mix and match to create unique and fun flavors!

Choosing the right soda flavor for your cake

One of my favorite aspects of making a soda pop cake is choosing the flavor of soda pop to use. Classic flavors like cola or lemon-lime soda pop work well with most cake mixes and provide a familiar taste that many people enjoy. If you're feeling adventurous, you can also try using fruity flavors like orange or strawberry soda pop to create a cake with a unique twist. The possibilities are endless, so don't be afraid to experiment and find the flavor combination that suits your taste buds.

Flavor combinations

There are so many flavor combinations you can try! Here are some we suggest trying:

Coca Cola

Coca Cola and Chocolate Cake Mix: The rich chocolate cake is perfectly complemented by the sweetness of the Coca-Cola.

Sprite

Sprite and Yellow Cake Mix: This combination is light and refreshing. The Sprite adds a bit of citrus flavor to the yellow cake, making it a perfect summer dessert.
Sprite and Lemon Cake Mix: If you're looking for a high intensity lemon citrus cake, this is the perfect combination!
Sprite and Butter Pecan Cake Mix: This combination is rich and decadent. The Sierra Mist adds a bit of citrus flavor to the butter pecan cake, making it a more interesting flavor profile.

Dr. Pepper

Dr. Pepper and Red Velvet Cake Mix: This combination is a bit more unique, but it is definitely worth a try. The Dr. Pepper adds a bit of spice to the red velvet cake, making it a more interesting flavor profile.
Pibb Xtra or Dr. Pepper and Devil's Food Cake Mix: This combination is a bit more intense, but it is perfect for chocolate lovers. The soda adds a bit of spice to the devil's food cake, making it a more interesting flavor profile.

Root Beer and cream soda

A&W Cream Soda and Vanilla Cake Mix: This combination is simple but delicious. The vanilla cake is perfectly complemented by the creaminess of the A&W Cream Soda.
Root Beer and Spice Cake Mix: This combination is a bit more intense, but it is perfect for root beer lovers. The Barq's Root Beer adds a bit of bite to the spice cake, making it a more interesting flavor profile.

Ginger ale

Ginger Ale and Carrot Cake Mix: This combination is a bit unexpected, but it is definitely worth a try. The ginger ale adds a bit of spice and sweetness to the carrot cake, making it a more unique flavor profile.

Mountain Dew

Mountain Dew and Lemon Cake Mix: This combination is light and refreshing. The Mountain Dew adds a bit of citrus flavor to the lemon cake, making it a perfect summer dessert.

Fruit soda

Fanta Strawberry and Strawberry Cake Mix: This combination is a classic match made in heaven. The strawberry soda and strawberry cake compliment each other perfectly.

Step-by-step instructions for making the soda pop cake

It's time to dive into the step-by-step instructions. Follow these simple steps to create a cake that will have everyone asking for your secret recipe:

1. Preheat your oven to the temperature specified on the cake mix box.

2. In a mixing bowl, combine one box of cake mix and one can of soda pop. Stir until the mixture is well combined and no lumps remain.

3. Pour the batter into a greased cake pan, spreading it evenly.

4. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake according to the instructions on the cake mix box. Keep a close eye on the cake as baking times may vary depending on your oven.

5. Once the cake is baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool in the pan for a few minutes. Then, transfer the cake to a wire rack to cool completely.

6. Once the cake is cooled, you can frost it with your favorite frosting or enjoy it plain. Slice and serve.

Tips and tricks for perfecting your soda pop cake

There are a few tips and tricks that can help you achieve the best results with your soda pop cake:

Use room temperature soda pop and cake mix for easier mixing and better texture.
Make sure to fully combine the soda pop and cake mix until no lumps remain. This will ensure an even distribution of ingredients and a smooth batter.
Grease your cake pan well to prevent the cake from sticking. You can also line the bottom of the pan with parchment paper for easier removal.
Don't overmix the batter. Once the ingredients are combined, stop stirring to avoid overdeveloping the gluten, which can result in a dense cake.
Keep an eye on the baking time. Since this cake is made with soda pop, it may bake faster or slower than traditional cakes. Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake to check for doneness. If it comes out clean or with a few crumbs, the cake is ready.
Allow the cake to cool completely before frosting or it may melt and become runny.

Variations and customizations for the soda pop cake recipe

One of the best things about this soda pop cake recipe is its versatility. While the basic recipe is delicious on its own, you can easily customize it to suit your preferences. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

Add mix-ins: Fold in your favorite mix-ins like chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or dried fruit to add texture and flavor to the cake.
Experiment with different cake mixes: Try different flavors of cake mix to create a variety of cake flavors. From chocolate to vanilla to red velvet, the options are endless.
Create a poke cake: After baking the cake, poke holes in the top and pour a sweet sauce or syrup over it. This will add extra moisture and flavor to the cake.
Top with fresh fruit or whipped cream: Once your cake is frosted, garnish it with fresh fruit or a dollop of whipped cream to add a refreshing touch.
Make it a layer cake: Double the recipe and bake two cakes to create a layered masterpiece. Frost between the layers and on the top for a stunning presentation.

Common mistakes to avoid when making your soda pop cake

While this recipe is fairly foolproof, there are a few common mistakes that can affect the outcome of your soda pop cake. Avoid these pitfalls to ensure a successful baking experience:

Using expired cake mix: Make sure to check the expiration date on your cake mix before using it. Expired cake mix may not rise properly or may affect the taste of the cake.
Overmixing the batter: As mentioned earlier, overmixing the batter can result in a dense and tough cake. Mix until just combined for the best texture.
Opening the oven too soon: It can be tempting to check on your cake, but opening the oven door too soon can cause the cake to sink in the middle. Only open the oven door when you think the cake is close to being done.
Using the wrong size pan: The size of the cake pan can affect the baking time and the texture of the cake. Make sure to use the size specified in the recipe or adjust the baking time accordingly.
Frosting a warm cake: If you plan to frost your cake, make sure it is completely cooled before applying the frosting. Otherwise, the frosting may melt and become runny.

Serving and storing the soda pop cake

Once your soda pop cake is baked and cooled, it's time to serve and enjoy it! This cake is delicious on its own, but you can also frost it with your favorite frosting or serve it with a scoop of ice cream for an extra special treat.

Storing and Reheating

To store any leftovers, place the cake in an airtight container or cover it tightly with plastic wrap. It can be stored at room temperature for up to three days. If you prefer to refrigerate the cake, make sure to bring it to room temperature before serving to restore its moistness and flavor.

Frequently asked questions

Here are some questions you might have about making this cake:

Can I use a gluten free cake mix?

Yes, I often substitute gluten free cake mix in the recipe and it works out perfect!

Can I use a vegan or keto cake mix?

This is the best part of this recipe! You can absolutely use a vegan or keto cake mix.

What size soda pop can and cake mix should I use?

I use a regular 12 ounch (355 ml) can of soda. A 15 to 18 ounce cake mix can be used. I also have several homemade cake mix recipes including yellow cake mix and lemon cake mix.

Can you help me with cooking times and temperatures?

I've done this so many times! I'll throw the box away while telling one of my kids to take out the trash. Box gone! Most cake mixes require a baking temperature of 350 degrees. Your cooking times usually vary depending on the type of pan you use.

Cooking Time:

Two 8 inch pans: 24-28 minutes
Two 9 inch pans: 22-27 minutes
13x9 inch pan: 21-26 minutes
Bundt pan: 33-36 minutes
Cupcakes: 16-19 min

Congratulations! You just made yourself a foolproof 2-ingredient soda pop cake recipe! Next time you're in the mood for a homemade cake but don't want to spend hours in the kitchen, give this soda pop cake a try. Or try another delicious flavor combination off our list. You'll be amazed at how easy and delicious it is. Happy baking!