2-Ingredient Soda Pop Cakes: The Easiest Cake Recipe Ever
Discover the magic of making fluffy, delicious cakes with just cake mix and soda—no eggs, oil, or stress needed!
Imagine a cake so simple you only need a boxed cake mix and a can of soda. No eggs, no oil, no hassle. That’s exactly what the legendary 2-ingredient soda pop cake promises—a fluffy, irresistible dessert in less than an hour, with virtually zero baking skills required. This article explores everything you need to know about this viral recipe, including the method, best soda and cake mix combinations, tips for success, serving suggestions, and answers to frequently asked questions.
What Are 2-Ingredient Soda Pop Cakes?
2-Ingredient Soda Pop Cakes are a shortcut dessert that combines any boxed cake mix with a can of carbonated beverage. The carbonation in the soda reacts with the leavening agents in the cake mix, causing it to rise and create a light, tender, airy crumb. Because you’re skipping eggs, oil, and even milk, these cakes are especially popular for quick gatherings, kid-friendly baking, or when your pantry is running low on traditional baking staples.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Incredibly Easy: Beginner-friendly and nearly foolproof, even for first-time bakers.
- No Eggs, Oil, or Milk Needed: Perfect for anyone with dietary restrictions or missing ingredients.
- Fast Preparation: Just a few minutes to mix and less than an hour total—including baking time.
- Endless Flavor Combos: Mix and match cake flavors and sodas for limitless possibilities.
- Fun to Make with Kids: The foaming soda adds excitement, and the process is safe and simple for little hands.
Ingredients
- 1 box (typically 15.25 oz) cake mix—any flavor (see recommendations below)
- 1 can (12 oz) soda pop—regular or diet, fruit-flavored or cola (see tips on best pairings below)
- Optional: Frosting of choice, sprinkles, powdered sugar, or fruit for serving
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Electric mixer or sturdy whisk/spatula
- 9 x 13-inch cake pan (recommended for best texture) or standard muffin tin for cupcakes
- Baking spray, butter, or parchment paper for prepping the pan
How to Make 2-Ingredient Soda Pop Cakes
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). For dark or nonstick pans, drop the temperature to 325°F (163°C).
- Prepare the Pan: Lightly grease your 9×13-inch cake pan or line muffin tins with paper cups.
- Mix the Batter: In a large bowl, pour the cake mix and add the can of soda. Use a hand mixer on low for 1 minute, then increase to medium for 2–5 minutes, scraping the bowl occasionally. The mixture will foam up as the soda reacts!
- Pour and Smooth: Pour the batter into your prepared pan. Use a spatula to spread it evenly.
- Bake: For a 9×13-inch cake, bake for 28–35 minutes. For cupcakes (makes about 24), bake for 14–19 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool: Let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack for at least 30 minutes before adding frosting or toppings.
- Decorate and Serve: Frost as desired, or simply dust with powdered sugar or top with fresh fruit.
Flavor Pairing Ideas
| Cake Mix | Soda | Tasting Notes & Suggestions |
|---|---|---|
| White or Vanilla | Lemon-lime, orange, grape, strawberry | Classic, sweet, and airy—try with lemon-lime for a citrusy lift. |
| Chocolate or Devil’s Food | Cola, root beer, cherry cola | Rich and fudgey—root beer makes it reminiscent of a soda float. |
| Strawberry | Cream soda, lemon-lime, orange | Sweet and fruity—pairs well with a creamy soda for nostalgia. |
| Spice or Pumpkin | Ginger ale, mountain dew | Warm and comforting—excellent in the fall. |
| Lemon | Lemon-lime, orange | Bright and zesty—enhance with citrus soda for extra zing. |
Tips for the Perfect Soda Pop Cake
- Choose the Right Pan: For best results, use a 9×13-inch pan. Bundt pans or deeper pans can make the cake dense or gummy, as the center may not cook through evenly.
- Don’t Overmix: Mix until just combined. Overmixing can deflate the bubbles that help the cake rise.
- Check for Doneness: The cake should pull away slightly from the sides of the pan, and a toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean.
- Cool Completely Before Frosting: For the lightest texture and best icing results, let the cake cool on a rack before adding frosting.
- Use Diet or Regular Soda: Both work well. Diet soda reduces calories, but some find regular soda gives better flavor.
- Add-ins Are Optional: For a pure 2-ingredient experience, skip extras. But you can add chocolate chips, citrus zest, or fruit to customize further.
Serving and Decoration Ideas
- Frosting: Store-bought or homemade frosting adds richness to this fluffy cake. Try chocolate, vanilla, or cream cheese varieties for a classic finish.
- Whipped Cream: Lightly sweetened whipped cream and berries make the cake feel like a fancy shortcake.
- Ice Cream: Serve cake slices warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an instant crowd-pleaser.
- Fruit: Top with fresh strawberries, blueberries, or peaches for a summery vibe.
- Powdered Sugar or Sprinkles: For quick decoration with zero effort, dust the cooled cake with powdered sugar or add colorful sprinkles.
Common Questions About 2-Ingredient Soda Pop Cakes
Q: Can I use any flavor of soda?
A: Yes! Fruit-flavored and clear sodas (like lemon-lime, orange, grape) work best with lighter cake mixes. Colas, root beers, and dark sodas pair well with chocolate or spice cakes. Avoid highly acidic or dairy-based sodas, as these may affect the cake’s rise.
Q: Is it possible to use diet soda instead of regular soda?
A: Absolutely. Diet sodas generally work fine and reduce calories, though some bakers find regular soda gives a slightly better texture and fuller flavor.
Q: Why is my cake gummy or dense in the center?
A: This can happen if you use a deep pan (like a bundt pan) or if the cake is underbaked. Stick with a 9×13-inch pan and make sure to check doneness with a toothpick before removing from the oven.
Q: Can I make cupcakes with this recipe?
A: Definitely! Divide the batter evenly among muffin cups (about 24 for a standard box), bake at 350°F for 14–19 minutes, and let cool before frosting.
Q: How do I store soda pop cake?
A: Once cooled and frosted, store the cake loosely covered at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you add fruit or whipped cream, refrigerate leftovers and enjoy within 2 days.
Flavor Variations and Fun Twists
- Rainbow Layers: Use different sodas and cake mixes to create multi-colored layers—bake in rounds and stack with frosting.
- Poke Cake: After baking, poke holes in the cake and pour over a fruity gelatin mix. Chill, then top with whipped cream for a retro treat.
- Soda Cupcakes: Add mini chocolate chips, drizzle with chocolate or caramel sauce, or stuff with a dollop of jam.
- Sheet Cake for Parties: Cut into squares and decorate each with a swirl of frosting and a maraschino cherry for a festive look.
Nutrition Information
Nutrition will vary depending on the cake and soda brands. Using diet soda can make the cake lower in calories and sugar, especially if served without frosting. Typical per serving (for a 9×13 cake, 16 servings) is around 150–200 calories before frosting. Always check ingredient packaging for exact values.
Expert Tips and Troubleshooting
- Be patient after baking—let the cake cool completely before slicing to prevent crumbling.
- If making cupcakes, don’t overfill; batter may be slightly thinner than traditional recipes.
- For a firmer texture, add an extra tablespoon or two of flour to the boxed mix.
- Make it vegan by using vegan cake mix and soda—no substitutions needed!
- Want extra flavor? Add a teaspoon of vanilla or almond extract to the batter.
Conclusion: Why Soda Pop Cake Belongs in Your Recipe Box
Whether you’re craving cake in a hurry, missing key ingredients, or just want to try a kitchen experiment that’s sure to succeed, the 2-ingredient soda pop cake will never let you down. It’s budget-friendly, endlessly customizable, and perfect for both celebrations and casual cravings. Grab a box of cake mix and your favorite can of soda, and enjoy the magic of homemade cake with a fizzy twist—no eggs, oil, or stress required!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Are 2-ingredient soda pop cakes suitable for vegans?
A: Yes—simply choose a plant-based cake mix (check the label) and any vegan soda. This hack is naturally egg- and dairy-free!
Q: Can I make this cake gluten-free?
A: Absolutely. Use a gluten-free boxed cake mix and your favorite soda for a quick gluten-free dessert.
Q: Does this cake taste like soda?
A: The finished cake usually doesn’t taste strongly of soda; it absorbs the soda’s sweetness and subtle flavor, blending with the cake mix for a moist, tender crumb.
Q: Can I freeze soda pop cake?
A: Yes. Cool the cake completely, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Recipe Summary Table
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| Preparation Time | 10 minutes |
| Baking Time | 28–35 minutes (cake) / 14–19 minutes (cupcakes) |
| Cooling Time | Minimum 30 minutes before frosting or serving |
| Total Time | About 1 hour |
| Servings | 12–16 slices (cake) / 24 cupcakes |
References
- https://www.southernliving.com/2-ingredient-soda-cakes-7376563
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dwdnVADBOMg
- https://www.bettycrocker.com/recipes/two-ingredient-soda-pop-cupcakes/3cbb154a-60b4-4250-bc2a-70909d1b924a
- https://www.bhg.com/recipe/two-ingredient-soda-cake/
- https://www.cupcakesandcutlery.com/how-to-make-cake-with-soda-2/
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