Orange Crush Cake: A Sweet, Citrusy Bundt Dessert
A vibrant soda-infused cake that brings childhood memories to every bite.
There’s something magical about combining simple ingredients to create a dessert that brings back childhood memories and plenty of smiles. Orange Crush Cake is one of those recipes—a bright, moist bundt cake infused with orange soda for extra flavor and topped with a silky, citrus-scented glaze. Whether you call it Orange Crush Cake, Fanta Cake, or simply orange bundt cake, this treat is sure to become a favorite for gatherings, birthdays, or anytime you crave a vibrant, nostalgic dessert.
The Story Behind Orange Crush Cake
Many home bakers grew up making pound cakes that featured lemon-lime sodas like Sprite or 7-Up. This Orange Crush Cake follows in that tradition, swapping the citrus sodas for orange soda (like Orange Crush, Fanta, or any favorite). The soda adds not only flavor and color but also a beautiful light texture. You don’t have to use the branded Orange Crush—a good old-fashioned Fanta will do the trick just as well.
Ingredients for Orange Crush Cake
Here’s what you need to make this vibrant dessert:
- 3 sticks butter, softened
- 3 cups sugar
- 5 eggs
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup + 2 tablespoons orange soda (such as Orange Crush or Fanta)
- Optional: orange food coloring, or a combination of red and yellow
For the glaze:
- 2 cups powdered sugar (or more for desired thickness)
- Pinch of salt
- 1/4 cup orange soda
- 1 tablespoon orange juice (optional, for more intense orange flavor)
Step-By-Step Instructions
1. Creaming the Base
Start by preheating your oven to 325ºF. In a large bowl or stand mixer, beat the softened butter until it is creamy and smooth. Add sugar gradually, mixing until the mixture becomes light and fluffy—this aeration is key to the cake’s texture. Mix in eggs, one at a time, fully incorporating each before adding the next.
2. Combining Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and salt. With your mixer on low, gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, allowing each addition to become incorporated before adding the next. Scrape the sides of the mixing bowl as needed to ensure everything is blended evenly.
3. The Fun Part: Adding Orange Soda
Reduce mixer speed to low and pour in the orange soda—about 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons. Mix gently to combine. The batter will turn a subtle, peachy-orange shade, depending on the soda used.
If you want your finished cake to have a more vivid orange color (especially for festive occasions), add a few drops of orange food coloring. Don’t have orange food coloring? A tiny drop each of red and yellow will do. Mix just until you achieve the desired intensity—the goal is a cake that looks as zingy as it tastes!
4. Preparing the Pan
Thoroughly coat a bundt pan with nonstick baking spray. Be sure to reach all the crevices. Pour in the batter and use a spatula to smooth the surface—this prevents any uneven baking.
5. Baking the Cake
Place the filled bundt pan in the oven and bake for about 65–75 minutes, or until the cake is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Don’t overbake—the cake should remain moist!
6. Unmolding and Cooling
Allow the cake to cool for 5–10 minutes in the pan. Then, carefully invert the pan onto a cooling rack and let the cake finish cooling completely. This gives the crumb a chance to set before you drizzle on the glaze.
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Making the Orange Soda Glaze
This cake isn’t complete without its signature citrusy glaze—a gooey, sweet topping that soaks into the cake and adds extra orange zing.
- Sift powdered sugar into a medium bowl for a smooth finish.
- Add a pinch of salt for balance.
- Stir in orange soda a tablespoon at a time, whisking after each addition. Watch the consistency—it should be pourable but not too thin. If needed, add more powdered sugar to thicken.
- For extra orange punch, whisk in a tablespoon of orange juice (fresh or bottled).
- Once you have the perfect consistency, drizzle the glaze evenly over the cooled cake. Place a tray or baking sheet under the cooling rack to catch any excess and avoid a sticky mess.
If you want a thicker layer of glaze, let the first coat set for a few minutes, then repeat with any glaze that dripped off the cake. The final result: a bundt cake that’s as striking to look at as it is irresistible to eat.
Serving and Storing
This cake is a showstopper for birthday parties, potlucks, or nostalgic family celebrations. The bright color and bold citrus flavor make it a natural centerpiece.
- Serving Suggestions: Slice and serve as is, or add whipped cream and orange zest for a plated dessert.
- Storage: Keep the cake covered at room temperature for up to three days. You can also refrigerate it for extra freshness, but allow slices to come to room temperature before serving for the best texture.
- Freezing: Wrap cooled slices tightly in plastic wrap and foil; freeze for up to two months. Defrost on the counter before eating.
Tips, Variations, and Troubleshooting
- Soda Brands: While the original recipe calls for Orange Crush, Fanta and other orange sodas work just as well. Each brand has its own unique flavor and color intensity, so experiment to find your favorite.
- Color Customization: For a vibrant look, orange food gel achieves the most dramatic hue. Stick with a little at a time and mix well after each addition. Remember, the color will deepen slightly as the cake bakes.
- Bundt Pan Tips: Nonstick baking spray with flour helps ensure the cake unsmolds cleanly. Always let the cake cool slightly before inverting to prevent sticking.
- Mix-Ins: For a twist, stir in a tablespoon of fresh orange zest to the batter or glaze for more intense fruit flavor.
- Glaze Consistency: If your glaze is too thin, add powdered sugar a tablespoon at a time. If it’s too thick, thin with small amounts of orange soda or juice.
Orange Soda and Baking: Why It Works
Baking with soda pop isn’t new—classic Southern pound cakes have used lemon-lime sodas for decades. The carbonation and acidity in orange soda act as a gentle leavener, giving cakes an extra-fluffy, tender crumb. Plus, the distinctive orange flavor highlights the cake without overpowering it, and the soda’s sugar helps with browning and sweetness.
Other Citrus Desserts to Try
Love the flavor of orange in your baked goods? Here are a few more treats to explore:
- Orange-Vanilla Sheet Cake: An easy, moist cake with swirls of creamy white chocolate glaze—perfect for potlucks and parties.
- Cranberry Orange Oatmeal Cookies: A chewy cookie bursting with zesty citrus notes and tart cranberries.
- Olive Oil Cake with Orange: A gently sweet, moist cake that pairs beautifully with tea or coffee, highlighted with orange essence.
- Creamsicle Pops: Nostalgic, homemade frozen treats using vanilla ice cream and orange concentrate.
- No-Bake Orange-Vanilla Cheesecake Bars: Luscious, creamy bars flavored with orange zest and juice.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I use other kinds of soda in this cake?
A: Yes, while the Orange Crush Cake is all about bright orange soda, you can substitute lemon-lime sodas for a limey twist, or try grape or strawberry for color and variety. Each soda will bring its own unique flavor!
Q: Do I have to use food coloring?
A: No—the natural orange soda and eggs will give the cake a subtle hue. Add orange food coloring only if you want a brighter, more festive color, or skip it for a more natural appearance.
Q: Can I make Orange Crush Cake ahead of time?
A: Absolutely. Orange Crush Cake stays moist for days, making it a perfect make-ahead dessert. Bake and glaze a day ahead for the flavors to fully develop.
Q: My glaze is too runny or too thick. How do I fix it?
A: If the glaze is too runny, sift in a bit more powdered sugar. If it’s too thick, slowly whisk in extra orange soda or orange juice until you reach the ideal consistency.
Q: Can kids help make this cake?
A: Yes! Kids can help measure ingredients, pour in the soda, stir the glaze, and—most fun of all—help drizzle the glaze over the cooled cake.
Nutrition Information (Per Slice, Approximate)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 370 |
| Total Fat | 15g |
| Saturated Fat | 9g |
| Carbohydrates | 55g |
| Sugar | 35g |
| Protein | 4g |
| Sodium | 180mg |
Values are estimates and will vary based on actual ingredients and serving size.
Final Thoughts
Orange Crush Cake proves that sometimes the simplest ingredients come together to become something both comforting and celebratory. With a can of orange soda and a handful of pantry staples, you can whip up a tender, golden cake that’s sure to be a hit at any gathering. Enjoy every bright, citrusy bite!
References
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a11835/orange-crush-cake/
- https://www.flyers-on-line.com/recipes/orange-crush-cake-4649
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/meals-menus/g60702498/orange-desserts/
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/meals-menus/g64955992/recipes-that-use-soda-pop/
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