Orange Crush Cake is my go to move when I need a dessert that feels cheerful, tastes like a little burst of sunshine, and does not ask me to spend my whole day baking. You know those weeks when you want something homemade, but you also want it to be easy and kind of foolproof? This is that cake. I first made it for a last minute family get together, and now it is the one people request when they hear I am bringing dessert. It is sweet, citrusy, super moist, and honestly hard to mess up. If you have a box of cake mix and a bottle of orange soda, you are already halfway there
The Story Behind This Recipe
I’ve spent years testing recipes for Midd Leeast Sector, and this Orange Crush Cake is a keeper: fast to prep with no weird tricks. Orange Crush Cake is my go to move when I need a dessert that feels cheerful, tastes like a little burst of sunshine, and does not…
Mix It Up
This is the part where I tell you what I actually do in my kitchen, not the perfect version from a glossy cookbook. I keep it simple, I taste as I go, and I do not stress the little stuff. The magic is that the soda pulls a lot of weight here, so you still get a cake that feels special even though you start with a mix.
What you will need
- 1 box yellow cake mix (or white cake mix if that is what you have)
- 1 small box instant vanilla pudding mix
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup Orange Crush (or similar orange soda)
- 1 half cup neutral oil (vegetable or canola)
- Optional: 1 teaspoon orange zest for extra pop
For the topping, I usually do a light glaze because it keeps the whole thing bright and snacky.
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 3 to 5 tablespoons orange soda (start small and add as needed)
- Optional: pinch of salt, tiny bit of zest
How I make it
I preheat the oven to 350 F and grab a 9 by 13 pan. I grease it well, especially the corners. Then I mix cake mix, pudding mix, eggs, oil, and orange soda in a big bowl until it looks smooth and a little fluffy. You do not need to whip it forever, just enough so you do not see dry pockets.
Pour into the pan and bake around 30 to 35 minutes. Ovens vary, so I start checking at 28 minutes. If a toothpick comes out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs, you are good.
While the cake is warm, I whisk powdered sugar with a few tablespoons of orange soda to make a pourable glaze. I poke the cake lightly with a fork and drizzle the glaze over the top. It soaks in a bit and leaves that sweet shiny layer. This is one of those moments where the kitchen starts smelling like orange candy in the best way.
By the way, if you are on a fruity soda dessert kick, you might also like these Grape Crush Cupcakes. Same fun vibe, different flavor.
Can I make this Orange Soda Cake ahead of time?
Yes, and I actually think it is even better after it has rested. This cake stays moist for days, which makes it perfect for parties, bake sales, potlucks, or just having something sweet waiting for you after dinner.
Here is how I do it when I want zero stress later:
Make it one day ahead: Bake the cake, let it cool, glaze it, and cover it tightly. I leave it on the counter if my kitchen is cool. If it is hot out, I pop it in the fridge and bring it back to room temp before serving.
Make it two days ahead: Bake and cool the cake, then wrap it well. I wait to glaze it until the day I am serving it so the top looks fresh. That said, glazing early is still totally fine, it just soaks in more.
Freezing: You can freeze the unfrosted cake. Wrap slices or the whole cake tightly in plastic wrap, then foil. Thaw overnight in the fridge. Add glaze after it is thawed for the best texture.
I made this for my kids birthday and people kept asking where I bought it. I told them it was a box mix cake and they did not believe me. The orange flavor is so good and it stayed soft for three days.
If you want another make ahead orange dessert with a creamy vibe, take a peek at Orange Creamsicle Cheesecake. It is a totally different texture, but still very citrus happy.
What does the soda do in the cake?
This is the question I get every time someone sees me pour soda into batter. The soda is doing a few jobs at once, and that is why Orange Crush Cake works so well even for beginner bakers.
First, it adds flavor. Orange soda gives you that bright, nostalgic orange taste that feels like summer afternoons and sleepovers. It is not the same as orange juice. It is more like a sweet orange candy note, and that is the whole point.
Second, it brings moisture. Soda is mostly liquid plus sugar, so it helps the cake stay soft and tender.
Third, it helps with lift. The carbonation gives a little boost in the batter. It is not replacing baking powder or eggs, but it does help the texture feel lighter.
One tip from my own trial and error: do not use flat soda if you can help it. If your bottle has been open for a week, the flavor is still there but the cake does not bake up quite as nicely. Fresh bubbles make a difference.
And if you are a cake person in general, you might enjoy this Orange Pound Cake for a more classic, dense, buttery slice with coffee.
What is the best orange soda brand to use?
If you can find Orange Crush, use it. It is kind of the signature taste here, and it gives that classic flavor people expect when you say Orange Crush Cake. But you have options, and you do not need to overthink it.
Here is my honest take:
Orange Crush: Sweet, bold orange flavor, and it really comes through after baking.
Fanta Orange: Works great and tastes similar, maybe a touch more tangy.
Sunkist: Also good, usually a bit more citrus bite.
Store brand orange soda: Totally fine, especially if you are glazing the cake. Just make sure it tastes good on its own.
If you want the orange flavor to scream a bit louder, add a teaspoon of zest to the batter. Zest is like turning up the volume without making it sour.
One thing I avoid is orange soda that tastes like diet candy. Diet versions can bake a little differently, and the flavor sometimes comes out odd. If you need to use diet, I would recommend doing a thicker glaze and maybe adding zest to help round it out.
What to Serve with Orange Crush Soda Cake
This cake is sweet and friendly, so it plays well with simple sides. I usually serve it casually, straight from the pan, because it feels like a cozy home dessert. But you can dress it up too.
My favorite pairings:
- Vanilla ice cream with an extra spoonful of glaze over the top
- Whipped cream and a little orange zest
- Fresh berries to cut the sweetness
- Hot coffee or black tea if you want a not too sweet balance
- Chocolate drizzle if you like that orange and chocolate combo
If I am serving it at a party, I cut small squares and put them in cupcake liners. It looks cute, people can grab and go, and you do not end up with a messy serving table.
Common Questions
Can I make Orange Crush Cake as cupcakes instead of a sheet cake?
Yes. Fill liners about two thirds full and bake around 16 to 20 minutes. Check early because cupcakes bake fast.
Do I need the pudding mix?
I really recommend it. It makes the crumb softer and helps the cake stay moist. If you skip it, the cake still works, it just will not have that extra plush texture.
Can I use butter instead of oil?
You can use melted butter in the same amount, but oil keeps it softer for longer. If you love a buttery taste, do half oil and half melted butter.
How do I know it is done without drying it out?
Look for a lightly golden top and edges pulling away from the pan. A toothpick should come out with a few moist crumbs, not wet batter.
Should I refrigerate leftovers?
If your house is cool, it is fine covered on the counter for a day or two. For longer storage, refrigerate it, then let it sit out 20 minutes before eating so it tastes softer.
A sweet little sign off
If you need a dessert that is easy, bright, and basically guaranteed to make people smile, Orange Crush Cake is it. Keep the soda fresh, do not overbake it, and do not be shy with that glaze. If you want to compare recipes or see other spins, check out Orange Crush Cake – The Pioneer Woman and Orange Crush Cake – Sprinkle Bakes for more ideas. Now go grab that bottle of orange soda and bake something fun this week, you will be so glad you did.
Orange Crush Cake
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- Grease a 9 by 13 pan well, especially the corners.
- In a large bowl, mix the cake mix, pudding mix, eggs, oil, and orange soda until smooth and fluffy. Do not overmix.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. Check at 28 minutes.
- The cake is done when a toothpick comes out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs.
- While the cake is warm, whisk powdered sugar with orange soda to achieve a pourable glaze.
- Poke the cake lightly with a fork and drizzle the glaze over the top.
