If you’re looking for a bright, citrusy dessert that feels like sunshine on a plate, this Ultra Moist Orange Soda Cake is the sweet treat for you. With its vibrant color and bubbly flavor, it brings a nostalgic flair that makes it perfect for potlucks, birthdays, or just because. The soda adds both moisture and flavor, making this cake irresistibly soft and tender.

What makes this cake even more special is how simple it is to make. With minimal ingredients and no mixer required, it’s a great recipe for beginners or busy bakers. The orange soda infuses the crumb with flavor, while a glossy glaze and orange-tinted whipped topping give it a show-stopping finish.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Before you begin mixing up this orange soda magic, it’s important to gather the right tools. These essentials will help ensure your cake bakes evenly, has the perfect texture, and presents beautifully.

Mixing Bowls: You’ll need at least two—one for the cake batter and one for the glaze or frosting. Choose bowls that are large enough to mix comfortably without making a mess.
Whisk and Silicone Spatula: A whisk is perfect for blending the batter evenly without overmixing, while a spatula helps you scrape every last bit from the bowl.
9×13-Inch Baking Pan: This size helps the cake bake with just the right amount of thickness. Glass or light-colored metal pans are best for even heating.

Cooling Rack: Essential for bringing the cake to room temperature evenly before glazing.
Zester or Microplane (optional): For extra orange zest garnish to intensify the citrus appeal.
Offset Spatula or Spoon: To spread the glaze smoothly across the top of the cake.

Having the right tools ensures a smooth baking process and a professional-looking result, even if you’re a casual home baker.

Ingredients for the Ultra Moist Orange Soda Cake

Each ingredient in this cake brings its own magic, contributing to a light, fluffy, and flavorful bite every time.

Orange Soda: The star of the show. It gives the cake its signature citrusy flavor and fluffy texture.

Yellow Cake Mix: A convenient base that pairs perfectly with the soda to create a moist crumb.
Eggs: They bind the batter and help the cake rise to perfection.
Vegetable Oil: Adds richness and keeps the cake moist for days.

Powdered Sugar: Used in the glaze to add sweetness and a smooth, glossy finish.
Milk or Orange Juice: Thins the glaze and enhances the citrus flavor.
Orange Zest (optional): For extra burst of fresh citrus.

Whipped Topping or Buttercream (optional): Adds a decorative touch and creamy contrast to the airy cake.

How To Make the Ultra Moist Orange Soda Cake

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with non-stick spray or butter.

Step 2: Mix the Batter

In a large mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, orange soda, eggs, and oil. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and lump-free. Be careful not to overmix—you want a tender crumb, not a dense one.

Step 3: Bake to Perfection

Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan. Smooth the top with a spatula and bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool completely on a cooling rack.

Step 4: Prepare the Glaze

In a separate bowl, whisk together powdered sugar and your choice of milk or orange juice until smooth and pourable. You can add a little zest here for extra citrus zing.

Step 5: Glaze and Decorate

Once the cake is cooled, pour the glaze over the top and spread it evenly. Allow it to set for about 15 minutes. Finish with whipped topping swirls, zest, or even orange sprinkles if you’re feeling festive.

How to Serve and Store This Ultra Moist Orange Soda Cake

This cake is as versatile as it is delicious. Serve it chilled for a refreshing treat on a hot day, or slightly warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a cozy dessert. It’s also a hit at brunch tables, birthday parties, or casual family dinners.

To store, cover the cake tightly with plastic wrap or place in an airtight container. It will stay fresh at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For longer storage, individual slices can be wrapped and frozen for up to 2 months. Just thaw at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different soda flavor?

Yes! While orange soda gives the signature flavor, lemon-lime or strawberry soda can be fun twists with similar results.

Do I need to refrigerate this cake?

If it’s frosted with whipped topping or contains dairy-based glaze, refrigeration is recommended. Otherwise, room temp is fine for 1-2 days.

Can I make cupcakes with this batter?

Absolutely. Just fill cupcake liners 2/3 full and bake for about 18-22 minutes. Check with a toothpick for doneness.

What if I don’t have orange zest?

No problem! It’s optional, but you can use a touch of orange extract in the glaze for a similar boost of flavor.

Is it okay to use diet soda?

You can, but keep in mind that the texture may be slightly less tender due to the sugar substitute.

How do I keep the glaze from soaking in too much?

Make sure the cake is completely cool before glazing. A quick chill in the fridge helps the glaze stay on the surface.

Want More Cake Ideas with a Fun Twist?

If you’re loving this Ultra Moist Orange Soda Cake, you’ll definitely want to try more fun and flavorful cake recipes from Life With Olivia:

Pineapple Coconut Dream Cake — a tropical getaway in every bite.
Strawberry Crunch Pound Cake — with nostalgic ice cream truck vibes.
Peanut Butter Texas Sheet Cake — rich, nutty, and so easy.

2-Ingredient Pineapple Cake — ultra simple and full of flavor.
Indulgent Kentucky Butter Cake — moist, dense, and buttery perfection.

Save This Recipe for Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dessert board so you can come back to it any time:
https://www.pinterest.com/scherer29/

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you go heavy on the glaze or keep it light? Try adding a citrusy twist or swapping the soda flavor?

I love seeing how others personalize these bakes. Questions and feedback are always welcome—let’s make every slice even better together.

Ultra Moist Orange Soda Cake Recipe

Author: Olivia McKenney

Print Recipe

Description

This Ultra Moist Orange Soda Cake is an easy-to-make dessert bursting with citrus flavor, thanks to fizzy orange soda. The soft, tender crumb pairs beautifully with a sweet glaze, making it perfect for gatherings or a sunny weekend treat.

Ingredients

1 cup orange soda

1 box yellow cake mix

3 large eggs

½ cup vegetable oil

1½ cups powdered sugar

2 to 3 tablespoons milk or orange juice

1 teaspoon orange zest (optional)

1 cup whipped topping or buttercream (optional for decorating)

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with non-stick spray or butter.

2. In a large mixing bowl, combine yellow cake mix, orange soda, eggs, and vegetable oil. Whisk until smooth. Avoid overmixing.

3. Pour the batter into the prepared pan. Smooth the top and bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

4. Cool the cake completely on a cooling rack.

5. For the glaze, whisk powdered sugar with milk or orange juice until smooth. Stir in orange zest if using.

6. Pour glaze over the cooled cake and spread evenly. Let set for 15 minutes.

7. Top with whipped topping or buttercream and a sprinkle of zest for extra flair (optional).

Notes

For best texture, ensure the cake cools fully before glazing to avoid the glaze soaking in.

You can swap orange soda with lemon-lime or strawberry soda for creative flavor spins.

For stronger citrus flavor, add ½ tsp orange extract to the glaze or batter.