This 2-ingredient Strawberry Cream Soda Cake is a delightfully simple dessert made from a box of cake mix and a can of cream soda. It’s inexpensive, quick to prepare, and perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, or any time you want an easy, crowd-pleasing treat.
If you’re short on time or on a budget, this recipe is ideal. There are no eggs or oil to measure—just one box of strawberry cake mix and one 12-ounce can of cream soda. The soda reacts with the cake mix, creating a light, airy batter that bakes into a soft, fluffy cake with a subtle cream soda flavor and a bright strawberry color.
My kids and I tried this method after experimenting with other soda cakes, like a lemon-lime version made with yellow cake mix and Sprite and an orange creamsicle-style cake using orange soda. Each variation produced light, tender cakes that are fun to make and serve.
How to Make a Cake with Cake Mix and Soda
Making a soda cake is straightforward. Add the dry cake mix to a large bowl, then pour the cream soda over it. As the soda hits the mix, it will fizz and foam—this is normal and helps create a lighter crumb. Stir until the batter is smooth and evenly combined, then transfer to a greased baking pan and bake until done.
The batter will be a pale pink shade. Bake in a 9 x 13-inch pan for about 25–30 minutes, or until the cake begins to pull away from the edges, the top springs back when touched lightly, and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool completely before frosting.
How to Frost a Soda Cake
Because soda cakes are very light, a whipped topping like Cool Whip is a great choice for frosting. It complements the airy texture without weighing it down. You can also use your favorite buttercream or cream cheese frosting if you prefer a richer finish. Spread the topping evenly over the cooled cake and garnish with fresh strawberries for extra color and flavor.
Diet Soda Cake
If you want to reduce calories, you can swap regular cream soda for a diet cream soda and use a light whipped topping. Texture and flavor may vary slightly, but the method is the same and still produces a tasty cake.
More Easy Strawberry Dessert Ideas
- Strawberry Jello Poke Cake
- Strawberry Crinkle Cookies
- Easy Strawberry Milkshake
- Strawberry Jello Fruit Salad
Strawberry Cream Soda Cake Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 box strawberry cake mix
- 1 (12-ounce) can cream soda
- 8 ounces whipped topping (Cool Whip) or your preferred frosting (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease or spray a 9 x 13-inch baking pan with baking spray.
- Pour the dry cake mix into a large mixing bowl.
- Slowly pour the cream soda into the cake mix. The mixture will foam—stir gently until well combined and smooth.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly.
- Bake 25–30 minutes, or until the cake pulls away from the edges, the top springs back when touched, and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Remove from oven and cool completely before frosting.
- Frost with whipped topping or your choice of frosting. Garnish with fresh strawberries if desired.
Yield: about 12 servings
Prep time: 5 minutes • Cook time: 23–30 minutes • Total time: ~28–35 minutes
Nutrition
Approximate calories per serving: 180 kcal (calculation may vary depending on brand and frosting used).
Variations and Tips
- Try different soda flavors and cake mixes for new combinations—orange soda with yellow cake mix makes an orange creamsicle-style cake; lemon-lime soda with white or yellow mix gives a light citrus cake.
- For extra strawberry flavor, fold in 1/2 to 3/4 cup finely chopped fresh strawberries into the batter before baking, being mindful that added moisture can affect baking time.
- If you prefer a denser cake, add one egg and 1/4 cup oil to the batter, though this moves away from a true two-ingredient version.
- Store leftover cake covered in the refrigerator for best freshness, especially if frosted with whipped topping.
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I hope you enjoy this easy Strawberry Cream Soda Cake—it’s a fast, affordable dessert that’s great for parties, school events, or any weeknight when you want something sweet without fuss.
