Orange Crush Cake – A Fun, Easy, and Delicious Citrus Dessert 🍊🍰✨

Bright, fluffy, and bursting with orange flavor, this Orange Crush Cake is the ultimate easy dessert that brings sunshine to your table! Made with just a few simple ingredients like vanilla cake mix, fizzy orange soda, and a touch of orange extract, this cheerful cake is as fun to make as it is to eat. The vibrant color and light, citrusy taste make it perfect for summer parties, birthday celebrations, or any day you’re craving something sweet and refreshing. 🍊💛

Best of all? No eggs or oil needed—the soda does all the magic! This recipe is beginner-friendly, quick to whip up, and guaranteed to impress your guests with its bold flavor and playful presentation.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this simple and delicious Orange Crush Cake:

• 15.25 ounces vanilla cake mix (1 box)
• 12 ounces orange soda (like Orange Crush or Fanta)
• 1 teaspoon pure orange extract
• 24 ounces whipped white frosting (two 12-ounce containers)
• 2 to 3 drops orange gel food color (for that beautiful orange tint)

How to Make Orange Crush Cake

1. Preheat Your Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or your preferred cake pan.
2. Mix the Batter: In a large bowl, combine the vanilla cake mix, orange soda, and orange extract. Stir until smooth—no need for eggs or oil!
3. Pour and Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool completely before frosting.
4. Color the Frosting: In a separate bowl, mix the whipped white frosting with 2–3 drops of orange gel food color until evenly tinted.
5. Frost the Cake: Once the cake is fully cooled, spread the orange-colored frosting evenly over the top.
6. Decorate and Serve: Add sprinkles, orange zest, or candy orange slices on top if desired. Slice, serve, and enjoy!

Serving Suggestions

• Garnish with candied orange slices or a sprinkle of fresh orange zest for extra citrus flair.
• Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side for a refreshing dessert combo.
• Make it festive by adding colorful sprinkles for birthdays or holidays!
• Use cupcake liners and make this recipe as fun Orange Crush cupcakes instead of a sheet cake.

What Chefs Say About This Recipe

Gordon Ramsay – “Simple and fun! Love the creative use of soda for a fluffy, moist cake.”

Ina Garten – “Easy recipes like this one bring so much joy to the table—bright flavors and beautiful presentation.”

Jamie Oliver – “A playful, fizzy twist on classic cake—perfect for parties and family gatherings.”

Martha Stewart – “Citrusy and light with a gorgeous pop of color—this cake is a winner for any occasion.”

Bobby Flay – “The orange soda adds a brilliant lightness—delicious and fun!”

10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use a different soda flavor?

Yes! Try lemon-lime, strawberry, or even grape soda for fun flavor variations.

2. Do I really not need eggs or oil?

Correct! The soda replaces the eggs and oil in this recipe, making it light and fluffy with fewer ingredients.

3. Can I use orange juice instead of soda?

Orange juice won’t give the same rise and fluffiness as soda, so stick with soda for best results.

4. Is the orange extract necessary?

It enhances the orange flavor, but you can skip it if you prefer a milder taste.

5. Can I make this cake gluten-free?

Yes, simply use a gluten-free vanilla cake mix and double-check your other ingredients.

6. Can I use cream cheese frosting instead of whipped frosting?

Absolutely! Cream cheese frosting pairs beautifully with the citrus flavors if you prefer a richer topping.

7. Can I make this into cupcakes?

Yes! Bake cupcakes at 350°F (175°C) for about 15–18 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.

8. Can I freeze the cake?

Yes, the unfrosted cake can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw completely before frosting and serving.

9. How do I keep the cake moist?

Cover the cake tightly with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

10. Can I use buttercream instead of whipped frosting?

Definitely! Both buttercream and whipped frosting work well—it just depends on your preference for texture and sweetness.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Approximate)

• Calories: ~230 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 34g
• Sugar: 25g
• Fat: 8g
• Protein: 2g
• Sodium: 280mg
• Saturated Fat: 4g

Storage and Leftovers

Refrigerate: Store leftover cake in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Freeze: The unfrosted cake can be wrapped tightly and frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before adding frosting.

Related Recipes You’ll Love

• Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake
• Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake
• Lemon Meringue Pie Cannolis
• Frozen Hot Chocolate with Marshmallow Whip

Conclusion

With its fizzy soda base, vibrant orange color, and creamy frosting, this Orange Crush Cake is pure sunshine on a plate! Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just want to brighten up your dessert table, this easy cake recipe delivers big flavor with minimal effort. Try it today and share the joy of this fun, flavorful treat with your family and friends. 🍊🍰✨