Okay, friends, let me tell you about a cake that’s pure sunshine on a plate: my family’s famous Orange Crush Cake. If you’re anything like me, you probably love a good citrus dessert, and this one? It’s like if a creamsicle and a fluffy cloud had a baby. It’s incredibly moist, bursting with bright orange flavor, and surprisingly easy to make. I always think of it as the citrusy cousin to a classic pound cake, but with a bubbly, irresistible twist. Seriously, this is a crowd-pleaser that’ll have everyone asking for seconds (and the recipe!). It is the perfect Orange Crush Cake recipe.
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What is orange crush cake?
Think of Orange Crush Cake as a wonderfully simple, incredibly delicious cake infused with the unmistakable flavor of Orange Crush soda. It’s essentially a moist, tender cake where the soda takes the place of some of the liquid, adding not only that signature orange taste but also a lightness and fluffiness you wouldn’t believe. The bubbly soda creates tiny air pockets in the batter, resulting in a cake that’s surprisingly light. It also creates the most amazing citrus flavor that you will not forget. It’s topped with a simple glaze, also made with Orange Crush, making it extra shiny and delicious. It’s pure comfort food, with a fun, nostalgic twist.
Why you’ll love this recipe?
There are so many reasons to adore this Orange Crush Cake recipe, but let me break it down for you. First, the flavor! It’s not just orange-flavored; it’s a bright, tangy, bubbly orange that just makes you happy. The sweetness is perfectly balanced with a hint of citrusy zing, making it incredibly addictive. Then there’s the simplicity. This is one of those recipes where you probably already have most of the ingredients in your pantry. It comes together so quickly, and the steps are easy enough for even beginner bakers. Plus, it’s budget-friendly! We’re talking pantry staples and a bottle of soda – you can’t beat that. What I love most about this is how versatile it is. You can serve it for brunch, dessert, or even as an afternoon snack. It’s perfect on its own, but also pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. And honestly, it’s a total nostalgia trip for me – it reminds me of summer days and family gatherings, making it extra special.
How do I make Orange Crush Cake?
Quick Overview
How do I make an Orange Crush Cake? I’ll start by mixing up your dry ingredients, then combining them with the wet ingredients. Which, which, I have learned, will work for me. What is the star of the show? Orange Crush! A quick bake in the oven, a simple glaze while it’s still warm, and you’re done. How do you keep soda bubbles out of the batter? The lightest, fluffiest texture. Even if you’re a baking novice, you can nail this one!
Ingredients
For the Main Batter: Is there a
* 1 box (15.25 ounces) yellow cake mix: Any brand will work, but I prefer one that’s not overly sweet to begin with.
* 1 can (12 ounces) Orange Crush soda: This is the key ingredient, so don’t skimp on the brand! Generic orange soda just won’t give you the same flavor.
* 1/2 cup vegetable oil: This adds moisture and richness to the cake.
* 4 large eggs: Use room temperature eggs for the best incorporation and texture.
For the Glaze:
* 2 cups powdered sugar: Make sure it’s sifted to avoid any lumps.
* 1/4 cup Orange Crush soda: Again, the real deal is best!
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds a touch of warmth and enhances the orange flavor.
How do I follow
Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s heating up, grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan. I always do this even if it’s a non-stick pan because it helps the cake release perfectly every time. You can also use baking spray with flour already included – those are lifesavers!
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the yellow cake mix. That’s it! One ingredient. The cake mix is standing in for the dry ingredients, to make things easier.
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the Orange Crush Soda, vegetable oil, and eggs until well combined. Set aside. Make sure the eggs are fully incorporated so you don’t end up with streaks of egg in your batter.
Step 4: Combine
I want to make a dry mix of wet and dry ingredients. Pour the wetting ingredients into the dry mixture and mix until just combined. What are the best ways to avoid overmixing a few lumps? Overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in a tough cake. We want light and fluffy here.
Step 5: Bake
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on it – every oven is different! If the top starts to brown too quickly, you can tent it with foil.
Step 6: Cool & Glaze
Let the cake cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before inverting it onto a wire rack to cool completely. While the cake is still slightly warm, whisk together the powdered sugar, orange zest soda, and salt. Set aside. If you want to make a smooth paste with vanilla If you have a cake, pour the glaze over it, letting it drip down the sides. I like to put a piece of parchment paper under the rack to catch any excess glaze.
Step 7: Slice & Serve
Once the glaze has set, slice the cake and serve. I love it at room temperature, but I also like it chilled. What are the best ways to store leftovers in an airtight container?
What to Serve It With
Orange Crush Cake is great on its own, but here are some ideas to take it to the next level.
For Breakfast:Serve a slice with strong coffee or marmalade for scrumptious weekend treat. What are the bright citrus flavors that pair with a dark roast?
For Brunch:Arrange slices on a platter with fresh berries and whipped cream. What are some of the best teas to serve at brunch?
As Dessert:Top a slice with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream. What are some ways to add orange zest to a dish?
For Cozy Snacks:Enjoy a slice of bread with cold milk or hot cocoa in the evening. What is the perfect comfort food for a night in?
My family has always loved this cake with a side of fresh fruit salad – the combination of the sweet and the sour. I love citrus cake and tart berries. It’s just perfect. I always sneak a slice straight from the fridge when I’m craving something.
How do you make an Orange Crush Cake?
How do I make an Orange Crush Cake? What are some of the best tips I’ve learned over the years?
Mixing Advice: Don’t overmix the batter! This is crucial for a light and fluffy cake. Mix until just combined, and don’t worry about a few lumps.
Ingredient Swaps: If you don’t have vegetable oil, you can use melted coconut oil or even unsweetened applesauce as a substitute. The flavor will be slightly different, but it will still be delicious.
Baking Tips:What is the best way to keep an eye on a cake while baking? If the top starts to brown too quickly, you can tent it with foil.
Glaze Variations: For a tangier glaze, add a teaspoon of orange zest to the mixture. You can also use lemon or lime juice instead of Orange Crush soda for a different citrusy twist.
I once accidentally used diet Orange Crush, and the cake was noticeably less sweet. What was the best thing about this snack? It still tasted good, but definitely lacked that signature sugary punch. What is the real deal?
What are the Storing and Reheating Tips?
How do you keep your Orange Crush Cake fresh and delicious?
Room Temperature: Room You can store the cake at room temperature for up to 2 days in an airtight container. I like to put a piece of parchment paper on top to prevent it from drying out.
Refrigerator Storage: For longer storage, keep the cake in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The cake will be more moist, but it’s worth it to keep it fresh.
Freezer Instructions: You can also freeze the cake for up to 2 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil to prevent freezer burn. Let it thaw completely at room temperature before serving.
Glaze Timing Advice: If you’re planning to freeze the cake, it’s best to glaze it after it’s thawed. Otherwise, the glaze may become sticky or runny.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
This Orange Crush Cake is more than just a recipe; it’s a slice of sunshine, a taste of nostalgia, and a whole lot of happiness. It’s incredibly easy to make, bursting with bright orange flavor, and always a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re serving it for breakfast, brunch, dessert, or just a cozy snack, it’s sure to bring a smile to everyone’s face. If you love this recipe, you might also enjoy my lemon poppy seed cake or my chocolate zucchini bread – they’re all family favorites! Happy baking, friends! I can’t wait to hear how your Orange Crush Cake turns out. Be sure to leave a comment and let me know your favorite variations!
Orange Crush Cake
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1.5 cups granulated sugar
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 0.5 tsp baking soda
- 0.5 tsp salt
- 1 cup orange juice
- 0.5 cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp orange zest
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13 inch baking pan.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together orange juice, oil, eggs, and orange zest.
- Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Pour batter into the prepared pan and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let cool completely before frosting.
