The Ultimate Soda and Cake Mix Baking Guide

Call it a hack, a shortcut, or an effortless recipe – mixing a 12-ounce can of soda with a box of cake mix creates a dessert that's practically magic.

The result is a cake that's extra moist, soft, and bursting with flavor from your soda selection. Plus, it’s just as light and airy as any traditional cake. Be sure to consider the right frosting to match your soda and cake mix combo.

If you're after an incredibly simple dessert, check out our guide to find the perfect soda and cake mix pairing. Go for classics like Coca-Cola with chocolate cake mix, or try something different like Canada Dry Ginger Ale with carrot cake mix.

Why does this unique combination work? The leavening agents in the cake mix still perform their magic, even without the usual oil or eggs. The soda provides all the liquid needed to transform the dry mix into a smooth, bakeable batter. Simply mix, pour into cake pans, and it behaves just like any other cake batter.

Before you think this is just another TikTok trend or Pinterest hack, know that this method has been around for years. Classic cookbooks are filled with soda-and-cake-mix recipes that were once all the rage.

Here are our top soda and cake mix pairings:

• Coca Cola + Chocolate Cake Mix
• Sprite + Yellow Cake Mix
• Dr. Pepper + Red Velvet Cake Mix
• A&W Cream Soda + Vanilla Cake Mix
• Barq's Root Beer + Spice Cake Mix
• Canada Dry Ginger Ale + Carrot Cake Mix
• Mountain Dew + Lemon Cake Mix
• Fanta Strawberry + Strawberry Cake Mix
• Sierra Mist + Butter Pecan Cake Mix
• Pibb Xtra + Devil's Food Cake

Just mix together the soda and cake mix, then follow the baking instructions for your pan size and cook time. The result will be a wonderfully light and fluffy cake with minimal effort – a total win-win.