Imagine your kitchen is filled with the sweet, fizzy aroma of cream soda as it’s mixed into a rich, buttery cake batter. That first slice is soft, airy, and slightly caramelized, with a flavor that’s familiar yet exciting sweet, slightly vanilla-y, and perfect for breakfast, afternoon tea, or sharing with friends.
Cream soda cake isn’t just a treat, it’s a conversation starter, a nostalgic sip of childhood soda transformed into a dessert, and a simple way to make any gathering feel special. The secret? Cream soda itself! Its fizzy, sugary flavor adds lightness to the cake, while keeping it moist and tender.
This recipe is beginner-friendly, quick to prep, and yields a cake that looks and tastes like it belongs in a bakery showcase.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 3 cups cake flour (for a light, tender crumb)
- 2 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 3 sticks (¾ cup each) salted butter, room temperature
- 5 large eggs, room temperature
- ½ cup cream soda (use a quality brand you’d drink)
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
For the Cream Soda Glaze:
- 1 cup confectioner’s sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 3 tbsp cream soda
Pro Tip: Room temperature ingredients ensure a smooth batter, better rise, and light texture.
Kitchen Tools
- Medium mixing bowl
- Electric mixer or stand mixer
- Spatula
- Measuring cups & spoons
- Bundt pan (greased and floured)
- Small bowl for glaze
- Whisk for glaze
How to Make Cream Soda Cake
1. Preheat & Prep
Preheat your oven to 315°F / 157°C. Grease your bundt pan thoroughly, even if non-stick, and lightly flour it for safe cake release.
2. Cream the Butter
In a medium-sized bowl, beat the butter with an electric mixer for about 2 minutes until smooth and fluffy. This step incorporates air for a tender, airy cake.
3. Add Eggs Carefully
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing slowly to combine. Overbeating can toughen the batter, so take your time.
4. Sugar & Vanilla
Add the granulated sugar gradually, then mix in vanilla extract. Scrape down the sides of the bowl with a spatula to ensure even blending.
5. Flour & Cream Soda
Add the cake flour, mixing briefly until just combined. Pour in cream soda and mix for another 20–30 seconds. The soda lightens the batter, making the cake soft and airy.
6. Bake the Cake
Pour the batter into the prepared bundt pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake for 1 hour 10 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Your kitchen will smell like sweet, fizzy heaven!
7. Make the Glaze
While the cake bakes, whisk together the confectioner’s sugar, vanilla extract, and cream soda until it reaches a syrup-like consistency. This glaze adds a shiny, sweet finish that enhances flavor and presentation.
8. Cool & Glaze
Let the cake cool for 30–60 minutes in the pan before attempting to remove it. Once it’s out, drizzle the glaze over the top, letting it seep into the nooks and edges. Serve slices with a cup of tea, coffee, or even cold milk, pure comfort in every bite.
Tips for Perfect Cream Soda Cake
Room Temperature Ingredients – Ensures smooth batter and better texture.
Don’t Overbeat – Keeps the cake light, soft, and tender.
Quality Cream Soda – A soda you actually enjoy drinking gives the best flavor.
Proper Cooling – Avoid cracking or breaking by allowing the cake to set before glazing.
Bundt Pan Prep – Grease thoroughly; it’s key for a flawless release.
Fun Variations
- Chocolate Cream Soda Cake – Add ¼ cup cocoa powder to the flour for a subtle chocolate twist.
- Citrus Cream Soda Cake – Add a tsp of lemon or orange zest for a bright, fruity note.
- Cream Soda Drizzle Cake – Make extra glaze and pour it generously over warm slices for gooey sweetness.
- Mini Cream Soda Bundts – Perfect for gifts, parties, or portion control.
Cream soda cake is fun, nostalgic, and unexpectedly elegant. It transforms a simple soda into a tender, moist cake that delights every time. Perfect for beginners or seasoned bakers, it’s a recipe that feels like a baking show at home, with that satisfying “I made this” pride in every slice.
Every bite is soft, sweet, slightly fizzy, and utterly comforting, a cake that’s as memorable as it is delicious. Once you master this recipe, cream soda cake will become your go-to for birthdays, tea times, and anytime you want a little kitchen magic.
