2-Ingredient Cake Recipe: The Easiest Dessert You’ll Ever Make
Why You’ll Love This 2-Ingredient Cake
Craving something sweet but don’t want the hassle of measuring a dozen ingredients? This incredible 2-ingredient cake is about to become your new best friend! With just a box of cake mix and a can of soda, you can create a surprisingly moist, flavorful cake that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen.
This recipe is perfect for busy parents, college students, or anyone who wants homemade cake without the fuss. No eggs, no oil, no butter needed—just two simple ingredients that you might already have in your pantry. The result? A light, fluffy cake that’s ready in under an hour and always impresses guests who can’t believe how simple it was to make.
Quick Info Table
| Prep Time | Cook Time | Total Time | Servings | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 mins | 25-30 mins | 35 mins | 8-10 | Super Easy |
What You’ll Need
The Two Magic Ingredients
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Boxed cake mix (any flavor) | 1 box (15.25 oz) | Duncan Hines, Betty Crocker, or store brand all work |
| Carbonated soda | 1 can (12 oz) | Choose flavor that complements your cake mix |
Popular Flavor Combinations
- Chocolate cake mix + Diet Coke = Rich, fudgy chocolate cake
- Yellow cake mix + Sprite = Light, lemony vanilla cake
- Strawberry cake mix + Sprite = Sweet, fruity cake
- Spice cake mix + Ginger ale = Warm, spiced cake
- Funfetti cake mix + Sprite = Classic birthday cake flavor
Optional Add-ins
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (for extra flavor)
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips (fold in before baking)
- 1/4 cup sprinkles (for extra fun)
Step-by-Step Directions
1. Preheat and Prep
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan with cooking spray or butter. You can also use two 9-inch round pans if you prefer a layer cake.
Pro tip: Lightly dust the greased pan with flour to prevent sticking—this creates the perfect non-stick surface!
2. Mix the Magic
Pour the entire box of cake mix into a large mixing bowl. Add the full can of soda and stir gently with a wooden spoon or whisk until just combined. Don’t overmix—a few lumps are perfectly fine and will disappear during baking.
Important: The batter will be much thinner than traditional cake batter. This is normal! The carbonation in the soda acts as your leavening agent.
3. Pour and Bake
Pour the batter into your prepared pan and spread it evenly with a spatula. Bake for 25-30 minutes for a 9×13 pan, or 22-25 minutes for round pans, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
4. Cool and Serve
Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then turn it out onto a wire rack to cool completely. The cake will be incredibly moist and tender—handle with care!
How to Serve
This versatile cake is delicious on its own, but here are some crowd-pleasing serving suggestions:
Simple Serving Ideas:
- Dust with powdered sugar for an elegant finish
- Serve with fresh berries and whipped cream
- Top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream
Frosting Options:
- Store-bought buttercream frosting
- Cream cheese frosting for chocolate cake
- Simple glaze made with powdered sugar and milk
Perfect Pairings:
- Cold glass of milk
- Hot coffee or tea
- Fresh fruit salad
Expert Tips for Success
Storage and Freshness
Store your 2-ingredient cake covered at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week. The cake actually gets more moist as it sits—if that’s even possible!
Flavor Variations
Get creative with your soda choices! Root beer with spice cake mix creates an amazing float-inspired dessert. Orange soda with vanilla cake mix tastes like a creamsicle. The possibilities are endless!
Texture Tips
For an even more tender cake, let the batter sit for 5 minutes before baking. This allows the cake mix to fully hydrate and creates an incredibly soft texture.
Altitude Adjustments
If you live at high altitude (above 3,000 feet), reduce the baking time by 3-5 minutes and check for doneness early. The lower air pressure can cause the cake to bake faster.
Money-saving tip: Stock up on cake mix and soda when they’re on sale. This combination stores well and makes an excellent emergency dessert!
Common Questions
Can I use diet soda instead of regular soda?
Absolutely! Diet soda works just as well and creates the same light, fluffy texture. Many bakers actually prefer diet soda because it’s less sweet, allowing the cake mix flavors to shine through.
Why does this recipe work without eggs and oil?
The carbonation in the soda acts as a leavening agent, creating air bubbles that make the cake fluffy. The liquid replaces the moisture typically provided by eggs and oil, while the acidity in the soda helps activate the baking powder already in the cake mix.
Can I make cupcakes with this recipe?
Yes! Fill cupcake liners about 2/3 full and bake at 350°F for 15-18 minutes. This recipe makes about 24 cupcakes. Start checking for doneness at 15 minutes with a toothpick.
What if my cake turns out too sweet?
If you find the cake too sweet, try using diet soda or a less sweet soda like club soda next time. You can also balance the sweetness by serving with tart berries or a slightly bitter coffee.
Can I add mix-ins to the batter?
Definitely! Fold in up to 1/2 cup of add-ins like chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruit just before baking. Don’t add more than this, as it can weigh down the batter and affect the cake’s texture.
Final Thoughts
This 2-ingredient cake proves that amazing desserts don’t have to be complicated. Whether you’re a baking beginner or just looking for a quick sweet treat, this recipe delivers every single time. The best part? You probably have everything you need in your kitchen right now!
Give this recipe a try the next time you need a last-minute dessert or want to impress friends with your “baking skills.” They’ll never guess that your secret ingredient is a can of soda! Once you master this basic technique, you’ll find yourself experimenting with different flavor combinations and wondering why you ever bought store-bought cake again.
So grab that cake mix and soda—your easiest homemade cake ever is just 35 minutes away!
