There is something wonderfully magical about the Orange Crush Cake (3-ingredients) Recipe that makes it an instant favorite for any occasion. This simple cake brings together just a few pantry staples to create a moist, fluffy, and refreshingly citrusy dessert that sings with bright orange flavor. The ease of this recipe, paired with its vibrant color and light texture, makes it a perfect go-to for busy bakers or anyone craving a delightful treat without fuss. Trust me, once you try this cake, you’ll find it hard to resist coming back for more!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients for this Orange Crush Cake (3-ingredients) Recipe is a breeze, and each component plays a vital role in the final masterpiece. From the base cake mix to the fizzy orange soda and fluffy cool whip, every ingredient works harmoniously to give you a light, zesty, and creamy dessert everyone will love.
- 1 box white cake mix: This forms the fluffy, tender foundation for the cake, ensuring a soft crumb and light texture.
- 2 cups Crush Orange soda: The secret ingredient that infuses a bright citrus flavor and naturally leavens the cake for a delightful rise.
- 1 16 oz cool whip: Provides a creamy, airy frosting that is simple, sweet, and complements the orange soda’s zest perfectly.
- Maraschino cherries (optional): Adds a pop of beautiful color and slight sweetness as a classic garnish for each slice.
How to Make Orange Crush Cake (3-ingredients) Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Then, spray an 8×8-inch baking dish generously with baking spray to prevent the cake from sticking and ensure easy removal once baked. This simple prep step lays the groundwork for a perfectly baked cake every time.
Step 2: Mix the Batter
Next, grab a large mixing bowl and combine the white cake mix with the 2 cups of Crush Orange soda. Using a hand mixer, blend these together until the batter is completely smooth with no lumps. This step is quick and easy, and the fizz from the soda helps to lighten the batter, giving the cake an incredible fluffy lift.
Step 3: Bake Your Cake
Pour the smooth batter evenly into your prepared baking dish. Pop it into the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. The delightful aroma while baking will start to build excitement — your Orange Crush Cake is almost ready!
Step 4: Let It Cool
Once out of the oven, allow your cake to cool completely right in the pan. This step is essential to prevent the cool whip frosting from melting and to help the cake set for a neat, clean slice later.
Step 5: Frost with Cool Whip
When the cake is thoroughly cooled, gently spread the cool whip over the top with a spatula, creating a smooth, fluffy frosting layer. This cool whip frosting is not only quick to apply but adds a wonderfully light and sweet finish to balance the citrus notes of the cake.
Step 6: Chill and Firm Up
Pop the frosted cake into the refrigerator for about an hour to chill. This helps the frosting firm up nicely and allows the flavors to meld together beautifully, making every bite silky and refreshing.
Step 7: Add Cherry Garnishes
Cut your chilled cake into squares and delicately place a maraschino cherry in the center of each slice. This classic touch not only adds a burst of color but also offers a sweet, juicy accent that elevates the presentation beautifully.
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy!
Now the fun part: serving and savoring your vibrant, zesty Orange Crush Cake (3-ingredients) Recipe. This dessert is perfect for family gatherings, casual get-togethers, or any time you want a bright, simple cake that brings smiles around the table.
How to Serve Orange Crush Cake (3-ingredients) Recipe
Garnishes
While the maraschino cherry is a classic garnish that pairs perfectly with the orange flavor, you can also sprinkle a few orange zest shavings on top for an extra citrus kick. A light dusting of powdered sugar could add a lovely delicate sweetness and enhance visual appeal.
Side Dishes
This cake is a light and refreshing dessert, so pairing it with a tangy salad of fresh berries or a scoop of vanilla ice cream complements the citrus flavors perfectly. For a party, fresh fruit skewers or a simple fruit salad make bright, refreshing companions.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive touch, serve Orange Crush Cake slices on colorful plates or with mini paper umbrellas for a fun, tropical vibe. You can also cut the cake into fun shapes using cookie cutters, or layer the cake chunks with whipped cream and orange segments in clear glasses for a charming parfait-style dessert.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Orange Crush Cake (3-ingredients) Recipe in an airtight container or cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap. Keep it refrigerated to maintain the freshness of the cool whip and cake texture. It will stay delicious for about 3 to 4 days.
Freezing
You can freeze this cake, but since it contains cool whip, it’s best to freeze the unfrosted cake layer separately. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. When ready to enjoy, thaw completely in the fridge and then spread fresh cool whip frosting before serving.
Reheating
This cake is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature thanks to the cool whip frosting. If you have an unfrosted leftover slice, warm it gently in the microwave for 10-15 seconds, but avoid reheating the frosted cake as it will soften and lose its texture.
FAQs
Can I use other flavors of soda instead of Crush Orange?
Absolutely! While Crush Orange gives a distinct citrus flavor, you can experiment with other sodas like lemon-lime or even grape for unique variations, just keep in mind it will change the flavor profile quite a bit.
Is it necessary to use cool whip, or can I make my own frosting?
You can certainly make your own frosting, but cool whip offers a light, airy, and quick alternative that requires no extra effort. If you prefer, a simple whipped cream or cream cheese frosting can also work well with this cake.
Can this recipe be doubled for a larger crowd?
Yes! Simply double the cake mix and soda quantities and bake in a larger dish or two 8×8 pans. Adjust the baking time accordingly and keep an eye on doneness with a toothpick test.
What is the texture of the Orange Crush Cake like?
This cake is incredibly moist and soft with a tender crumb thanks to the soda’s carbonation. The cool whip frosting adds a smooth, creamy contrast that feels light rather than heavy.
Can I add decorations other than cherries?
Definitely! Sliced oranges, edible flowers, or even a drizzle of white chocolate can add a creative and tasty twist while keeping the cake simple and beautiful.
Final Thoughts
This Orange Crush Cake (3-ingredients) Recipe is one of those gems that you’ll want to keep in your baking arsenal—simple enough for any day, yet impressive enough to wow guests. It’s a delightful combination of zesty orange soda, tender cake, and fluffy cool whip frosting, all coming together with minimal effort but maximum flavor. Give it a try and let this sunny, sweet cake brighten up your dessert table very soon!
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Orange Crush Cake (3-ingredients) Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
- Total Time: 40-45 minutes
- Yield: 9 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This easy, refreshing Orange Crush Cake is a delightful twist on classic cake recipes, combining a box of white cake mix with bubbly Crush Orange soda for a light, citrusy batter. Topped with cool whip and optionally garnished with maraschino cherries, this no-fuss dessert is perfect for any occasion and requires just a few simple ingredients.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 box white cake mix
- 2 cups Crush Orange soda
- 1 (16 oz) container cool whip
- 1 jar Maraschino cherries (juice drained, optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and spray an 8×8-inch baking dish with baking spray to prepare for the cake batter.
- Mix Batter: In a large mixing bowl, combine the white cake mix and 2 cups of Crush Orange soda. Use a hand mixer to beat until the batter is smooth and fully combined.
- Bake Cake: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared baking dish. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool Cake: Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool completely at room temperature before frosting.
- Frost with Cool Whip: Spread the 16 ounces of cool whip evenly over the cooled cake using a spatula to create a smooth, creamy topping.
- Chill the Cake: Place the cake in the refrigerator for about one hour to allow the cool whip to set and the flavors to meld.
- Garnish: After chilling, cut the cake into slices and top each slice with a maraschino cherry placed at the center for an added pop of color and flavor.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve chilled and enjoy this light, citrus-infused dessert that’s perfect for any casual gathering or celebration.
Notes
- Ensure the cake is fully cooled before frosting to prevent the cool whip from melting.
- The soda replaces the liquid and eggs typically used in cake mixes, making this a unique twist on traditional cake preparation.
- Maraschino cherries are optional but add a colorful and flavorful garnish.
- This cake is best served chilled but can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- For a slightly tangier flavor, you can substitute part of the Crush soda with freshly squeezed orange juice.
