Lemon Sprite Cake
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My Lemon Sprite Cake is a two ingredient wonder.I finish it with a creamy citrus frosting so it is a nostalgic, ultra-moist lemon cake. It’s bright, bubbly, and blissfully simple. It is perfect for potlucks, birthdays, or just because lemon makes everything better.
I love fun and fruity cakes and cupcakes. Two favorites are my Cocoa Pebbles Cupcakes and my Cherry Almond Cake.
Why this Lemon Sprite Cake Recipe Works
Whether you’re baking for a potluck, a birthday, or just because, Sprite Cake delivers sunshine in every slice. It’s simple, nostalgic, and irresistibly moist, just like Grandma used to make, but with a twist that keeps it fresh.
- Moist: The Sprite adds moisture and a subtle citrus lift to the easy recipe.
- Only 2 Ingredients: This recipe has only 2 easy ingredients.
- Delicious Flavor: This cake tastes amazing and is a hit every time.
- Budget-Friendly: The ingredients are affordable and the recipe is cost-effective.
Can I use Diet Soda or 7-Up for this Cake?
Yes! Diet Sprite works, though texture may vary slightly. You can also try 7UP or lemon-lime soda for a similar effect. This adds that lemon flavor.
Fun Fact for This Favorite Cake Recipe
Soda cakes became popular during the Great Depression and World War II when eggs, butter, and milk were scarce. Home bakers discovered that carbonated soda could mimic the lift and moisture of traditional ingredients—making dessert possible with just a box of cake mix and a bottle of fizz
Ingredient Notes for Lemon Lime Soda Cake
The soda adds delightful lemon-lime flavor and a fluffy texture to the cake. Check out more in the recipe details below.
Get the full printable recipe with specific measurements and directions in the recipe card below.
- Box Cake Mix: White cake mix gives you a head start on flavor and structure. It’s light, fluffy, and pairs beautifully with citrusy add-ins.
- Sprite: This fizzy soda replaces eggs, oil, and water, adding moisture, lift, and a subtle lemon-lime sparkle. It’s the secret to a tender crumb and a fun twist on traditional baking.
- Cream Cheese: Rich and tangy, cream cheese adds depth and balances the sweetness of the cake. It’s the backbone of the frosting and makes every bite feel indulgent.
- Butter: Softened butter helps whip the frosting into a creamy, spreadable dream. It adds richness and smooth texture.
Variations and Substitutions Easy Lemon Cake and Frosting
It is easy to make this delicious recipe with a yellow cake mix or another fun flavor.
- Cake Mix: Try lemon cake mix or vanilla cake mix with added lemon zest.
- Cream Cheese Frosting: Frost with cool whip. Swap lemon extract for vanilla or almond for a twist. You can make a glaze too.
- Dairy-Free: Use vegan cream cheese and plant-based butter in place of real butter.
- Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free lemon cake mix and the Sprite still works.
- Lemon Juice: You can add juice in place of the extract. Add lime zest for more flavor.
How to Make Lemon 2 Ingredient Cake
Making this cake is as easy as it is delightful. With just a box of lemon cake mix and a splash of Sprite, you’ll whip up a light, citrusy base that’s full of flavor and nostalgia. Once cooled, it gets topped with a tangy cream cheese frosting that’s brightened with lemon zest and extract. Let’s walk through the simple steps to bring this sunny dessert to life.
Get the full printable recipe with specific measurements and directions in the recipe card below.
- Mix the Cake Batter: Start by combining the lemon cake mix and Sprite in a large mixing bowl. Beat for 2 minutes until smooth and bubbly.
- Bake to Golden Perfection: Pour the batter into a greased with cooking spray 9″ x 11″ casserole pan and bake at 350°F for 25–30 minutes. The cake is ready when a toothpick comes out clean and the top is lightly golden.
- Whip Up the Frosting: In a separate bowl, beat together the cream cheese, softened butter, and powdered sugar for 2 minutes. Add lemon extract and zest, then mix until creamy and bright.
- Frost: Once the cake is completely cool, spread the frosting evenly using an offset spatula. Garnish with lemon zest and lemon slice candies for a cheerful citrus finish.
Prep Ahead Suggestions for Delicious Sprite Cake
You can make this easy dessert in stages or make the whole thing in advance.
- Make the Easy Cake: Bake the cake a day ahead and store covered at room temp.
- Prepare the Frosting: Make frosting in advance and refrigerate, bring to room temp before spreading.
Alternate Cooking Methods – Sprite Bundt Cake
You can make this lemon and lime recipe in a bundt pan or make it as cupcakes or as a layer cake.
- Cupcakes: Divide batter into lined muffin tins, bake 18–22 minutes.
- Layer Cake: Use two 8″ round pans, adjust bake time to 20–25 minutes.
- Sheet Cake: Double the recipe for a party-size sheet pan.
How to Store, Freeze and Use Leftovers
- Store: Once the cake is completely cool and frosted, slice it into portions if desired. Transfer to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For best texture, let slices sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes before serving.
- Freeze: Freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw in the fridge or at room temp before serving.
- Leftovers: Cube and layer with whipped cream for lemon trifle cups. Lemon Cake Pops: Crumble leftover cake and mix with a bit of frosting. Roll into balls, insert sticks, and dip in melted white chocolate or lemon candy melts. Chill until firm. Citrus French Toast Bake
Cube the cake and layer in a baking dish. Pour over a mixture of eggs, milk, and a splash of lemon extract. Bake until golden and serve warm with whipped cream or berries.
Common Questions About This Cake Mix Lemon Cake Recipe
Answer the question with yes, no, sometimes…then provide an explanation.
Can include bulleted lists here.
Adding soda to cake mix creates a fluffy, moist cake because the carbon dioxide bubbles act as a leavening agent to help the cake rise, and the soda provides the necessary liquid to form the batter, often eliminating the need for eggs and oil. This simple hack also adds flavor and color to the cake, allowing for creative combinations, like using orange soda with vanilla cake mix for a creamsicle flavor.
Recipe Tips for Making Lemon Cake From Cake Mix
- Don’t Overmix the Batter: Just beat until smooth—overmixing can make the cake dense instead of light and fluffy.
- Zest: Add more flavor with zest in the batter.
- Use Room Temp Ingredients for Frosting: Softened cream cheese and butter blend smoother and fluffier with no lumps, no fuss.
- Chill Before Serving: A quick chill firms up the frosting and makes slicing cleaner—especially helpful for party platters.
- Candy Garnish That Travels Well: Lemon slice candies hold up better than fresh slices for potlucks or lunchbox treats.
- Fun Soda Cake: Try this fun: Cotton Candy Cake or my Cream Soda Cake.
More Recipes You Might Like
Lemon Sprite Cake
Equipment
- 9 x 13-inch baking dish
- Offset Spatula
- Microplane or zester
Ingredients
- Cake
- 12 ounces Sprite
- 15.25 ounces Lemon cake mix, 1 box
- Cream Cheese Frosting
- 8 ounces Cream cheese, softened
- 2 tablespoons Butter, softened
- 4 cups Powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons Milk
- 2 teaspoons Lemon extract
- 1 tablespoon Lemon zest
- Garnish
- Lemon slices, garnish
- Additional lemon zest, garnish
Instructions
- Cake
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Grease a 9 x 13-inch baking dish.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the lemon cake mix and Sprite. Beat with a hand mixer for about 2 minutes, or until the batter is smooth.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and spread it into an even layer.
- Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cake to cool completely before frosting.
- Frosting
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar and continue mixing until fully incorporated.
- Add the lemon extract and lemon zest. Mix until smooth.
- Add the milk, one tablespoon at a time, until the frosting reaches a spreadable consistency.
- Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled cake.
- Garnish with additional lemon zest and lemon slices, if desired.
Christina’s Notes
- Do not overmix the batter. Mix only until smooth.
- Zest the lemon before juicing if you’re using fresh lemons for garnish.
- For extra lemon flavor, brush the cooled cake with a simple lemon syrup before frosting.
- Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Let the cake sit at room temperature for 15 to 20 minutes before serving for the best texture.
For more helpful information about this recipe, such as variations, substitutions and other pro-tips, scroll up on the page.
