Rebel Float Cake Soda Frosting (Print Version)

Soda-infused sponge, creamy frosting, and fun toppings for a playful American-style cake. Crowd-pleasing and nostalgic.

# What You’ll Need:

→ Cake Layers

01 - 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 2 teaspoons baking powder
03 - 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
04 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
05 - 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
06 - 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
07 - 4 large eggs, room temperature
08 - 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
09 - 1 cup lemon-lime soda, room temperature

→ Soda Syrup Soak

10 - 1/2 cup lemon-lime soda
11 - 2 tablespoons granulated sugar

→ Soda Float Frosting

12 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
13 - 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
14 - 3 cups powdered sugar, sifted
15 - 1/4 cup lemon-lime soda, reduced to 2 tablespoons
16 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
17 - Pinch of salt

→ Decoration

18 - Maraschino cherries
19 - Colorful sprinkles

# How to Make It:

01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and line two 9-inch round cake pans with parchment paper.
02 - In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
03 - In a large bowl, cream unsalted butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Beat in eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla extract.
04 - On low speed, add the flour mixture in three additions, alternating with lemon-lime soda. Begin and end with the flour mixture, mixing until just combined.
05 - Divide the batter evenly between prepared pans. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
06 - While the cakes bake, combine 1/2 cup lemon-lime soda and 2 tablespoons granulated sugar in a small saucepan. Heat over medium until sugar dissolves. Remove from heat and set aside.
07 - Let cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before turning onto wire racks. While still warm, brush each layer with soda syrup using a pastry brush. Let cool completely.
08 - Simmer 1/4 cup lemon-lime soda in a small saucepan over medium heat until reduced to 2 tablespoons. Allow to cool completely.
09 - Beat softened butter and cream cheese together until smooth. Gradually blend in powdered sugar. Add cooled soda reduction, vanilla extract, and salt. Beat frosting until fluffy.
10 - Place one cake layer on a serving plate and spread with one-third of the frosting. Top with second cake layer and frost top and sides with remaining frosting.
11 - Garnish with maraschino cherries and sprinkles. Chill cake for 20 minutes before slicing to achieve clean cuts.

# Additional Tips::

01 -
  • Playful retro flavors remind you of childhood soda floats
  • Super soft and moist cake layers thanks to soda in the batter
  • Simple to decorate for a celebration or just because
  • Frosting is creamy with a fizzy tang
  • Even if you are not a big baker the step-by-step approach makes this surprisingly achievable
02 -
  • Cake is incredibly tender thanks to soda
  • Frosting is not too sweet with a subtle fizz flavor
  • Decorates beautifully and holds up for a celebration
03 -
  • Do not over mix the batter once the flour is in. This is the key to maintaining the delicate crumb
  • Always use room temperature butter eggs and cream cheese for the smoothest texture
  • Chill your frosted cake briefly for cleaner slicing and easy serving

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