Buzz
Regardless of your dietary preferences or ingredient limitations, you deserve a slice of cake. Vegan baking often requires specialty ingredients that are not always readily available. However, cake mixes are typically free of eggs and dairy—it's the addition of eggs or butter that causes the issue. Fortunately, you don't need either to make a cake with a boxed mix; all you need is a can of soda.
In fact, almost any carbonated drink works, except for diet soda. Just mix a can of your preferred soda or sparkling water with a box of cake mix, then pour it into a greased pan and bake as usual. The result is a soft, moist cake, without the need for egg replacements, gums, or chickpea liquid.
One important thing to note is that this method yields about half the amount of cake you would typically get. Normally, cake mixes require several eggs, oil, and sometimes water. A can of soda takes up much less space, so you’ll only get one eight- or nine-inch layer, rather than two. (It’s not a big deal, just don't be caught off guard.)
Soda, seltzer, height, and flavor come together perfectly
Bake the cake a bit longer for optimal results
In terms of texture, this cake can definitely have a 'vegan' vibe with a slightly chewy feel. When I first tried the chocolate cake, I found myself nibbling on the edges more than the center, as the middle was a bit too springy for my taste. To fix this, simply bake it for a little longer. Aim for a toothpick to come out fully clean, and be sure to let the cake cool completely before slicing it for serving.
The finishing touches truly make all the difference
The Coca-Cola chocolate cake had a delightful flavor. A spoonful of whipped coconut cream or perhaps a vegan brigadeiro frosting made with sweetened condensed coconut milk would have been the perfect addition.
On the other hand, the seltzer cake felt a bit off balance. While Polar and similar brands are known for their subtle taste, the cherry-limeade seltzer was immediately noticeable when baked into a simple yellow cake. It had a fruity flavor, reminiscent of Fruity Pebbles—sweet without the usual carbonation bite. It lacked acidity, so I brushed it with a lemon simple syrup I had stored in the fridge. That adjustment brought a fresh, slightly tangy, lemony note to balance out the flavor.
Two-Ingredient Vegan Cake
Ingredients:
1 box of cake mix, any flavor
1 can of soda or seltzer, any flavor except diet
Preheat your oven to 350℉. Once heated, pour the cake mix into a large bowl, then add the soda or seltzer. Gently fold the ingredients together to keep the batter light and airy. Pour the mixture into a greased 8- or 9-inch cake pan and bake for 35-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool completely before topping with vegan whipped cream or an infused simple syrup.
