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–+ servings

Orange Crush Cake

Heather Baird
This retro Orange Crush Cake is a delicious throwback, featuring the unmistakable flavor of orange soda baked right into the batter. Made in a classic bundt pan, this cake has a light, tender crumb with a sweet citrus zing. The orange cream cheese icing adds a delicious creamy note.
This recipe is a true 1980’s gem that uses boxed convenience mixes, such as white cake mix, Jell-O, and instant pudding mix – so add those to your grocery list along with Orange Crush soda!
The cake mix, Jell-O, and instant pudding mix are all added to the recipe as dry ingredients. See video for clarity.
5 from 1 vote
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 55 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 10

Equipment

  • Standard size bundt pan

Ingredients
  

Cake

  • 4 large eggs at room temperature
  • 3/4 cup vegetable oil
  • 2 tablespoons orange Jell-O
  • 3/4 cup orange soda at room temperature
  • 13.25 oz. white cake mix 1 box
  • 4 oz. instant vanilla pudding mix 1 small box
  • Orange food color optional

Cream cheese frosting

  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter
  • 4 oz. cream cheese at room temperature
  • 1 cup confectioners’ sugar
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon orange extract
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 tablespoons orange confetti sprinkles optional
  • 1 tablespoon white nonpareils optional

Instructions
 

Cake

  • Preheat the oven to 350°F. Coat a bundt pan with flour-based baking spray or grease and flour the pan.
  • In a large measuring pitcher with a pour spout (or a large mixing bowl) combine the eggs, oil, and orange Jell-O. Mix well with an electric mixer until combined. Add the orange crush soda. Mix well. Don’t let this mixture stand for too long, because the gelatin will start to set over time. Get right to the dry ingredients.
  • In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the dry cake mix and dry pudding mix. Pour in the orange crush mixture and beat on low speed until well combined.
  • Pour the batter into the prepared bundt pan. Bake for 50-55 minutes, or until a toothpick tester inserted comes out clean.
  • Turn out onto a wire rack to cool completely.

Cream cheese frosting

  • In the bowl of an electric mixer, combine the butter and cream cheese. Beat until well combined. Add the confectioners’ sugar and beat until just combined. Pour in heavy cream as you mix on low speed, then beat on high speed until billowy and fluffy. Beat in the extracts.
  • Cover the cooled cake with the frosting; add sprinkles, if using.
  • Store the cake in the refrigerator. Bring to room temperature for best flavor and texture.

Notes

Can I use a different orange soda?
Yes, but using Orange Crush is what gives this cake its authentic retro flavor. Feel free to try other sodas if you’re curious, though!
How long does the cake stay fresh?
Stored in an airtight container, this cake will stay fresh for about 3-4 days.
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Absolutely. You can make the cake a day or two in advance and store it in the refrigerator. It keeps well. 
Keyword instant vanilla pudding mix, orange crush bundt cake, orange crush cake, orange crush soda, orange extract, orange Jell-O, TN Vols Cake, white cake mix
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