A light, citrusy cake infused with Mountain Dew, topped with a sweet glaze and whipped cream for a fun and refreshing twist. This unique dessert combines the bright flavors of lemon and lime with a soft, fluffy texture, making it perfect for parties, family gatherings, or a special treat.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Light and fluffy texture – The combination of sour cream and Mountain Dew creates a perfectly moist cake.
- Bright citrus flavor – The lemon and lime zest enhance the soda’s citrusy notes.
- Easy to make – Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make this an accessible dessert.
- Fun and unique – A creative way to incorporate Mountain Dew into baking.
- Perfect for any occasion – Whether for birthdays, celebrations, or just a weekend treat, this cake is a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Cake:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 cup Mountain Dew
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon lime zest
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons Mountain Dew
- 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice
- Green food coloring (optional)
For the Topping:
- 1 cup whipped cream
- 1/4 cup pineapple chunks
- 2 tablespoons maraschino cherries, chopped
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a round cake pan.
- In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in sour cream, vanilla extract, lemon zest, and lime zest.
- Alternately add the dry ingredients and Mountain Dew, mixing until fully combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool completely.
- Mix the glaze ingredients until smooth, then drizzle over the cooled cake.
- Pipe whipped cream on top and garnish with pineapple chunks and maraschino cherries.
Servings and Timing
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Servings: 10 servings
- Calories: 380 kcal per serving
Variations
- Zesty Boost: Add extra lemon or lime juice to enhance the citrus flavors.
- Cream Cheese Frosting: Swap the glaze for a rich cream cheese frosting for a tangier touch.
- Cupcake Version: Pour batter into cupcake liners and bake for 18-20 minutes.
- Layered Cake: Double the recipe and stack layers with whipped cream or frosting between them.
- Tropical Twist: Add shredded coconut to the batter for a tropical-inspired cake.
Storage/Reheating
- Room Temperature: Store the cake in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Refrigeration: Keep in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Let it come to room temperature before serving.
- Freezing: Freeze the unglazed cake for up to 2 months. Thaw and add glaze before serving.
FAQs
Can I use diet Mountain Dew?
Yes, but the texture and sweetness may slightly differ.
What does Mountain Dew do in baking?
It adds moisture, enhances the citrus flavors, and gives the cake a soft texture.
Can I make this cake without Mountain Dew?
You can substitute it with lemon-lime soda or a mixture of lemon juice and sparkling water.
Why is my cake dense instead of fluffy?
Overmixing the batter can make the cake dense. Mix just until combined.
Can I use a different glaze?
Yes, a cream cheese glaze or a lemon drizzle works well.
Do I need to refrigerate this cake?
Not necessarily, but refrigeration helps maintain freshness.
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes, bake it a day in advance and add the glaze and toppings before serving.
Can I use store-bought whipped cream?
Yes, but homemade whipped cream gives a fresher taste.
What can I serve with this cake?
It pairs well with vanilla ice cream or a citrus fruit salad.
How do I make the glaze thicker?
Add more powdered sugar until you reach the desired consistency.
Conclusion
Fluffy Mountain Dew Cake is a unique and flavorful dessert that blends citrusy brightness with a moist, tender crumb. Topped with a sweet glaze, whipped cream, and fruit, this cake is perfect for any occasion. Whether you are a fan of Mountain Dew or just love citrus-flavored treats, this cake is sure to impress. Try it today and enjoy a fun twist on classic baking!
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PrintFluffy Mountain Dew Cake
A light, citrusy cake bursting with lemon-lime flavors, infused with Mountain Dew, and topped with a sweet glaze and whipped cream. This fun and refreshing dessert is perfect for any occasion!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert, Cake
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 cup Mountain Dew
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon lime zest
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons Mountain Dew
- 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice
- Green food coloring (optional)
For the Topping:
- 1 cup whipped cream
- 1/4 cup pineapple chunks
- 2 tablespoons maraschino cherries, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a round cake pan.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each. Stir in sour cream, vanilla, lemon zest, and lime zest.
- Alternately add dry ingredients and Mountain Dew, mixing until combined.
- Pour batter into the pan and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool completely.
- Mix glaze ingredients and drizzle over the cake.
- Pipe whipped cream on top and garnish with pineapple chunks and maraschino cherries.
Notes
- For an extra citrus kick, add more lemon and lime zest to the batter.
- Green food coloring can enhance the vibrant Mountain Dew theme.
- Serve chilled for a refreshing twist!