Why You’ll Love this Mountain Dew Cake Recipe
Why is this Mountain Dew Cake so irresistible? It’s the perfect blend of flavors that dances on your taste buds. The zing of the soda adds a revitalizing twist, while the pineapple brings a burst of sweetness.
I love how the cake stays moist, thanks to the unique ingredients. Each bite feels like a celebration! Plus, the coconut topping gives it a delightful crunch that contrasts beautifully with the soft cake layers.
It’s not just a dessert; it’s an experience that brightens any occasion. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll understand why it’s become a favorite in my kitchen!
Ingredients of Mountain Dew Cake
When it comes to baking something that truly stands out, the ingredients can make all the difference. For this delightful Mountain Dew Cake, you’ll be combining sweet, zesty, and tropical flavors in a way that’s not just unique but also totally delicious.
So, let’s take a look at what you’ll need to whip up this cake that’s sure to impress your friends and family.
Here’s a handy list of ingredients for the Mountain Dew Cake:
- 1 box Duncan Hines orange cake mix
- 1 can Mountain Dew soda
- 1 box coconut pudding mix (like Jello)
- 1 cup Crisco cooking oil
- 4 eggs
- 1 (20-ounce) can crushed pineapple
- 1 1/2 cups sugar
- 1/4 lb margarine
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 box angelflake coconut or 1 cup chopped nuts for topping
Now, as you gather your ingredients, keep in mind that some of these items may have substitutions or variations. For instance, if you’re not a fan of margarine, you can easily swap it out for butter, which will give your cake a richer flavor.
And if you’re feeling adventurous, try using a different flavor of soda—maybe lemon-lime for a twist. Also, you might want to check if the pudding mix is instant or cooked; it can make a difference in texture.
But hey, no pressure—this recipe is pretty forgiving, and it’s all about having fun in the kitchen. So roll up your sleeves and get ready to bake something magical!
How to Make Mountain Dew Cake
Alright, let’s plunge into the delightful world of baking with this Mountain Dew Cake! You’ll want to start by preheating your oven to a cozy 350 degrees. That’s the perfect temperature for a cake to rise and become fluffy.
While that’s warming up, grab your mixing bowl and combine 1 box of Duncan Hines orange cake mix with 1 can of Mountain Dew soda. Yes, you heard that right—soda in a cake! It adds a lovely zing and keeps the cake moist. Don’t forget to add in 1 box of coconut pudding mix (like Jello), 1 cup of Crisco cooking oil, and 4 eggs.
At this point, it might start looking like a party in a bowl, and you’ll want to mix it all together until it’s smooth and well combined.
Now, here comes the fun part: the crushed pineapple. Drain a 20-ounce can and fold that into the mix. It adds such a nice tropical flair, doesn’t it? Once everything is well blended, you’re ready to divide the batter evenly into three greased cake pans.
Pop those into the oven and let them bake for about 30 to 35 minutes. Just a quick tip—use a toothpick to check if they’re done; if it comes out clean, you’re golden. When your cakes are ready, let them cool completely before icing. Because trust me, nobody wants a melted frosting disaster.
Now, let’s talk about that icing. In a saucepan, mix together 1 1/2 cups of sugar, 1/4 lb of margarine, and 3 tablespoons of cornstarch, along with a splash of milk or water—just enough to make it creamy.
Cook this mixture on low heat, stirring constantly until it thickens up. This part can feel a bit like a magic show, watching it transform before your eyes. Once it’s cooled down, you can spread it generously between the layers and on top of the cake.
And for that final touch, sprinkle on some angelflake coconut or chopped nuts. There you have it—a zesty Mountain Dew Cake that’s sure to be the star of your dessert table. Enjoy every bite, and maybe save a slice for yourself because, let’s be honest, you deserve it after all that hard work.
Mountain Dew Cake Substitutions & Variations
If you’re looking to shake things up with your Mountain Dew Cake, there are plenty of delicious substitutions and variations to contemplate.
For instance, swap out the orange cake mix for lemon or lime to enhance that citrus zing. You could also use Sprite or 7-Up instead of Mountain Dew for a different flavor profile.
If you want to make it more tropical, consider adding shredded coconut or macadamia nuts. For a lower-fat option, replace Crisco with applesauce.
Don’t forget, experimenting with different frostings, like cream cheese or whipped cream, can take your cake to a whole new level. Enjoy!
What to Serve with Mountain Dew Cake
After experimenting with different variations of Mountain Dew Cake, you might be wondering what to serve alongside it to complement its unique flavor.
I’ve found that a scoop of vanilla ice cream pairs beautifully, balancing the cake’s zestiness. Fresh fruit, like strawberries or blueberries, adds an invigorating contrast, enhancing the overall experience. If you’re feeling indulgent, a drizzle of caramel sauce can take it to the next level.
For drinks, a light lemonade or iced tea works well, cutting through the sweetness. These simple additions elevate your dessert and make each bite even more delightful. Enjoy your delicious creation!
Additional Tips & Notes
To guarantee your Mountain Dew Cake turns out perfectly every time, I recommend a few key tips.
First, make sure your ingredients are at room temperature; it helps the batter mix smoothly. When mixing, don’t overbeat—just combine until everything’s moistened.
I love using crushed pineapple in its juice for extra moisture, but you can drain some if you prefer a less wet cake.
Finally, let the cake cool completely before icing; this prevents the frosting from melting.
Sprinkle with coconut or nuts just before serving for a delightful crunch. Enjoy every bite of your zesty creation!