Vegan Fanta Sponge Cake

posted by Kia Gardner, September 20, 2025

This recipe makes one 9-inch square cake or a thick 8-inch round cake.

Prep time: 15 minutes

Cook time: 25 – 30 minutes1

Total time: ~45 minutes (plus cooling time)

Yields: 9-12 servings

Ingredients

For the Cake:

• 2 cups (240g) all-purpose (plain) flour

• 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar

• 1 teaspoon baking powder

• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda (bicarbonate of soda)

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 1 cup (240ml) Fanta Orange Soda (or another citrus-flavoured soda)

• 1/2 cup (120ml) vegetable oil (neutral-tasting like canola or sunflower)

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar (or white vinegar)

• Zest of 1 orange (optional, for extra flavour)

For the Glaze (Optional):

• 1 cup (120g) powdered sugar (icing sugar), sifted

• 2 – 3 tablespoons Fanta Orange Soda

Instructions

1. Preheat and Prep:

• Preheat your oven to 350 degrees

• Grease and flour a 9-inch square cake pan or an 8-9 inch round cake pan, or line the bottom with parchment paper.

2. Mix Dry Ingredients:

• In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.  Make sure everything is well combined.

3. Combine Wet Ingredients:

• In a separate bowl or large measuring jug, gently mix together the Fanta, vegetable oil, vanilla extract, and apple cider vinegar. If using, stir in the orange zest.

• Note: The vinegar reacting with the soda may cause a slight fizzing, which is normal. The acid helps activate the baking soda to leaven the cake.

4. Combine Wet and Dry:

• Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients.

• Stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few small lumps are okay. Overmixing develops the gluten and can result in a tougher cake.

5. Bake:

• Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan, spreading it evenly.

• Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

• If you are using a smaller or deeper pan, the baking time might be closer to 35-40 minutes.

6. Cool:

• Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then carefully transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.

7. Prepare Glaze (Optional):

• In a small bowl, whisk together the sifted powdered sugar and 2 tablespoons of Fanta until smooth.

• If the glaze is too thick, add a little more Fanta, a teaspoon at a time. If it’s too thin, add a little more powdered sugar.

• Once the cake is completely cooled, drizzle the glaze evenly over the top. Allow the glaze to set for a few minutes before slicing and serving.

Enjoy your citrusy, fluffy vegan Fanta cake!