My root beer float cake is sure to be a hit, especially if you love the flavors of a classic root beer float. A vanilla cake mix and a can of root beer come together with a simple root beer glaze to make this easy cake recipe.

There is something so nostalgic and special about an old fashioned root beer float. The combination of vanilla ice cream and fizzy root beer is always a winner. This easy root beer float cake captures all the familiar flavors in a moist cake that is great to serve for any occasion.

When I started seeing the viral cake recipes made with just a box of cake mix and soda, I knew I wanted to put my own spin on the idea. Since root beer floats have always been one of my favorite summertime treats, I thought creating a root beer cake would be the perfect place to start.

After testing several versions, I found that the 2 ingredient version is quick to make, adding eggs and oil makes a big difference. The added ingredients create a lighter, fluffier cake instead of a dense texture. I also found that adding root beer extract really gives the cake the root beer flavor.

Want more easy cake recipe, be sure to try this pink lady cake, do nothing cake, and punch bowl cake.

Why You Should Make This Recipe

• Can be made with simple ingredients. You can make this easy root beer cake with just a few ingredients.
• Great root beer flavor. I have tested this recipe with and without the root beer extract. Adding the extract really brings the root beer flavor forward. If it’s not included there isn’t much root beer flavor.
• An easy cake for many occasions. Serve this cake for a cookout, party, potluck, and more.

Ingredients

These are the ingredients needed to make this easy root beer float cake recipe.

• Cake mix: I like using a boxed vanilla cake mix but you can substitute with white cake mix, yellow cake mix or even chocolate cake mix.
• Root beer: A can of cold root beer is used to make the cake and the glaze and helps give the cake that classic soda shop flavor. I recommend using a can of regular root beer for the best flavor.
• Root beer extract: This is an optional ingredient but after testing I find that it helps to amplify the root beer flavor. You can usually find root beer extract where you would find vanilla extract in the spice aisle.
• Eggs: A couple of eggs will help to bind the cake batter together and makes it tender.
• Vegetable oil: This gives the cake moist, and fluffy texture.
• Glaze: I like making a root beer glaze for this cake by using powdered sugar and root beer.
• Optional: To give this cake the root beef float taste, you can top your cake slice with a dollop of whipped cream or Cool Whip. It’s also great served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Best Root Beer Brands

There are several wonderful root beer brands you can find at the store. I do recommend using regular root beer for the best flavor but you can substitute with root beer zero or diet root beer if you are in a pinch.

Some great root beer brands include A&W, Barq’s, Mug, IBC, and Stewarts.

How To Make Root Beer Float Cake

Scroll to the bottom for the full instructions and ingredients.

Step one: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F and spray a 9 x 13 baking pan with non-stick cooking spray.

Step two: Add the cake mix, eggs, vegetable oil, root beer extract, and root beer to a mixing bowl. Mix until just combined.

Step three: Bake the cake for 30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.

Step four: Let the cake completely cool. Make the root beer glaze by whisking together powdered sugar and root beer.

Step five: Drizzle the glaze over the cooled root beer cake. Let the root beer icing set before slicing the cake.

Serving Suggestions

This root beer float cake is delicious on it’s own but if you would like to add that extra root beer float flavor, I recommend adding a little bit of whipped cream, Cool Whip, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream to the top of a piece of cake when serving.

Heather’s Recipe Tips

• Use cold root beer to make the cake to help it mix into the batter.
• Don’t over mix the batter. Over mixing can cause the cake to be dense and tough.
• Make sure to grease your pan well. This will make it easier
• Let the cake cool before adding the glaze.
• Depending on how thick or thin you would like the root beer glaze, you can adjust the amount of root beer you use.
• Let the glaze set before slicing.

Variations

• Cake mix: Use your favorite cake mix flavor like yellow, white, chocolate, or spice cake mix.
• Soda: Change up the flavor of this cake by using a different soda like Dr. Pepper, Coke, or even Orange Fanta.
• Toppings: Try topping with Cool Whip, whipped cream, ice cream, or even vanilla frosting.

Storage Instructions

Store: Cover and store at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also keep this in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Freeze: This cake freezes well. You can wrap the whole cake or individual slices in plastic wrap and then place in a freezer safe bag. Freeze the cake for up to 2 months and thaw in the refrigerator when ready to serve.

Common Questions

More Easy Cake Recipes

• Strawberry Bars With Cake Mix
• Cake Mix Strawberry Cookies
• Cake Mix Cookie Bars
• Lemon Cake Mix Cookies

If you make and enjoy this recipe, it would mean so much to me if you would leave a comment and rating. Be sure to tag @foodlovinfamily and use the hashtag #foodlovinfamily so I can see your creations.