# What You’ll Need:
→ Cake Layers
01 - 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 2 teaspoons baking powder
03 - 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
04 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
05 - 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
06 - 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
07 - 4 large eggs, room temperature
08 - 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
09 - 1 cup lemon-lime soda, room temperature
→ Soda Syrup Soak
10 - 1/2 cup lemon-lime soda
11 - 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
→ Soda Float Frosting
12 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
13 - 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
14 - 3 cups powdered sugar, sifted
15 - 1/4 cup lemon-lime soda, reduced to 2 tablespoons
16 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
17 - Pinch of salt
→ Decoration
18 - Maraschino cherries
19 - Colorful sprinkles
# How to Make It:
01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and line two 9-inch round cake pans with parchment paper.
02 - In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
03 - In a large bowl, cream unsalted butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Beat in eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla extract.
04 - On low speed, add the flour mixture in three additions, alternating with lemon-lime soda. Begin and end with the flour mixture, mixing until just combined.
05 - Divide the batter evenly between prepared pans. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
06 - While the cakes bake, combine 1/2 cup lemon-lime soda and 2 tablespoons granulated sugar in a small saucepan. Heat over medium until sugar dissolves. Remove from heat and set aside.
07 - Let cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before turning onto wire racks. While still warm, brush each layer with soda syrup using a pastry brush. Let cool completely.
08 - Simmer 1/4 cup lemon-lime soda in a small saucepan over medium heat until reduced to 2 tablespoons. Allow to cool completely.
09 - Beat softened butter and cream cheese together until smooth. Gradually blend in powdered sugar. Add cooled soda reduction, vanilla extract, and salt. Beat frosting until fluffy.
10 - Place one cake layer on a serving plate and spread with one-third of the frosting. Top with second cake layer and frost top and sides with remaining frosting.
11 - Garnish with maraschino cherries and sprinkles. Chill cake for 20 minutes before slicing to achieve clean cuts.
