Fanta cake (, ) is a cake that originates from Germany, made with a sponge cake base. The primary ingredient is Fanta, a carbonated soft drink which gives it a texture that is fluffier than typical sponge cakes. The cake is topped with either a simple lemon glaze or a creamy layer made of heavy sour cream, whipped cream or sugar. It is typically served at birthday parties or celebrations.
Fanta was developed by the German branch of The Coca-Cola Company led by Max Keith during World War II because trade embargoes made some typical soft drink ingredients difficult to obtain in Nazi Germany. Fanta became popular as a carbonated beverage, but also as a sweetener in other dishes and desserts too, such as cakes.
Similar recipes use other carbonated soft drinks. For instance, in Germany, using Sprite makes Spritekuchen. Other beverages like lemonade can make Limokuchen.
In the Southern United States, similar cakes using 7 Up, Coca-Cola and Dr Pepper emerged in the mid-20th century. Cracker Barrel introduced "Cola Cake" to its menu in the 1990s, with iterations including the double chocolate fudge Coca-Cola cake. Several types of beer cake are similarly partially leavened by beer's carbonation.