I have made it numerous times and we love it. I use all different flavors of soda with different cake mixes. Was your cake mix outdated? I found one in the back of my cupboard that was REALLY,REALLY outdated and it didn't rise. YOu can also make the cake with a can of pumpkin. It makes a heavier cake somewhat like a pound cake. Our favorite for the pumpkin is a yellow cake and I add cinnamon, nutmeg and a little clove or allspice to make a spice cake. Also good in chocolate cake mix. I am getting hungry just thinking about it.