The first time I tasted a 7UP pound cake, I was standing barefoot in my grandmother’s kitchen, eyeing that golden crust as it cooled on the counter. The sweet citrus aroma filled the room, and one bite sealed the deal, this wasn’t just any cake. This was the 7UP pound cake recipe passed down like a family heirloom. And I’ve been making it ever since.
This moist, tender cake is a Southern classic, made unique by its not-so-secret ingredient: 7UP. The soda’s lemon-lime fizz adds just the right hint of citrus, helps lift the batter, and gives the crumb a light, airy texture without sacrificing that rich buttery goodness pound cakes are known for.
This 7UP pound cake recipe is ideal for Sunday dinners, holiday tables, potlucks, or just whenever you’re craving a slice of comfort. It’s easy enough for beginner bakers but elegant enough to be the star of any dessert table.
Table of contents
Why This 7UP Pound Cake Recipe Works Like Magic
There are a few reasons why this cake has stood the test of time, and why it still gets requests whenever I show up with dessert. Let’s break it down.
1. The Texture is Dreamy
Thanks to the creaming method and the carbonation from the 7UP, this pound cake comes out ultra-moist with a tight but tender crumb. It slices beautifully and stays fresh for days.
2. The Flavor is Balanced
That little zing from the 7UP enhances the vanilla and lemon extracts in the batter, creating a bright, clean flavor profile that never feels too heavy.
3. It’s Foolproof
With simple pantry ingredients and clear steps, this 7UP pound cake recipe is nearly impossible to mess up. The key is in taking your time to cream the butter and sugar thoroughly and not overbaking.
4. Easily Customizable
Whether you want to make a lemon glaze, fold in citrus zest, or swap in gluten-free flour, this recipe welcomes variation. For a festive twist, you can even bake it in mini Bundt molds or serve it with fresh berries and whipped cream.
5. It’s Nostalgic and Crowd-Pleasing
This isn’t just dessert, it’s a memory-maker. A cake that feels like home. A 7UP pound cake recipe that tastes just like Grandma’s but with your own special touch.
Recipe Card
7UP Pound Cake Recipe
12
servings20
minutes1
hour15
minutes340
kcalThis 7UP pound cake recipe combines the light, zesty flavor of 7UP soda with the richness of a buttery pound cake for an irresistible treat perfect for any occasion.
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Ingredients
- For the Cake
3 cups all-purpose flour
3 cups granulated sugar
1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
5 large eggs
1/2 cup 7UP soda
2 tsp lemon extract
1 tsp vanilla extract
- For the Glaze
1 cup powdered sugar
2 tbsp 7UP soda
1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
Directions
- Preheat oven: Set your oven to 325°F (160°C). Grease and flour a bundt pan.
- Cream butter and sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy (about 3-5 minutes).
- Add eggs: Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Incorporate extracts: Mix in the lemon and vanilla extracts.
- Add flour and 7UP: Gradually add the flour alternately with the 7UP soda, starting and ending with the flour. Mix until just combined.
- Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared bundt pan and bake for 1 hour 15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool: Let the cake cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prepare the glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, 7UP, and lemon juice until smooth.
- Glaze the cake: Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cake and let it set before serving.
Notes
- Ensure the butter is softened to achieve a creamy texture.
- Use fresh 7UP for maximum effervescence and flavor.
- Don’t overmix the batter to keep the cake light.
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Little Secrets for Big Flavor: Pro Tips for the Perfect 7UP Pound Cake
- Use Room-Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your butter and eggs are at room temperature for easier mixing and better texture.
- Don’t Skip the Lemon Extract: It enhances the citrusy flavor that makes this cake special.
- Test for Doneness: Insert a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean, your cake is ready.
- Cool Properly: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 15 minutes to prevent it from sticking.
- Adjust Glaze Consistency: Add more 7UP for a thinner glaze or more powdered sugar for a thicker drizzle.
- Be Patient While Baking: Bake low and slow. This cake needs about 70 to 80 minutes at 325°F. A toothpick should come out clean, but don’t overbake or it’ll lose that melt-in-your-mouth moisture.
7UP Pound Cake Recipe Variants
Lemon-Lime 7UP Pound Cake
Take the citrus element up a notch by adding both lemon and lime zest to the batter. I like to use the zest of one lemon and one lime along with a little lemon extract for a vibrant, zingy profile. You can also stir a few tablespoons of lime juice into the glaze for a tangy finish that pairs beautifully with the sweet, buttery cake.
Glazed 7UP Pound Cake
If you love a cake with a sweet crust, this variation is for you. Once the cake has cooled slightly, drizzle a simple glaze made from powdered sugar, a touch of vanilla, and, you guessed it, a few tablespoons of 7UP. The soda not only adds flavor but helps make the glaze extra smooth and shiny. The glaze sets into a delicate, crackly coating that makes each bite irresistible.
Coconut 7UP Pound Cake
This tropical twist is one of my personal favorites. Add one teaspoon of coconut extract to the batter and fold in half a cup of sweetened shredded coconut. For even more flair, toast some extra coconut and sprinkle it on top of your glaze. The combination of coconut and 7UP creates a dessert that’s subtly sweet and fragrant, perfect for spring or summer gatherings.
Chocolate Chip 7UP Pound Cake
Yes, you can mix in chocolate chips—and it’s heavenly. Fold in about one cup of mini semi-sweet chocolate chips after the batter is fully mixed. Be sure to dust the chips lightly with flour before folding them in so they don’t sink. The result is a buttery, vanilla-laced pound cake with little bursts of melty chocolate in every bite.
FAQs
Yes, but regular 7UP provides better sweetness and texture.
The carbonation in 7UP adds a light texture while enhancing the citrus flavor.
Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and store at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the fridge for up to a week.
Absolutely! Wrap slices individually in plastic wrap and place in an airtight container. Freeze for up to 3 months.
Pair it with fresh berries, whipped cream, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
A Sweet Final Thought
This 7UP pound cake recipe has become a staple in my kitchen and for good reason. It’s reliable, rich, moist, and bursting with that nostalgic lemon-lime flavor that always makes me smile. Whether you’re baking for a family dinner, a holiday gathering, or just because, this cake is a crowd-pleaser that feels both classic and unique.
And the best part? It’s so easy to make your own. From mini cakes to coconut twists, there are endless ways to make this recipe suit your taste and your occasion.
Looking for more dessert inspiration? Try our “Banana Bread Recipe with Cake Mix“ for another easy and delicious baking idea!
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