7Up Pound Cake Recipe – Easy Lemon 7Up Cake from Scratch (Best Pound Cake Recipe Ever!)
The Best 7Up Pound Cake from Scratch (Southern Lemon Cake Recipe)
If you’ve ever walked into a Southern kitchen and caught a whiff of cake baking — warm, buttery, with hints of lemon and lime floating in the air — chances are, you were about to bite into a 7Up pound cake. It’s not just another dessert; it’s a piece of tradition. An old-fashioned 7-Up cake recipe passed down for generations, beloved for its simplicity and unmistakable flavor.
My love for this lemon cake began with my mom’s first cake, made during a holiday with little more than a bottle of 7Up soda, a stick of butter, and a whole lot of love. She didn’t use a boxed cake or shortcuts. This was a true cake from scratch — the kind where you cream butter and sugar by hand, and the center of the cake comes out golden and glowing, not just cooked, but soulfully baked.
What makes this 7Up cake from scratch special isn’t just the lemon flavor or the sweet glaze that drips down the sides of the bundt cake. It’s the magic that happens when you combine 7up and lemon extract with just the right amount of cake flour. The carbonation helps the cake rise, while the soda’s citrus notes blend beautifully with the lemon zest and lemon juice. That’s what gives this 7 up pound cake its bright, slightly tangy, unmistakably Southern flavor.
And yes, we’re skipping the cake mix. This isn’t your average 3 ingredient 7-up cake — this is a deeply flavorful, moist and flavorful bake using real, wholesome ingredients. If you’ve been Googling “how to make a moist 7Up cake” or looking for the best 7 up cake recipe easy enough to try with the kids, you’re in the right place. This is the classic 7Up cake recipe — made from scratch, glazed to perfection, and ready to become your new go-to.
You’ll be using room-temp everything — butter, eggs, and soda — because room temperature ingredients make for a smoother cake batter. You’ll pour the cake batter into a buttered and floured bundt pan, bake until the cake comes out clean, and finish with a silky lemon glaze that sinks just slightly into the crust. The result? A lemon pound cake so good, you’ll wonder why we ever stopped baking like this.
So whether you’re chasing childhood nostalgia or learning how to make this cake for the first time, this post will walk you through the best 7 up pound cake recipe — fluffy, rich, citrusy, and deeply satisfying.
Let’s preheat the oven and start baking a little bit of Southern history.
Ingredients for Classic 7-Up Cake with Lemon and Glaze
Before you begin baking this beloved 7Up cake from scratch, let’s gather everything you need for a moist, tender lemon pound cake that lives up to the hype. No mystery ingredients here — just classic pantry staples and a splash of citrus soda that transforms a simple cake into something unforgettable.
For the Cake
- 3 cups Swan Cake Flour (or another brand of cake flour) – for that soft, fine cake texture
- 3 sticks unsalted butter, room temperature
- 3 cups sugar
- 5 large eggs, room temperature
- ¾ cup 7Up soda, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon lemon extract
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest (optional, but adds big lemon flavor)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (for brightness and balance)
Note: You can substitute all-purpose flour if needed, but using cake flour makes this pound cake recipe softer and airier — like true old-fashioned Southern recipes should be.
For the Lemon Glaze
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 4 tablespoons whole milk
- 1 tablespoon lemon extract
- Optional: extra lemon juice for a bolder punch
This glaze is the final flourish — sweet, citrusy, and perfect for dripping dramatically down a warm bundt cake. It soaks slightly into the crust and balances the sweetness with just enough lemon bite.
Equipment Checklist
- Large mixing bowl
- Stand mixer or hand mixer
- Classic bundt pan or cake pan
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Zester for that fresh lemon zest
Tip: A well-greased and floured bundt pan helps the cake release cleanly and adds that iconic shape — essential for a true 7up pound cake.
How to Make 7Up Pound Cake from Scratch (Step-by-Step Guide)
This isn’t just any cake — it’s a 7Up cake, baked with love, lifted by citrus soda, and finished with a sweet lemon glaze. Whether this is your first time baking a soda cake or you’re revisiting a nostalgic family favorite, these steps will walk you through creating a moist and flavorful masterpiece from start to finish.
Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugar Until Light and Fluffy
- Start by placing 3 sticks of unsalted butter (at room temperature) and 3 cups of sugar in a large bowl.
- Using a stand mixer or hand mixer, beat on medium speed for 5–6 minutes until light and airy.
This creaming step is crucial — it builds structure and gives your cake a soft, tender crumb.
Step 2: Add the Eggs One at a Time
- Crack in 5 large eggs, also at room temperature, one at a time.
- Beat on low speed after each addition to fully incorporate without deflating the mixture.
Too fast, and you risk splitting the cake batter. Go slow for a silky, stable base.
Step 3: Mix the Cake Batter with 7Up Soda and Lemon Extract
- Add 1 teaspoon lemon extract, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 1 tablespoon lemon zest, and 1 tablespoon lemon juice.
- With the mixer on low, begin alternating additions of 3 cups of cake flour and ¾ cup 7Up soda.
- Add 1 cup of flour → a splash of 7Up → repeat, ending with flour.
This alternating method keeps the cake batter smooth and prevents overmixing. And yes — the carbonation helps the cake rise, so make sure your 7Up is fizzy, not flat.
Step 4: Pour the Batter into a Bundt Pan and Bake the 7-Up Cake
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).
- Butter and flour your bundt pan (or use baking spray with flour).
- Carefully pour the cake batter into the prepared bundt pan, smoothing the top.
Using a bundt cake shape not only makes this a traditional 7 up cake, it also ensures even baking and a beautiful presentation.
Step 5: Bake the Cake Until the Center Comes Out Clean
- Bake for 1 hour and 10 minutes, or until the center of the cake comes out clean when tested with a toothpick.
- Remove from the oven and let it cool in the cake pan for 10 minutes.
Step 6: Turn Out and Cool Completely
- After cooling, carefully turn the cake onto a wire rack.
- Let the bundt cake cool completely before applying the lemon glaze.
This step ensures your glaze won’t melt off too quickly and gives the crust time to settle into that golden perfection you’re aiming for.
How to Make Lemon Glaze for 7Up Cake Recipes
No 7Up pound cake is complete without that glossy, sweet lemon glaze cascading down the ridges of a perfectly baked bundt cake. It’s simple, quick, and completely transforms your cake from good to unforgettable. Whether you prefer a thick coating or a delicate drizzle, this glaze delivers that zesty finish every time.
Ingredients for the Glaze
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 4 tablespoons whole milk
- 1 tablespoon lemon extract
- Optional: add 1 teaspoon of lemon juice for more citrus depth
How to Make the Glaze
- In a medium bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and lemon extract until smooth.
- Adjust consistency as needed: more sugar to thicken, a splash of lemon juice to thin and intensify the lemon flavor.
- Once your cake has completely cooled, place it on a rack over a tray or a cake stand.
- Slowly drizzle the glaze over the cake, letting it run naturally down the sides.
The slight tang of the lemon extract combined with sugar gives this 7up cake its signature sweet-citrus bite — the finishing touch that ties the whole pound cake recipe together.
How to Make Lemon Glaze for 7Up Cake Recipes
Whether this is your first 7Up cake or your fiftieth pound cake recipe, the difference between a decent bake and a truly unforgettable lemon cake often comes down to the small details. These tried-and-true tips ensure your 7 up cake turns out moist, tender, and picture-perfect every time.
Use Room Temperature Everything
This one’s non-negotiable. Let your butter, eggs, and 7Up soda sit out until they’re all at room temperature. Why?
- They mix more easily and evenly into the cake batter
- They help trap air, which means a better rise and fluffier texture
Trust the 7Up Soda
You might wonder: “What does 7Up actually do in this cake?” The answer is magic.
- The carbonation helps the cake rise
- The subtle citrus flavor enhances the lemon and lime notes
- It’s what makes a soda cake special — airy but rich, simple but bold
Avoid flat soda or substitutes. You want the fizz!
Don’t Skimp on Lemon
Between lemon zest, lemon juice, and lemon extract, you build depth. Each adds a layer:
- Zest = aroma
- Juice = brightness
- Extract = bold citrus punch
This triple lemon flavor combo is what separates a plain yellow cake from a next-level lemon pound cake.
Proper Pan Prep is Key
Always butter and flour your bundt pan thoroughly. Miss a spot, and your cake might stick or break when you flip.
Use baking spray with flour if you’re nervous — or line a standard cake pan if you’re skipping the classic bundt cake shape.
7Up Pound Cake Recipe (From Scratch)
Best 7Up Pound Cake from Scratch (Southern Lemon Cake)
This old-fashioned 7Up pound cake is a Southern classic — rich, buttery, and brightened with lemon zest, lemon juice, and fizzy citrus soda. Made from scratch with cake flour and a silky lemon glaze, it’s the perfect blend of tradition and flavor.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 3 cups cake flour
- 3 sticks unsalted butter, room temperature
- 3 cups granulated sugar
- 5 large eggs, room temperature
- ¾ cup 7Up soda, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon lemon extract
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
For the Glaze:
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 4 tablespoons whole milk
- 1 tablespoon lemon extract
- Optional: 1 teaspoon lemon juice (for extra tartness)
Instructions
Notes
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 12 Serving Size: 1 SliceAmount Per Serving: Calories: 480Total Fat: 23gSaturated Fat: 14gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 120mgSodium: 160mgCarbohydrates: 65gNet Carbohydrates: 65gFiber: 0gSugar: 45gSugar Alcohols: 0gProtein: 4g
Nutrition information is automatically calculated and not always accurate.
FAQs About 7-Up Pound Cake, Lemon Flavor, and Soda Cakes
Even the most beloved 7Up cake recipes can bring up a few head-scratchers. Whether you’re wondering why this cake uses soda or how to tweak a cake mix to work with 7Up soda, we’ve got answers.
What does 7Up do to a cake?
The carbonation helps the cake rise without the need for baking powder or soda. It also adds sweetness and that signature lemon and lime flavor, making the 7Up pound cake lighter, more aromatic, and softer.
Can I use Sprite instead of 7Up?
Technically, yes — both are citrus sodas. But for the true 7 up cake recipe taste and texture, 7Up is ideal. Sprite is sweeter and less sharp, which may make your cake taste flatter.
What is the secret to a super moist cake?
- Use room temperature ingredients
- Don’t overmix the cake batter
- Bake until the cake comes out clean, not dry
- Finish with a lemon glaze that adds moisture back into the bundt cake
Can I use a cake mix to make 7Up cake?
Absolutely! Many people use a lemon cake mix or yellow cake base. It’s the heart of a good 3 ingredient 7-Up cake. Just combine the mix, 7Up soda, and eggs. But if you want depth, flavor, and texture? Go cake from scratch all the way.
Why is it called 7Up cake?
The name comes from its star ingredient: 7Up soda. Used instead of water or milk, it’s what makes this soda cake so unique — airy, rich, and bursting with lemon flavor.
Can you substitute 7Up for water in cake mix?
Yes, and it often makes the cake softer and more flavorful. The bubbles from the 7-Up add fluff, while the sugar and citrus add natural brightness.
How to Store and Serve a Southern 7Up Cake with Glaze
One of the best things about this 7Up pound cake? It actually tastes better the next day. That bright lemon flavor deepens, the glaze sets just right, and the texture stays rich yet fluffy. Here’s how to keep your cake perfect for days — or even weeks.
Storage Tips
- Room Temperature: Store your cake in an airtight container or covered in plastic wrap for up to 4 days. Keep it in a cool, dry spot.
- Refrigerator: Wrapped tightly, it’ll last up to a week in the fridge. Bring to room temperature before serving for the best texture.
- Freezing: Slice the pound cake and wrap each piece individually. Freeze for up to 3 months. Glaze after thawing, not before.
Pro tip: If you’ve already glazed the bundt cake, freeze without stacking slices to avoid sticking.
Serving Suggestions
- Drizzle extra lemon glaze just before serving for added shine and sweetness
- Dust with powdered sugar or top with fresh berries for a springtime finish
- Serve with tea, coffee, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream
Whether it’s for Sunday dinner, a birthday, or your first try at a real cake from scratch, this 7 up cake from scratch always delivers.
Final Thoughts on Baking the Perfect 7 Up Cake from Scratch
There’s something deeply comforting about baking a cake that generations before you have loved — and this 7Up pound cake recipe captures all of that. It’s buttery, sweet, citrus-kissed, and perfectly dense without ever feeling heavy. A lemon pound cake that doesn’t just taste like dessert — it tastes like home.
You’ve taken simple ingredients — flour, butter, lemon extract, and of course, 7Up soda — and created a tender, moist and flavorful masterpiece. Whether you’re making it for a potluck, holiday dinner, or just because you wanted to bake a real cake from scratch, this is one recipe that never fails to impress.
So go ahead — cut that 7 up cake, let the glaze sparkle in the light, and take a bite. Then come back here, print the 7 up cake recipe, pin it, or share your version online. And if anyone asks for your secret?
Just smile and say, “It’s an old-fashioned Southern recipe — with a splash of 7Up.”
More Cake Recipes You’ll Love
If you enjoyed this recipe, don’t miss some of our other favorite cake creations! Whether you’re in the mood for a rich chocolate treat or something light and fruity, there’s something here for every kind of cake lover:
- Try the ultra-moist Berry Chantilly Cake with whipped cream frosting
- Make a batch of Mini Bundt Cakes in lemon, chocolate, or vanilla
- Bake a gluten-free Fluffy Cloud Cake that’s soft as air
- Or go bite-sized with our Easy Cake Pops made from homemade chocolate cake
Explore more sweet ideas and let your next cake adventure begin!