7 Up Pound Cake Recipe

Zesty 7 Up Pound Cake Recipe: Fluffy Sweet-Citrus Delight

Whipping up a delightful 7 up pound cake can turn an ordinary afternoon into a sweet celebration of flavor.

Fizzy soda adds unexpected magic to this classic dessert, creating a surprisingly moist and tender crumb.

Bakers love how the carbonation helps create a lighter texture in traditional pound cake recipes.

Soft butter and sugar blend together to form a rich, creamy base that promises decadent results.

Kitchen experiments sometimes yield the most remarkable discoveries, and this recipe proves that innovation can make traditional desserts extraordinary.

Sugar crystals dance with citrusy soda notes, promising a unique twist on a beloved classic.

7 Up Pound Cake Features

7 Up Pound Cake Features
  • Surprise Flavor Burst: Unleash the unique twist of using 7 Up in a classic pound cake, creating a delightfully moist and tangy dessert that will make taste buds dance.
  • Beginner-Friendly Baking: Perfect for novice bakers with straightforward steps and common kitchen ingredients, this recipe guides you through each stage with simple techniques that guarantee success.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: Versatile enough for family gatherings, potlucks, or casual weekend treats, this cake serves multiple slices and impresses guests with its unexpected soda-infused charm.
  • Minimal Prep Magic: Requires basic mixing equipment and standard baking tools, making it an accessible recipe that doesn't demand specialized skills or complicated techniques.

Ingredients Needed for 7 Up Pound Cake

Main Ingredients:
  • Granulated Sugar: The primary sweetener that provides a delightful sugary base for the cake.
  • Butter: A rich and creamy ingredient that adds moisture and enhances the cake's tender texture.
  • Eggs: Essential binding agents that contribute to the cake's structure and richness.
  • All-Purpose Flour: The foundational dry ingredient that gives the cake its structure and substance.
Liquid Ingredients:
  • 7 Up Lemon-Lime Soda: A unique carbonated beverage that adds lightness and subtle citrus flavor to the cake.
  • Lemon Extract: A concentrated flavoring that provides a bright, zesty note to the cake.
Glaze Ingredients:
  • Confectioners' Sugar, Milk, Vanilla Extract: A classic combination that creates a smooth, sweet glaze to drizzle over the finished cake.
Preparation Ingredients:
  • Butter: Used to generously grease the Bundt pan and prevent the cake from sticking.

How to Make 7 Up Pound Cake

How to Make 7 Up Pound Cake

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Preheat your oven to a cozy 325°F. Grab a 10-inch Bundt pan and lovingly coat every curve with butter to prevent any sticky situations.

Step 2: Cream The Base

In a spacious mixing bowl, whip together sugar and butter using an electric mixer. Beat until the mixture transforms into a fluffy, cloud-like consistency that looks almost like whipped dreams.

Step 3: Egg Dance

Add eggs one by one, giving each a moment to fully blend into the creamy mixture. This gentle approach ensures a silky-smooth batter that will make your cake incredibly tender.

Step 4: Flour Power

Gradually introduce flour to the mix:
  • All-purpose flour

Fold in each cup carefully, stirring until everything looks perfectly combined with no lumpy surprises.

Step 5: Fizzy Magic

Stir in these flavor boosters:
  • Lemon extract
  • 7 Up soda

Gently mix until the batter looks uniform and inviting.

Step 6: Pan Preparation

Pour the batter into your buttered Bundt pan. Use a spatula to create a smooth, even surface that promises a gorgeous cake.

Step 7: Baking Brilliance

Slide the pan into the oven and bake for about 75 minutes. The cake is ready when a toothpick comes out clean – no wet batter allowed!

Step 8: Cooling Technique

Immediately remove the cake from the oven. Place a wire rack over the pan and quickly flip to release the cake.

Let it rest and cool down.

Step 9: Glaze Glory

Whip up the glaze by mixing:
  • Confectioners' sugar
  • Milk
  • Vanilla extract

Beat until smooth and free of any lumpy rebels.

Step 10: Drizzle Time

While the cake is still warm, generously drizzle the glaze all over. Make sure every inch gets some sweet love.

Step 11: Final Touch

Allow the cake to cool completely. The glaze will set, creating a stunning finish that’ll make everyone’s mouth water.

Pro Tips for 7 Up Pound Cake

Pro Tips for 7 Up Pound Cake
  • Try different carbonated sodas like cream soda or root beer for unique flavor variations.
  • Ensure butter and eggs are at room temperature to create a smoother, more consistent cake batter.
  • Let the cake cool slightly before glazing to prevent the glaze from sliding off completely.
  • Add zest from fresh lemons or limes to enhance the citrusy flavor profile of the cake.
  • Check cake doneness by inserting a toothpick near the center – it should come out clean with no wet batter.

Variations on 7 Up Pound Cake

Variations on 7 Up Pound Cake
  • Citrus Carnival Pound Cake: Replace 7 Up with fresh orange juice and add orange zest for a bright, tangy flavor profile that enhances the cake's richness.
  • Tropical Breeze Pound Cake: Substitute 7 Up with coconut water and mix in shredded coconut, creating a tropical-inspired dessert with subtle island undertones.
  • Gluten-Free Garden Pound Cake: Use gluten-free all-purpose flour blend instead of regular flour, maintaining the cake's tender texture while making it suitable for gluten-sensitive individuals.
  • Herbal Essence Pound Cake: Infuse the batter with fresh lavender or rosemary, replacing lemon extract with herb-infused extract for an elegant, aromatic version of the classic pound cake.

Pairing Ideas for 7 Up Pound Cake

Pairing Ideas for 7 Up Pound Cake
  • Pair this zesty 7 Up Pound Cake with a crisp gin and tonic, highlighting the cake's bright lemon notes and effervescent spirit.
  • Complement the cake's light texture with a chilled prosecco or champagne, creating a delightful dessert and drink harmony that elevates the overall tasting experience.
  • Serve alongside a fragrant Earl Grey tea, whose bergamot undertones beautifully match the cake's citrusy essence and provide a sophisticated afternoon treat.
  • Enjoy with a homemade lemonade spritzer that echoes the cake's lemon-lime flavors, offering a non-alcoholic option that's equally delicious and refreshing.

Storage Guidelines for 7 Up Pound Cake

Storage Guidelines for 7 Up Pound Cake
  • Store the 7 Up Pound Cake in an airtight container or tightly wrapped with plastic wrap for up to 5 days in the refrigerator. Place a paper towel inside to absorb excess moisture and prevent sogginess.
  • Wrap the cake securely in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving to maintain its texture and flavor.
  • Keep the cake covered at room temperature for 2-3 days in a cake carrier or sealed container. Ensure the area is cool and dry to prevent moisture buildup.

FAQs

  • What makes 7 Up Pound Cake unique?

The carbonated soda adds moisture and creates a light, tender texture that sets this cake apart from traditional pound cakes.

  • Can I substitute the lemon extract?

Yes, you can use vanilla extract or orange extract as alternatives, but lemon extract complements the 7 Up flavor best.

  • Why use room temperature ingredients?

Room temperature ingredients blend more smoothly, creating a more uniform batter and helping the cake rise evenly during baking.

  • How do I know when the cake is fully baked?

Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean with no wet batter, the cake is done.

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7 Up Pound Cake Recipe

7 Up Pound Cake Recipe


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4.6 from 33 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Sweet Southern 7 up pound cake combines citrusy soda with classic baking techniques for a delightful dessert. Moist crumb and tangy flavor make this cake a crowd-pleasing treat you will savor with each delectable slice.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 cups (660 g) granulated sugar
  • 1 1/2 cups (340 g) unsalted butter (softened)
  • 5 large eggs
  • 3 cups (375 g) all-purpose flour
  • 2 tbsps pure lemon extract
  • 1 cup (240 ml) lemon-lime carbonated beverage (7Up®)
  • 1 cup (120 g) confectioners’ sugar
  • 1/4 cup (60 ml) whole milk
  • 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Thoroughly coat a 10-inch fluted tube pan with butter, ensuring comprehensive coverage. Preheat oven to 325°F.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, cream together sugar and softened butter using an electric mixer until the mixture transforms into a pale, airy consistency.
  3. Integrate eggs individually, mixing thoroughly after each addition to maintain batter integrity and prevent separation.
  4. Sift flour gradually into the mixture, folding gently to create a smooth, uniform batter without overmixing.
  5. Incorporate lemon extract, then gently fold in the carbonated beverage, stirring until the batter becomes completely homogeneous.
  6. Transfer batter into the prepared pan, using a spatula to level the surface evenly and eliminate potential air pockets.
  7. Bake for 75 minutes in the preheated oven, monitoring until a toothpick inserted into the center emerges completely clean.
  8. Immediately remove from oven and swiftly invert the pan onto a wire cooling rack, allowing the cake to release naturally.
  9. Whisk confectioners’ sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until the glaze reaches a silky, pourable consistency with no visible lumps.
  10. While the cake remains warm, generously drizzle the prepared glaze, ensuring complete and even coverage.
  11. permit the cake to cool completely, allowing the glaze to set and develop a beautiful, glossy finish before slicing and serving.

Notes

  • Cold ingredients dramatically slow down mixing, so allow butter, eggs, and milk to reach room temperature before starting.
  • Gentle folding prevents overmixing, which can create a dense, tough cake texture instead of a light, fluffy crumb.
  • Fresh 7 Up delivers brighter citrus flavor compared to flat or older soda; always use carbonated beverage at peak freshness.
  • Experiment with alternative sodas like cream soda or root beer for unique flavor variations that maintain moisture and lightness.
  • Prep Time: 25 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 461
  • Sugar: 36 g
  • Sodium: 64 mg
  • Fat: 22 g
  • Saturated Fat: 13 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 62 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg
Clara Bennett

Clara Bennett

Contributing Recipe Developer & Food Writer

Expertise

Baking and Pastry Development, Gluten-Free and Allergy-Friendly Recipe Creation, Culinary Storytelling and Food Journalism, Recipe Testing and Standardization, Southern Comfort Foods and Modern Twists

Education

Sullivan University – National Center for Hospitality Studies
Associate Degree in Culinary Arts

Focus: Baking and Pastry Arts, Recipe Testing, and Culinary Journalism.

Clara specialized in crafting desserts that blend classic Southern comfort with modern techniques, while developing strong writing skills to tell the story behind every dish.

Lane Community College (Certificate Program)
Certificate in Food Writing and Photography

Focus: Culinary storytelling, recipe formatting, food styling, and visual presentation.


Clara’s love of baking started young, powered by homemade pies, biscuits, and stories passed around the family table.
After earning her degree at Sullivan University and a food writing certificate at Lane Community College, she turned her passion into a craft: sharing recipes that are simple, soulful, and always full of heart.
She’s big on bold flavors, flexible ideas, and creating sweets that fit any table (yes, even if you’re gluten-free). When she’s not baking, you’ll find her wandering farmers’ markets, styling food for the next photo shoot, or working on her ever-growing recipe journal.

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