Homemade 7up Pound Cake Recipe
Craving a moist, zesty, and buttery cake that melts in your mouth? My Homemade 7Up Pound Cake is exactly what you need. Infused with a refreshing lemon-lime twist from 7Up, this classic Southern-inspired dessert is perfect for tea time, celebrations, or just a sweet indulgence. Its soft, tender crumb paired with a simple glaze makes it irresistible and incredibly easy to make.
Ingredients List
Cake Ingredients
3 cups white sugar
1 ½ cups unsalted butter, softened
5 large eggs
3 cups all-purpose flour, sifted
2 tablespoons lemon extract
1 cup lemon-lime carbonated beverage (such as 7Up®)
Glaze Ingredients
1 cup sifted confectioners’ sugar
¼ cup milk
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Required Kitchen Tools
Making this 7Up Pound Cake is simple, but having the right tools makes it effortless and enjoyable. Here’s what I use:
Stand or Hand Mixer: Perfect for creaming butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accuracy is key for the perfect texture.
9x5-Inch Loaf Pan: Classic size for a pound cake with an even bake.
Mixing Bowls: A few bowls for dry and wet ingredients keeps everything organized.
Wire Rack: Essential for cooling the cake and letting the glaze set evenly.
With these tools, you’ll breeze through the process and have a cake that looks as good as it tastes.
Cake Preparation
Creaming Butter and Sugar
I start by preheating my oven to 325°F (163°C) and greasing a 9x5-inch loaf pan. Next, I beat the softened butter and sugar together in a large mixing bowl until it’s light, fluffy, and pale in color. This step is crucial—it traps air that gives the cake its tender crumb.
Adding Eggs and Flavor
Once the butter and sugar are ready, I add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then I stir in the lemon extract for that bright, citrusy flavor.
Incorporating Dry Ingredients and 7Up
Now it’s time to gently fold in the sifted flour alternately with the 7Up, starting and ending with the flour. I make sure to mix just until everything is combined; overmixing can make the cake dense. The soda gives the cake its light and fluffy texture without any extra leavening agents.
Baking the Cake
I pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Then I bake it in the preheated oven for about 70–80 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The cake should have a light golden crust and a soft, springy interior.
Preparing the Glaze
While the cake is cooling, I mix the confectioners’ sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a small bowl until smooth. The glaze should be pourable but not too thin.
Glazing the Cake
Once the cake has cooled slightly in the pan (about 10–15 minutes), I drizzle the glaze evenly over the top, letting it soak in and drip down the sides. For an extra shiny finish, I sometimes spoon a little more glaze on after the first layer sets.
Serving and Presentation
I love serving this cake slightly warm with a cup of tea or coffee. The light citrus flavor and buttery crumb make it perfect on its own, but it’s also amazing with fresh berries or a dollop of whipped cream. For a simple yet elegant touch, dust a little extra confectioners’ sugar over the top before serving.
Storage Instructions
Keeping the Cake Fresh
I store leftover 7Up Pound Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This keeps it moist and flavorful.
Freezing for Later
For longer storage, I slice the cake, wrap the pieces in plastic wrap, and place them in a freezer-safe bag. It freezes beautifully for up to 1 month. To enjoy, I let it thaw at room temperature or give it a few minutes in the microwave.
Conclusion
Making this Homemade 7Up Pound Cake is one of my favorite baking rituals. Its tender, moist crumb, infused with lemon-lime soda and finished with a sweet glaze, never fails to impress family and friends. The recipe is simple, the results are stunning, and every slice is pure comfort. Once you try this pound cake, it’ll become a go-to recipe for holidays, special occasions, or any day that needs a little sweetness. So grab your mixer, dust off your loaf pan, and let the magic of this 7Up Pound Cake fill your kitchen with aroma and joy.
