The Perfect 7 Up Pound Cake Recipe for Fluffy, Sweet Bliss

7 Up pound cake elevates an ordinary baking experience into something magical and unexpected.

Delightful carbonation works its enchantment within traditional cake architecture, creating unparalleled softness and remarkable depth.

This beloved dessert captures memories of family gatherings and sweet moments shared around kitchen tables.

Remarkable chemical interactions between soda and classic baking ingredients produce an extraordinarily tender crumb that melts effortlessly.

Subtle citrusy undertones dance across your palate, offering a sophisticated yet playful taste sensation.

Bakers of all skill levels can master this straightforward recipe with confidence and creativity.

Prepare to surprise and delight everyone with this nostalgic, crowd-pleasing confection.

Why 7 Up Pound Cake Has That Signature Sweet Zing

• Burst of Fizzy Flavor: The unique addition of 7 Up soda transforms this classic pound cake into a surprisingly light and tangy dessert that dances with unexpected carbonated sweetness.
• Effortless Elegance: This recipe delivers bakery-quality results with minimal technical skills, making it perfect for home bakers who want impressive results without complicated techniques.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: With its moist texture and lemony glaze, the cake works beautifully for casual family gatherings, afternoon tea, potlucks, or impromptu dessert cravings that demand something special yet uncomplicated.
• Sensory Delight: The combination of soft, tender crumb, bright citrus notes, and gentle sweetness creates a multilayered taste experience that keeps everyone coming back for another slice.

Everything You’ll Need for 7 Up Pound Cake

• Butter, Shortening: Key for creating a rich, tender cake texture with a smooth, creamy consistency.

• Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps create a light, airy cake structure with a golden-brown exterior.

• 7 Up Soda, Vanilla Extract, Lemon Extract: Adds unique flavor complexity and helps create a moist, tender crumb.

• All-Purpose Flour: Gives structure and stability to the cake, essential for achieving the perfect pound cake texture.

• Eggs: Binds ingredients together, adds richness, and contributes to the cakes smooth, dense structure.

• Powdered Sugar, Lemon Juice, Lemon Zest: Creates a bright, tangy glaze that enhances the cakes flavor and adds a beautiful finishing touch.

• Shortening, Flour (for pan): Ensures easy cake removal and prevents sticking, making the baking process smoother.

How to Bake a Perfect 7 Up Pound Cake

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Pan

Preheat the oven to 325°F. Grease a bundt or tube pan using shortening or non-stick spray with flour.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Shortening

In a stand mixer, blend butter and shortening on high speed for 1-2 minutes until smooth and creamy.

Step 3: Create Fluffy Sugar Mixture

Gradually add sugar while mixing, continuing until the mixture becomes light and fluffy (about 3-5 minutes).

Step 4: Incorporate Wet Ingredients

Reduce mixer speed to medium. Add eggs one at a time, mixing in vanilla and lemon extracts until well combined.

Step 5: Combine Dry and Liquid Ingredients

Slowly mix in flour, alternating with 7 Up soda. Mix just until ingredients are incorporated, being careful not to overmix.

• Flour
• 7 Up soda

Step 6: Prepare Cake for Baking

Pour batter evenly into the prepared pan. Tap the pan gently on the countertop to remove air bubbles.

Step 7: Bake the Cake

Bake for 90 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should come out clean or with minimal moist crumbs.

Step 8: Cool the Cake

Let the cake cool in the pan on a wire rack for 10-15 minutes. Then remove from pan and cool completely.

Step 9: Prepare Lemon Glaze

• Powdered sugar
• Lemon juice
• Lemon zest

Mix until smooth and slightly thickened.

Step 10: Finish the Cake

Poke small holes across the cake’s surface with a toothpick. Drizzle the lemon glaze generously over the cake, allowing it to cascade down the sides.

Step 11: Serve and Enjoy

Slice the cake and serve. Pairs wonderfully with coffee, tea, or fresh berries.

Tips That Make a Big Difference in 7 Up Pound Cake

• Cream Butter Thoroughly: Beat butter and shortening until ultra-smooth to create a luxurious, silky cake texture that melts in your mouth.
• Whip Sugar Gradually: Add sugar slowly while mixing to incorporate maximum air, guaranteeing a light, fluffy pound cake with incredible volume.
• Alternate Ingredients Gently: When mixing flour and 7-Up, fold carefully to prevent overmixing, which can lead to a dense, tough cake texture.
• Check Doneness Carefully: Use the toothpick test near the cake's center; slight moist crumbs are okay, but completely clean means perfect baking.
• Cool Strategically: Let the cake rest in the pan for 10-15 minutes before transferring to prevent breaking, ensuring a beautiful presentation every time.

How to Keep 7 Up Pound Cake Fresh and Fluffy

• Refrigeration Method: Carefully wrap the 7 Up pound cake in plastic wrap or place inside an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, keeping its delightful moisture and flavor intact.
• Freezing Method: Slice the cake before freezing to make future servings easier. Wrap each slice individually in plastic wrap, then place inside a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to 3 months, ensuring maximum freshness and taste preservation.
• Reheating Method: Thaw frozen cake slices in the refrigerator overnight. Warm gently in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or let sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving. Avoid overheating to maintain the cake's delicate texture and prevent drying out.

Best Sips and Treats to Go with 7 Up Pound Cake

• Brew the Perfect Morning Companion: Pair this citrusy 7 Up pound cake with a robust black coffee or smooth earl grey tea to balance its sweet, tangy flavor profile.
• Elevate Dessert Elegance: Serve alongside fresh seasonal berries like raspberries or strawberries to add a tart, vibrant contrast that complements the cake's rich texture.
• Craft a Refreshing Beverage Match: Create a light lemonade spritzer with fresh mint leaves that echoes the cake's citrus undertones and provides a crisp, cooling accompaniment.
• Design a Creamy Indulgence: Top each slice with a dollop of vanilla bean whipped cream or a scoop of lemon sorbet to enhance the cake's bright, zesty character and provide a luxurious mouthfeel.

Tasty Twists on Traditional 7 Up Pound Cake

• Citrus Splash Pound Cake: Replace 7 Up with orange or grapefruit soda for a bright, tangy flavor profile that adds zesty notes to the classic recipe.
• Almond Cream Pound Cake: Incorporate almond extract instead of lemon, then sprinkle sliced almonds on top before baking for a nutty, rich dimension.
• Berry Burst Pound Cake: Fold in fresh blueberries or raspberries into the batter, creating pockets of fruity sweetness throughout the cake's tender crumb.
• Spiced Rum Pound Cake: Swap out vanilla extract for dark rum and add a pinch of cinnamon and nutmeg to transform the cake into a warm, aromatic dessert perfect for cooler seasons.

7 Up Pound Cake Recipe

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4.7 from 23 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Southern charm shines through this classic 7 Up Pound Cake, blending nostalgic citrus soda into a buttery, tender dessert. Generations of family gatherings have celebrated this delightful cake’s unique flavor and moist crumb that welcomes you to savor each delectable slice.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 cup butter (2 sticks)
• 5 large eggs
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 3 cups granulated sugar
• ½ cup shortening
• ½ cup 7 Up or lemon-lime soda

Flavor Enhancers:

• 1 teaspoon lemon extract
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 lemon (zest)

Glaze:

• 1 ½ cups powdered sugar

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C) and prepare a 10-inch bundt or tube pan by greasing thoroughly with shortening, dusting with flour, or using a flour-inclusive non-stick cooking spray.
2. In a stand mixer, cream unsalted butter and shortening at high speed until smooth and uniform, approximately 1-2 minutes.
3. Gradually add granulated sugar, continuing to mix at high speed until the mixture becomes light, voluminous, and pale yellow, about 3-5 minutes.
4. Reduce mixer speed to medium and incorporate large eggs one at a time, ensuring complete integration after each addition. Mix in vanilla extract and lemon extract until well combined.
5. Sift all-purpose flour and gradually add to the wet mixture, alternating with 7-Up soda. Mix on low speed just until ingredients are incorporated, being careful not to overmix.
6. Pour cake batter into the prepared pan, spreading evenly and gently tapping the pan against the countertop to release any trapped air bubbles.
7. Bake in the center of the oven for 85-90 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean with only a few moist crumbs.
8. Remove from oven and let the cake rest in the pan for 10-15 minutes on a wire cooling rack.
9. Carefully invert the cake onto the wire rack, allowing it to cool completely to room temperature.
10. Prepare the lemon glaze by whisking powdered sugar with fresh lemon juice and finely grated lemon zest until smooth and slightly thickened.
11. Using a toothpick, create small holes across the cake’s surface to help the glaze penetrate.
12. Drizzle the lemon glaze over the cooled cake, allowing it to cascade down the sides naturally.
13. Slice and serve, optionally accompanied by fresh berries or a warm beverage.

Notes

• Gathering ingredients beforehand ensures a smooth baking experience with zero last-minute stress.
• Soft butter and room temperature eggs create a more uniform, luxurious cake texture that melts in your mouth.
• Gentle mixing prevents overdeveloping gluten, which keeps the pound cake tender and light instead of tough.
• Tapping the pan removes hidden air bubbles, guaranteeing an even rise and smoother cake surface.
• Using a toothpick test confirms perfect doneness without cutting into the cake prematurely.
• Cooling completely allows the cake’s flavors to settle and intensify, making each slice more delectable.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 454 kcal
• Sugar: 41g
• Sodium: 151mg
• Fat: 23g
• Saturated Fat: 14g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7g
• Trans Fat: 0.5g
• Carbohydrates: 63g
• Fiber: <1g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 79mg