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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
- In a stand mixer, cream unsalted butter and shortening at high speed until smooth and uniform, approximately 1-2 minutes.
- Gradually add granulated sugar, continuing to mix at high speed until the mixture becomes light, voluminous, and pale yellow, about 3-5 minutes.
- 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.
- 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.
- Pour cake batter into the prepared pan, spreading evenly and gently tapping the pan against the countertop to release any trapped air bubbles.
- 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.
- Remove from oven and let the cake rest in the pan for 10-15 minutes on a wire cooling rack.
- Carefully invert the cake onto the wire rack, allowing it to cool completely to room temperature.
- Prepare the lemon glaze by whisking powdered sugar with fresh lemon juice and finely grated lemon zest until smooth and slightly thickened.
- Using a toothpick, create small holes across the cake’s surface to help the glaze penetrate.
- Drizzle the lemon glaze over the cooled cake, allowing it to cascade down the sides naturally.
- 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