Easy Made 7UP Pound Cake – Moist, Citrusy, and Timelessly Southern

The Backstory

7UP pound cake is a beloved Southern classic, known for its moist, tender crumb and subtle lemon-lime flavor. Using soda in the batter may sound surprising, but it adds sweetness, lift, and a refreshing citrus note that makes this cake stand out. Perfect for holidays, potlucks, or Sunday suppers, it’s a dessert that never goes out of style.

Why You’ll Love This Cake

• Moist and buttery with a light citrus zing.
• Made with simple pantry ingredients.
• No frosting required—just a dusting of powdered sugar or glaze.
• Perfect for serving with fresh berries or whipped cream.

7UP Pound Cake Recipe

Servings: 12
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Calories: ~380 per slice
Estimated Cost: $7–9

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups unsalted butter, softened (3 sticks)
• 3 cups granulated sugar
• 5 large eggs, room temperature
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup 7UP soda (not diet)
• 2 tsp lemon extract
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the glaze (optional):

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2–3 tbsp 7UP
• 1/2 tsp lemon zest

Instructions

1. Preheat oven: Set oven to 325°F (163°C). Grease and flour a 10-inch bundt pan.
2. Cream butter and sugar: In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 5 minutes.
3. Add eggs: Beat in eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
4. Mix dry and wet: Gradually add flour, alternating with 7UP, beginning and ending with flour. Stir in lemon and vanilla extracts.
5. Bake: Pour batter into the prepared bundt pan. Bake for 65–75 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
6. Cool: Let cake cool in pan for 15 minutes before inverting onto a wire rack to cool completely.
7. Glaze (optional): Whisk powdered sugar, 7UP, and lemon zest together. Drizzle over cooled cake.

Tasty Twists

• Extra Citrus: Add fresh lemon or lime zest to the batter.
• Berry Topping: Serve with macerated strawberries or blueberries.
• Layered Style: Split and fill with lemon curd or whipped cream.
• Holiday Flair: Dust with powdered sugar for a festive finish.

7UP Pound Cake Recipe Card

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 1 hour hr 10 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 25 minutes mins

Servings: 12

Calories: 420

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

For the Cake:

• 3 sticks 1 ½ cups unsalted butter, softened
• 3 cups granulated sugar
• 5 large eggs room temperature
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• ½ tsp salt
• ¾ cup 7UP not diet
• 2 tsp lemon extract or 1 tsp lemon + 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Glaze (optional):

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 –3 tbsp 7UP
• ½ tsp lemon zest

Method

 

Preheat Oven:

1. Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C). Grease and flour a 10-inch bundt pan.
2. Cream Butter & Sugar:
3. In a large mixing bowl, beat butter and sugar together with an electric mixer until light and fluffy (about 5 minutes).

Add Eggs:

1. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.

Mix Dry & Wet:

1. Reduce mixer speed to low. Gradually add flour and salt, alternating with 7UP. Begin and end with flour. Mix until just combined.

Add Flavoring:

1. Stir in lemon extract. Do not overmix.

Bake:

1. Pour batter into prepared bundt pan. Bake 65–75 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Cool:

1. Let cake cool in pan for 10–15 minutes before inverting onto a wire rack to cool completely.

Glaze (optional):

1. Whisk powdered sugar, 7UP, and lemon zest until smooth. Drizzle over cooled cake.

Notes

Don’t use Diet 7UP — the sugar in regular soda helps with texture and flavor.

Room-temperature butter and eggs give the cake a smoother batter.

If the top of the cake browns too quickly, tent it loosely with foil during baking.

This cake stores well — wrap tightly and keep at room temperature for 3–4 days, or freeze slices for up to 2 months.

You Asked, We Answered

A Slice of Southern Sweetness

Moist, buttery, and kissed with lemon-lime, 7UP pound cake is the kind of dessert that feels both nostalgic and timeless. Whether you serve it at a family gathering or as an everyday treat, it’s sure to win hearts with every bite.