Classic 7UP Pound Cake: A Beginner-Friendly Recipe

There’s something incredibly comforting about a homemade pound cake—the buttery aroma filling the kitchen, the golden crust giving way to a tender crumb, and the first bite bursting with flavor. For me, 7UP Pound Cake brings back memories of Sunday afternoons at my grandmother’s house. She’d whip up this simple yet elegant dessert, always insisting that the secret ingredient wasn’t just the 7UP but also a little love.

If you’re new to baking, this is the perfect recipe to start with! It’s straightforward, requires no fancy techniques, and delivers a beautifully moist cake with a bright citrusy glaze. Plus, there’s no need for baking powder or baking soda—7UP’s carbonation does the magic.

So, whether you’re baking for a family gathering, a special occasion, or simply to treat yourself, this recipe is sure to impress.

Why This Recipe is Special

7UP Pound Cake is not just any pound cake—it’s a classic Southern dessert with a twist. Traditionally, pound cakes were made with a pound each of butter, sugar, eggs, and flour. But this version incorporates 7UP soda, which adds a subtle lemon-lime flavor and helps the cake rise beautifully without a leavening agent.

Here’s what makes this recipe a must-try:

• Beginner-Friendly – Simple ingredients and no tricky techniques.
• Rich and Moist – Thanks to the perfect balance of butter, sugar, and eggs.
• A Hint of Citrus – Lemon extract and 7UP add a refreshing flavor.
• Crisp, Golden Crust – The Bundt pan creates an irresistibly crunchy exterior.

Ingredients & Their Roles

Each ingredient in this recipe serves a purpose. Understanding them will help you become a more confident baker!

For the Cake:

• Butter – Provides richness and moisture. Use unsalted butter for better flavor control.
• Sugar – Sweetens the cake while helping achieve a light and fluffy texture.
• Salt – Balances the sweetness and enhances flavor.
• Eggs – Bind the ingredients together and contribute to the cake’s structure.
• Cake Flour – Produces a softer crumb compared to all-purpose flour.
• 7UP Soda – Acts as a leavening agent and infuses the cake with a hint of citrus.
• Lemon Extract – Intensifies the lemony flavor without overpowering the cake.

For the Glaze:

• Powdered Sugar – Creates a smooth, sweet glaze.
• 7UP Soda – Adds moisture and flavor.
• Lemon Extract – Gives the glaze a citrusy kick.

Ingredient Swaps & Variations

• No cake flour? Use all-purpose flour by removing 2 tablespoons per cup and replacing it with cornstarch.
• Want a deeper citrus flavor? Add fresh lemon zest.
• Prefer a richer glaze? Use more powdered sugar for a thicker consistency.
• Out of 7UP? Try Sprite or another lemon-lime soda, but 7UP’s carbonation works best.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prep Your Pan & Ingredients

Preheat your oven to 315°F (157°C). Generously grease a 10-cup Bundt pan with nonstick spray or butter and flour. This ensures the cake doesn’t stick!

Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature—this helps them mix evenly and create a smooth batter.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, beat 1 ½ cups of butter on high speed for 2 minutes until smooth. Slowly add 3 cups of sugar and 1 teaspoon of salt, then continue beating for 7 more minutes until the mixture is pale and fluffy. This aeration is crucial for a light cake!

Step 3: Add the Eggs

Add 5 eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Scrape down the bowl to ensure everything is well incorporated.

Step 4: Incorporate the Dry Ingredients

Turn the mixer to low speed and slowly add 3 cups of sifted cake flour in two batches. Mix until just combined—overmixing can make the cake dense.

Step 5: Add the 7UP and Lemon Extract

Pour in ½ cup of 7UP soda and 1 tablespoon of lemon extract. Mix until just combined, ensuring you scrape down the bowl to catch any unmixed batter.

Step 6: Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into the prepared Bundt pan and smooth the top. Bake for 75-85 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then carefully invert it onto a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 7: Make the Glaze & Finish

In a small bowl, whisk together:

• 1 cup of powdered sugar
• 3 tablespoons of 7UP soda
• ½ teaspoon of lemon extract

Once the cake has completely cooled, drizzle the glaze over the top and let it set before slicing.

Beginner Tips & Troubleshooting

Greasing the pan properly – Use both butter and flour (or nonstick spray with flour) to prevent sticking.
Don’t rush the creaming process – This step helps create a light, airy cake.
Use room temperature ingredients – Cold butter or eggs can cause uneven mixing.
Check for doneness – If the top browns too quickly, cover it loosely with foil.

Cake too dense? You might have overmixed the batter or not beaten the butter and sugar long enough.
Cake stuck to the pan? Run a knife along the edges and tap the pan gently before inverting.

Serving & Storage Tips

Best Ways to Serve 7UP Pound Cake

• With whipped cream and fresh berries
• Alongside vanilla ice cream
• Topped with a dusting of powdered sugar
• With a cup of tea or coffee for an afternoon treat

Storing & Freezing Instructions

• Room Temperature – Store in an airtight container for 4-5 days.
• Refrigerator – Keeps fresh for up to a week, but bring to room temp before serving.
• Freezer – Wrap in plastic and foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Final Thoughts: Bake & Share Your Success!

Baking a homemade cake, especially for the first time, is incredibly rewarding. With its simple ingredients and foolproof technique, this 7UP Pound Cake is an excellent recipe to build your confidence in the kitchen.

Give it a try, and let me know how it turns out! Did you tweak the recipe? Add your own twist? Share your experience in the comments—I’d love to hear from you!

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