Lemon 7UP Pound Cake

Lemon 7UP Pound Cake is a rich, buttery, moist cake with a bright lemon flavor and an incredibly soft crumb. The addition of 7UP gives this classic pound cake a light texture while adding a subtle citrusy sweetness.

Finished with a simple lemon glaze, this homemade cake is perfect for afternoon tea, family gatherings, holidays, potlucks, or whenever you’re craving a classic lemon dessert. It’s easy to prepare, beautifully golden on the outside, and wonderfully tender inside.

Why You’ll Love This Lemon 7UP Pound Cake

Moist and buttery
Bright lemon flavor
Soft, tender crumb
Easy-to-follow recipe
Uses simple ingredients
Delicious lemon glaze
Perfect for holidays and gatherings
Stays moist for several days

Ingredients

For the Cake

3 cups all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon baking powder
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
2½ cups granulated sugar
5 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon finely grated lemon zest
¾ cup 7UP or another lemon-lime soda

For the Lemon Glaze

1½ cups powdered sugar
2–3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon 7UP
1 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest

How to Make Lemon 7UP Pound Cake

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Pan

Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).

Generously grease and flour a 10-inch Bundt pan.

Make sure you coat the center tube and all the decorative grooves of the pan.

This is especially important with Bundt cakes because they can stick easily.

Step 2: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together:

Flour
Salt
Baking powder

Mix until evenly combined.

Set aside.

Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar

Place the softened butter in a large mixing bowl.

Add the granulated sugar.

Beat with an electric mixer for approximately 4–5 minutes.

The mixture should become pale, fluffy, and noticeably lighter in texture.

Don’t rush this step.

Properly creamed butter and sugar help create a tender pound cake with a beautiful crumb.

Step 4: Add the Eggs

Add the eggs one at a time.

Beat well after each addition.

Make sure each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next.

If the mixture looks slightly curdled, don’t worry. It will come together when the flour is added.

Step 5: Add Lemon Flavor

Add:

Vanilla extract
Fresh lemon juice
Lemon zest

Mix gently until combined.

The fresh lemon zest provides much of the cake’s natural citrus aroma.

Step 6: Add the Flour

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture.

Mix on low speed.

Add the flour in approximately three additions, mixing just until incorporated after each addition.

Avoid overmixing.

Step 7: Add the 7UP

Slowly pour in the 7UP.

Mix gently until the batter is smooth and fully combined.

The batter may become slightly lighter and more fluid.

Don’t overmix once the soda has been added.

Step 8: Fill the Bundt Pan

Pour the batter evenly into the prepared Bundt pan.

Use a spatula to smooth the top.

Gently tap the pan against the counter once or twice to remove any large air pockets.

Don’t tap excessively.

Step 9: Bake the Cake

Place the Bundt pan in the preheated oven.

Bake for approximately 70–85 minutes.

Start checking around the 70-minute mark.

The cake is ready when:

The top is golden brown.
The cake has pulled slightly away from the sides.
A toothpick inserted into the thickest part comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.

Avoid opening the oven repeatedly during baking.

Step 10: Cool the Cake

Remove the cake from the oven.

Allow it to cool in the pan for approximately 15–20 minutes.

Carefully run a thin knife around the edges if necessary.

Place a serving plate over the Bundt pan.

Carefully turn the cake over.

Allow it to cool completely before adding the glaze.

Step 11: Prepare the Lemon Glaze

Place the powdered sugar in a bowl.

Add 2 tablespoons of lemon juice.

Add the 7UP and lemon zest.

Whisk until smooth.

If the glaze is too thick, add a few drops of lemon juice.

If it’s too thin, add a little more powdered sugar.

Step 12: Glaze the Cake

Once the cake has cooled completely, drizzle the lemon glaze over the top.

Allow it to naturally run down the sides.

For a thicker glaze, let the first layer set for approximately 10 minutes and then add another drizzle.

Allow the glaze to set before slicing.

Tips for the Best Lemon 7UP Pound Cake

Use Room-Temperature Ingredients

Room-temperature butter and eggs combine more easily and create a smoother batter.

Cream the Butter and Sugar Properly

This is one of the most important steps.

Beat until the mixture is genuinely light and fluffy.

Don’t Overmix

Once the flour is added, mix only until the ingredients are combined.

Overmixing can make the cake dense.

Use Fresh Lemon

Fresh lemon zest and juice provide a much brighter flavor than bottled lemon juice.

Don’t Overbake

Pound cake can become dry if baked for too long.

Start checking near the end of the recommended baking time.

Why Add 7UP to Pound Cake?

The lemon-lime soda adds sweetness and moisture while helping create a lighter texture.

It also complements the fresh lemon juice and zest, giving the cake a pleasant citrus flavor.

The soda is not meant to replace every traditional leavening ingredient, so the baking powder still helps provide structure and lift.

How to Make the Lemon Flavor Stronger

If you love intense lemon flavor, you can increase the lemon zest to 2 tablespoons.

You can also add a little extra lemon juice to the glaze.

For an even stronger citrus finish, brush the warm cake lightly with a mixture of lemon juice and powdered sugar before glazing.

Lemon 7UP Pound Cake Variations

Orange 7UP Pound Cake

Replace the lemon zest and juice with fresh orange zest and juice.

Use orange-flavored soda if available.

Lime 7UP Pound Cake

Use fresh lime zest and juice for a sharper citrus flavor.

Lemon Coconut Pound Cake

Add ½ cup shredded coconut to the batter.

Finish with a lemon glaze and toasted coconut.

Blueberry Lemon Pound Cake

Gently fold approximately 1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries into the batter before pouring it into the pan.

Strawberry Lemon Pound Cake

Serve slices with fresh strawberries and whipped cream.

How to Make a Simple Lemon Syrup

For an extra-moist cake, make a quick lemon syrup.

Combine:

¼ cup fresh lemon juice
¼ cup granulated sugar

Warm gently until the sugar dissolves.

While the cake is still slightly warm, brush the syrup over the surface.

Allow it to absorb before adding the glaze.

This is especially useful if you prefer an extra-moist pound cake.

What to Serve With Lemon 7UP Pound Cake

Fresh Berries

Strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries pair beautifully with lemon.

Whipped Cream

A spoonful of lightly sweetened whipped cream makes each slice more indulgent.

Vanilla Ice Cream

Warm a slice slightly and serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Fresh Lemon Curd

Lemon curd provides an intense citrus flavor for true lemon lovers.

Tea or Coffee

This cake is particularly good with afternoon tea or a hot cup of coffee.

How to Store Lemon 7UP Pound Cake

Allow the cake to cool completely.

Store it in an airtight container at room temperature for approximately 3–4 days.

Keep the cake away from direct sunlight and heat.

If your kitchen is particularly warm, refrigerate it.

Allow refrigerated slices to come to room temperature before serving for the best texture.

Can You Freeze Lemon 7UP Pound Cake?

Yes.

For best results, freeze the cake without the glaze.

Wrap the cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil.

Place it in a freezer-safe container or bag.

Freeze for up to approximately 3 months.

Thaw at room temperature while still wrapped.

Prepare the glaze fresh and drizzle it over the cake after thawing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use another lemon-lime soda?

Yes. A similar lemon-lime carbonated soft drink can work.

Can I use salted butter?

Yes. If using salted butter, reduce or omit the additional salt.

Why did my pound cake sink?

A cake can sink if it’s underbaked, the batter was overmixed, or the oven temperature was too low.

Make sure the center is fully baked before removing it from the oven.

Why did my cake stick to the Bundt pan?

Bundt pans have many grooves where batter can stick.

Grease every part of the pan thoroughly and dust it with flour, or use a reliable baking spray designed for cakes.

Can I make this cake without the glaze?

Absolutely. The cake is delicious on its own, but the lemon glaze adds extra sweetness and citrus flavor.

Recipe at a Glance

Recipe: Lemon 7UP Pound Cake
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Bake Time: 70–85 minutes
Cooling Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: Approximately 2 hours
Servings: 12–16 slices
Course: Dessert
Method: Baked
Main Ingredients: Butter, sugar, eggs, flour, lemon, 7UP