This 7UP Pound Cake recipe is a Southern classic that never goes out of style. It's rich, buttery, and moist, with the perfect balance of sweetness and a subtle lemon-lime flavor from the soda. Baked in a bundt pan and finished with a bright lemon glaze, this cake is the kind of dessert that brings families together at Sunday dinner or the holidays.
Updated September 2025: This 7UP Pound Cake recipe has been updated with new photos, step-by-step instructions, expert baking tips, and FAQs to help you achieve the perfect buttery, lemon-lime pound cake every time. The recipe itself remains the same classic version my family has loved for years. It was originally posted June 16, 2014.
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I grew up watching my family bake this cake for special occasions, and it was one of the very first desserts I ever made on my own. It's old-fashioned comfort in the best way. If you've tried my Homemade Sour Cream Pound Cake or Sweet Potato Pound Cake, you'll love this 7UP version too.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Classic Southern Tradition - A staple dessert at family reunions, church suppers, and holiday tables.
- No Leavening Needed - The 7UP soda gives the cake its lift, so you won't need baking powder or baking soda.
- Rich & Moist - A blend of butter and shortening creates that dense, buttery pound cake texture.
- Crowd-Pleaser - Perfect for serving with coffee, tea, or topped with fresh fruit and whipped cream.
Key Ingredients
- Butter & Shortening - The combo gives the cake a rich flavor and dense, tender crumb.
- Granulated Sugar - For the classic sweet pound cake base.
- Eggs - Five large eggs add structure and richness.
- All-Purpose Flour - The foundation of the cake (cake flour can be substituted for a slightly lighter texture).
- 7UP Soda - Provides the rise and signature lemon-lime flavor. Sprite or Starry can be used in a pinch.
- Vanilla & Lemon Extract - Adds depth and enhances the citrus notes.
- Powdered Sugar + Lemon Juice/Zest - Whisked into a glaze that soaks beautifully into the warm cake
👉🏾 See the recipe card below for exact quantities and full instructions.
Before You Bake, Read This!
- Prep the Pan Right - Grease and flour your bundt pan thoroughly or use a non-stick baking spray with flour.
- Room Temp Ingredients - Butter, eggs, and shortening should be at room temperature for a smooth, creamy batter.
- Don't Overmix - Mix just until combined after adding the flour and soda to avoid a dense cake.
- Bake Low & Slow - This cake needs time, bake at 325°F for about 90 minutes.
📖 Recipe
7UP Pound Cake Recipe
Video
Equipment
- 1 stand mixer or hand mixer
- 1 Tube or Bundt Pan
Ingredients
- Pound Cake Ingredients:
- 1 cup butter (2 sticks)
- ½ cup shortening
- 3 cups granulated sugar
- 5 large eggs
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon lemon extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup 7 up or lemon-lime soda
- Glaze Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
- 3 tablespoons lemon juice
- zest of 1 lemon
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325°F. Grease and flour a bundt or tube pan.
- Cream 1 cup butter and ½ cup shortening until smooth. Add 3 cups sugar and beat until fluffy.
- Add 5 large eggs one at a time, then mix in ½ teaspoon vanilla and 1 teaspoon lemon extract. Mix until combined. Scrape the sides of the bowl with a rubber spatula to make sure fully mixed.
- Slowly add 3 cups flour and ¾ cup 7UP, alternating until combined. Don't overmix.
- Pour into pan and bake 1 hour 30 minutes, or until a tester comes out clean.
- Cool for 10-15 minutes, then remove from pan.
- Whisk glaze ingredients (1 ½ cups powdered sugar, 3 tablespoons lemon juice, lemon zest). Drizzle over cake while slightly warm. Enjoy!
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with No-Churn Vanilla Ice Cream.
- Serve with coffee or hot tea for an afternoon treat.
- Add whipped cream and fresh berries for a spring or summer dessert.
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Storage & Freezing
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container up to 4-5 days.
- Refrigerator: Keeps 1 week, bring to room temperature before serving.
- Freezer: Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil and freeze up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge.
LaKita's Expert Tips
- Use real 7UP (not diet or sparkling water) for best results.
- Test the cake early to prevent overbaking, it should have a tender crumb.
- Glaze while warm so it soaks into the cake.
- This recipe also works well in mini bundt pans for gifting.
FAQs
Yes, any lemon-lime soda works, though 7UP is traditional.
The carbonation in the soda provides the lift needed, creating a dense but tender texture.
Yes! It freezes beautifully and can be made up to a month ahead for holidays.
Cream the butter and sugar thoroughly, use room-temperature ingredients, and don't rush the baking.
More Pound Cake Recipes to Try
Tried this 7-Up Pound Cake Recipe? Leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating below or tag @simplylakita so I can see your cake creations!
💌 From my kitchen to yours, happy baking!
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