The Perfect 7Up Pound Cake Recipe – From the Queen of Soul Food Cooking
Last Updated on February 11, 2026 by Barbara
There are some recipes that just feel like home, and my classic 7Up Pound Cake is right at the top of that list. It has been a centerpiece of Southern and Soul Food celebrations for generations and there is a good reason it never goes out of style. The beauty of this dessert is how incredibly simple it is to pull together with just a few simple ingredients.
The secret is in the soda. The 7Up gives the cake that signature subtle hint of citrus that keeps the buttery dough from feeling too heavy. I have been serving this recipe for years and it is consistently the first thing to disappear at any gathering. But here is my favorite professional secret: If you can manage to leave it on the counter overnight, it actually tastes even better on the second day. The moisture settles in, and the flavors really start to sing.
Let me show you how to create this moist and buttery classic. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this is the kind of recipe that quickly turns into a family favorite.
How to Make A Moist 7Up Cake From Scratch
Making a Perfectly moist cake is all about the ingredients. Use fresh ingredients whenever possible. Also it is best to have your ingredients at room temperature before you start.
1. Watch me Make a 7Up Pound Cake (Video Tutorial)
2. Ingredients for 7Up Pound Cake Recipe
All-Purpose Flour, Sugar, Butter, Eggs, Vanilla Extract, Lemon Extract, Lemon Juice, 7-Up Soda and Confectioners Sugar
3. Instructions for 7Up Pound Cake
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheating the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
Step 2: Cream the Sugar and Butter
In a stand mixer (or using a hand mixer), cream the sugar and butter until light and fluffy.
Step 3: Incorporating the Wet Ingredients
Slowly introduce the eggs, one at a time, allowing each to blend evenly.
Add the lemon juice, lemon extract, and vanilla extract to the batter.
Step 4: Incorporating the Dry Ingredients and 7Up
Alternately add the all-purpose flour and the 7Up soda to the batter, allowing the mixer to work its magic, resulting in a smooth, velvety mixture.
Step 5: Baking the 7Up Cake
Pour the batter into a prepared bundt pan and gently place it into the preheated oven. Let it bake for approximately 50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the cake’s center comes out clean, indicating its readiness.
Once the cake emerges from the oven, allow it to rest on a wire rack for 15 to 20 minutes. This period of rest allows the cake to settle before gracefully releasing itself from the pan.
Step 6: Making the Icing
While the cake cools, prepare the glaze by combining confectioners sugar, lemon juice, and a touch of 7Up soda.
Drizzle this enchanting glaze over the cooled cake, letting it cascade down the sides.
After allowing the glaze to set for 15 minutes, it’s time to cut a slice and savor the captivating blend of flavors and textures.
Whether you’re clearing a spot for it on your holiday dessert table, making it the centerpiece of a family gathering, or just craving a slice as a comforting treat, this cake is always a great choice. It is a bit of soulful indulgence that leaves a lasting impression.
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Ingredients
- 3 Cups All-Purpose Flour
- 3 Cups Sugar
- 1-1/2 Cups Butter
- 5 Eggs
- 1 tsp Vanilla Extract
- 1 tsp Lemon Extract
- 1 Tbsp Lemon Juice
- 3/4 Cup 7Up Soda
- For the Glaze:
- 1-1/2 Cups Confectioners Sugar
- 1 Tbsp Lemon Juice
- 2 Tbsps 7-Up Soda
Method
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees
- Make sure the eggs and butter are at room temperature before using.
- Using a stand mixer cream together the sugar and butter.
- Add the eggs one at a time.
- Add the lemon juice, lemon extract, vanilla extract and continue mixing.
- Alternately add the flour and 7up and continue mixing until well combined.
- Add the batter to the bundt pan then transfer to the preheated oven and bake for 50 minutes or until a toothpick placed near the center of the cake come out clean.
- After removing the cake from the oven, place it on a wire rack to cool for 15 to 20 minutes before attempting to move it from the pan.
- After 15 minutes remove the cake from the pan and place it on the wire rack.
- To make the glaze, combine the confectioners sugar, lemon juice and 7up.
- Drizzle over the cake the allow it to sit for 15 minutes before serving.
Came across your cake recipe this morning. Haven’t used it yet, but will sometime this month.