Introduction
Easy Lemon 7UP Cake is a classic Southern dessert known for its ultra-moist texture, bright lemon flavor, and effortless preparation. Made with lemon cake mix and lemon-lime soda, this recipe delivers a soft, fluffy pound cake that’s perfect for holiday baking, family gatherings, and last-minute desserts. If you’re searching for an easy lemon cake recipe that tastes homemade with minimal effort, this one checks every box.
Origin
The Lemon 7UP Cake gained popularity in the mid-20th century when soda began appearing in home baking recipes. Lemon-lime soda was used as a leavening and flavor-enhancing agent, creating cakes that were lighter, moister, and more tender than traditional pound cakes. Over time, it became a Southern staple dessert, especially for potlucks, church events, and celebrations.
Cultural Significance
This cake represents comfort baking at its finest—simple ingredients, reliable results, and nostalgic flavor. Lemon 7UP Cake remains a favorite because it bridges generations, offering old-fashioned charm with modern convenience. Today, it’s also popular online due to its viral cake-mix shortcut appeal and foolproof texture.
Ingredients & Quantity
Cake Ingredients:
- Lemon cake mix – 1 box (15.25 oz)
- Instant lemon pudding mix – 1 small box (3.4 oz)
- Eggs – 4 large
- Vegetable oil – ¾ cup
- 7UP (or lemon-lime soda) – ¾ cup
- Lemon zest – 1 tablespoon
Glaze Ingredients:
- Powdered sugar – 2 cups
- Fresh lemon juice – 3–4 tablespoons
- 7UP – 1–2 tablespoons
Optional Additions (High-Value Variations)
- Cream cheese glaze (richer texture)
- Vanilla extract (depth of flavor)
- Butter instead of oil (classic pound cake taste)
- Lemon extract (intense citrus boost)
- Poppy seeds (bakery-style upgrade)
Tips for Success
- Use room-temperature eggs for a smoother batter
- Don’t overmix—this keeps the cake light and fluffy
- Grease and flour your bundt pan thoroughly
- Pour glaze over the cake while it’s still warm
- Let cake cool completely before slicing for clean cuts
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C)
- Grease and flour a bundt pan
- In a large bowl, combine cake mix, pudding mix, eggs, oil, 7UP, and lemon zest
- Mix until smooth (about 2 minutes)
- Pour batter into prepared pan
- Bake for 45–55 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean
- Cool for 10 minutes, then invert onto a plate
- Whisk glaze ingredients and drizzle over warm cake
Description
This Easy Lemon 7UP Cake is soft, buttery, and bursting with citrus flavor. The soda adds lift and moisture, while the lemon glaze soaks into the cake, creating a sweet-tart finish that melts in your mouth. It’s a bakery-quality dessert made with simple pantry ingredients.
Nutritional Information (Approx. per slice)
- Calories: 360–390 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fat: 18g
- Sugar: 32g
- Protein: 4g
(Values vary by brand and portion size)
Conclusion
Easy Lemon 7UP Cake is the perfect balance of convenience and homemade flavor. Whether you’re baking for a celebration or craving a simple lemon dessert, this recipe delivers consistent results, bold flavor, and crowd-pleasing appeal every time.
Recommendation
Serve with:
- Fresh berries
- Vanilla ice cream
- Whipped cream
- Hot tea or iced lemonade
Ideal for Easter desserts, summer parties, Sunday dinners, and holiday dessert tables.
Embracing Sweet Indulgence
Sometimes, indulgence is about simplicity. Easy Lemon 7UP Cake proves that you don’t need complicated steps or fancy ingredients to create a dessert that feels special. With its nostalgic flavor and foolproof method, this cake invites you to slow down, savor sweetness, and enjoy the joy of home baking.