7UP Lemon Cake Recipe (Ultra Moist, Old-Fashioned Southern Lemon Cake)

This 7UP Lemon Cake is a classic Southern pound cake recipe made with real lemon flavor, buttery cake batter, and the unmistakable fizz of 7UP soda. The carbonation creates a light yet dense texture, while the lemon glaze soaks into the cake for maximum moisture and flavor.

Perfect for holidays, family gatherings, church potlucks, afternoon tea, or dessert tables, this cake stays moist for days and tastes even better the next day.

Why This 7UP Lemon Cake Is So Popular

Super moist lemon pound cake
Made with simple pantry ingredients
Classic old-fashioned recipe
Bright lemon flavor with citrus glaze
Perfect for Bundt or tube pan

Ingredients for 7UP Lemon Cake

For the Cake

1½ cups unsalted butter, softened
3 cups granulated sugar
5 large eggs, room temperature
3 cups all-purpose flour, sifted
½ tsp baking powder
½ tsp salt
2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
1 tbsp lemon zest
¾ cup 7UP soda (room temperature)
1 tsp pure vanilla extract

For the Lemon Glaze

2 cups powdered sugar
¼ cup fresh lemon juice
1 tbsp lemon zest
2–3 tbsp 7UP soda

How to Make 7UP Lemon Cake (Step-by-Step)

Step 1: Prepare the Pan

Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C)
Grease and flour a 10-inch Bundt or tube pan
Set aside

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

Beat butter until smooth and creamy
Gradually add sugar
Beat 4–5 minutes until light and fluffy

This step is key to a soft, moist pound cake texture

Step 3: Add Eggs

Add eggs one at a time
Beat well after each addition
Scrape down the bowl as needed

Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk:
- Flour
- Baking powder
- Salt

Step 5: Add Lemon & 7UP

Add dry ingredients gradually to batter
Mix just until combined
Add lemon juice, lemon zest, vanilla
Slowly pour in 7UP soda
Mix gently — do not overmix

Step 6: Bake the Cake

Pour batter evenly into prepared pan
Bake 70–80 minutes
Cake is done when a toothpick comes out clean
Cool in pan for 15 minutes
Turn out onto wire rack to cool completely

How to Make Lemon 7UP Glaze

Whisk powdered sugar and lemon juice
Add lemon zest
Stir in 7UP soda until smooth and pourable
Glaze should be thick but drizzle easily

Glazing the Cake

Drizzle glaze over completely cooled cake
Let glaze soak and set before slicing

Tips for the Best 7UP Lemon Cake

Use room-temperature ingredients
Do not flatten the soda — keep it fizzy
Fresh lemon juice gives best flavor
Avoid overbaking to keep cake moist

Storage & Freezing

Room temperature: 3–4 days (covered)
Refrigerator: up to 7 days
Freezer: wrap tightly, freeze up to 3 months

Serving Suggestions

Serve with vanilla ice cream
Garnish with lemon slices or zest
Pair with tea or iced lemonade

Nutrition (Approximate per Slice)

Calories: 420
Carbohydrates: 55g
Fat: 22g
Protein: 5g