7UP Pound Cake with Sweet Lemon Glaze – Irresistibly Moist & Buttery Classic (7 Simple Ingredients!)

7UP Pound Cake with Sweet Lemon Glaze is one of those timeless Southern desserts that feels like a warm hug straight from grandma’s kitchen. First of all, thank you for being here. Truly. There’s something so special about sharing these treasured recipes—the ones that carry memories in every bite.

I grew up watching this cake rise tall and proud in a Bundt pan, the scent of butter and lemon drifting through the house. And when that fizzy 7UP hit the batter? Oh honey, magic happened. If you love old-fashioned cakes with a bright citrus twist, you’re in for a treat today.

And before we dive in—don’t forget to subscribe to our email list so you never miss a cozy, from-scratch recipe like this one!

Overview of Recipe Content

What Is 7UP Pound Cake with Sweet Lemon Glaze?

This 7UP Pound Cake with Sweet Lemon Glaze is a classic American butter pound cake made extra tender thanks to the addition of lemon-lime soda. The carbonation adds lift, while the subtle citrus flavor enhances the rich buttery crumb.

It’s perfect for:

• Sunday suppers
• Holiday dessert tables
• Baby showers
• Afternoon coffee breaks
• Or a quiet “just because” slice on the porch

Why You’ll Absolutely Love It

• Ultra-moist and dense (but never heavy)
• Buttery, velvety crumb
• Bright lemon glaze that melts into every crevice
• Simple pantry ingredients
• A nostalgic Southern favorite

If you’ve tried my Southern-style cakes before, like this rich and comforting Caramel Pound Cake https://poulef.com/caramel-pound-cake/ or the dreamy Lemon Cream Cheese Pound Cake https://poulef.com/lemon-cream-cheese-pound-cake/, you already know we don’t play around when it comes to texture!

What It Tastes Like

Imagine the richness of butter melting on your tongue, followed by a gentle lemon sparkle that lingers. The glaze seeps into the crust and creates this slightly crisp, citrus-kissed edge. It’s sweet but balanced. Bright but cozy.

Health & Seasonal Notes

While this is definitely a treat (we’re not pretending otherwise!), lemon adds a refreshing note that makes it feel lighter than heavier chocolate desserts. It’s especially beautiful in spring and summer, but honestly? I bake it year-round.

Ingredients

PIN IT

For the Cake:

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
• 1 cup 7UP soda (room temperature)
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 4 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon lemon extract
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon baking powder

For the Sweet Lemon Glaze:

• 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
• 2–3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon melted butter
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest

Tools You’ll Need

• Bundt pan (10–12 cup)
• Electric mixer
• Mixing bowls
• Rubber spatula
• Cooling rack
• Whisk

Substitutions & Additions

• Swap lemon extract for extra vanilla if you prefer subtle citrus.
• Add 1 tablespoon lemon zest directly to the batter for bold flavor.
• Try orange soda instead of 7UP for a citrus variation.
• Fold in poppy seeds for a lemon-poppy twist.

How to Make 7UP Pound Cake with Sweet Lemon Glaze

PIN IT

Step 1: Prep Your Pan

Preheat your oven to 325°F. Generously grease and flour your Bundt pan. Don’t rush this step—pound cakes love to cling!

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy and pale. Add sugar gradually and beat for 3–5 minutes. You want it light and fluffy. This step builds structure and gives that signature velvety crumb.

Step 3: Add Eggs One at a Time

Add eggs individually, mixing well after each addition. Scrape down the sides. The batter should look silky and smooth.

Step 4: Add Extracts

Mix in vanilla and lemon extract. Take a deep breath—that aroma is pure sunshine.

Step 5: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk flour, salt, and baking powder.

Step 6: Alternate Flour and 7UP

Add flour mixture in three additions, alternating with the 7UP soda. Begin and end with flour. Mix gently—don’t overbeat. The batter will be thick but silky.

Step 7: Bake

Pour into prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake 60–75 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

Your kitchen will smell like buttered lemon heaven.

Step 8: Cool

Let cake cool in pan for 15 minutes, then invert onto a cooling rack. Allow to cool completely before glazing.

Step 9: Make the Glaze

Whisk powdered sugar, lemon juice, melted butter, and zest until smooth. Pour generously over cooled cake. Let it drip naturally—those drips are part of the charm!

What to Serve with 7UP Pound Cake

This cake shines on its own, but if you’re feeling fancy:

• Fresh berries and whipped cream
• A scoop of vanilla ice cream
• Iced tea or lemonade
• A hot cup of coffee

For a full dessert spread, pair it with Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake https://poulef.com/strawberry-crunch-cheesecake/ or this crowd-favorite Banana Pudding Lasagna https://poulef.com/banana-pudding-lasagna/.

Pinterest lovers, this cake photographs beautifully—don’t forget to pin it from https://www.pinterest.com/poulefrecipe/!

Tips for Making It Perfect

• Use room temperature ingredients.
• Don’t overmix after adding flour.
• Always grease your Bundt pan thoroughly.
• Let it cool before glazing or the glaze will slide off.
• For extra lemon punch, poke tiny holes in the warm cake and brush with lemon syrup before glazing.

Storage Instructions

Room Temperature: Store covered for up to 3 days.
Refrigerator: Keeps fresh up to 5 days. Bring to room temp before serving.
Freezer: Wrap tightly in plastic and foil. Freeze up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in fridge.

General Information

7UP Pound Cake became popular in Southern kitchens in the 1950s when soda companies promoted baking with carbonated drinks. The carbonation adds lift while the sugar enhances tenderness.

It’s one of those old-school recipes that never goes out of style—just like my grandmother’s kitchen wisdom.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use Sprite instead of 7UP?

Yes! Any lemon-lime soda works.

Why is my pound cake dense?

Overmixing or cold ingredients can cause heaviness.

Can I make it in loaf pans?

Absolutely. Divide evenly and adjust baking time to 45–55 minutes.

Can I skip the glaze?

You can, but the lemon glaze truly elevates the cake.

How do I prevent sticking?

Grease every curve of that Bundt pan and dust with flour.

Conclusion

This 7UP Pound Cake with Sweet Lemon Glaze is buttery, bright, nostalgic, and downright irresistible. It’s the kind of recipe you’ll pass down and bake again and again.

If you love lemon desserts, you might also adore Lemon Cream Cheese Pound Cake https://poulef.com/lemon-cream-cheese-pound-cake/ and Blueberry Lemon Loaf https://poulef.com/blueberry-lemon-loaf/.

Bake it once, and I promise—it’ll become a staple in your kitchen too.

Interactive Elements

If you try this recipe, leave a comment and a star rating below! I absolutely love hearing how it turns out in your kitchen.

Snap a photo and tag me on Pinterest at https://www.pinterest.com/poulefrecipe/ — I may feature your creation!

Nutritional Information (Approximate Per Serving)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	420 kcal
Carbohydrates	55g
Protein	5g
Fat	20g
Saturated Fat	12g
Sugar	38g
Fiber	1g
Sodium	180mg

Print