7UP Lemon Cake – Ultra Moist, Light & Zesty Southern Classic

This 7UP Lemon Cake is a beloved Southern dessert known for its incredibly moist texture, bright citrus flavor, and tender crumb. Made with real lemon and fizzy 7UP soda, this cake is soft, fluffy, and bursting with refreshing lemon goodness. The carbonation helps create a light texture, while a sweet lemon glaze soaks into the cake for unbeatable flavor. Perfect for holidays, potlucks, family gatherings, and Sunday desserts, this easy lemon cake is always a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients List

For the Cake

3 cups all-purpose flour
3 cups granulated sugar
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
½ cup vegetable shortening
5 large eggs
¾ cup 7UP soda (room temperature)
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
2 teaspoons lemon zest
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Lemon Glaze

2 cups powdered sugar
3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
2 tablespoons 7UP soda

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat Oven:
Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C). Grease and flour a bundt pan thoroughly.
Mix Dry Ingredients:
In a bowl, whisk flour, sugar, and salt. Set aside.
Cream Butter & Shortening:
Beat butter and shortening until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each.
Combine Batter:
Gradually add dry ingredients, mixing gently. Stir in 7UP, lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla.
Bake:
Pour batter into prepared pan. Bake for 70–75 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Prepare Glaze:
Whisk powdered sugar, lemon juice, and 7UP until smooth.
Glaze the Cake:
Pour glaze over warm cake and allow it to soak in. Cool completely before serving.

Pro Tips for Best Results

Use room-temperature ingredients for smooth batter.
Grease bundt pan generously to prevent sticking.
Glaze cake while warm for maximum flavor absorption.
Add extra lemon zest for stronger citrus flavor.

Recipe Variations

Orange 7UP Cake: Replace lemon with orange juice and zest.
Lemon Cream Cheese Glaze: Add softened cream cheese to glaze.
Mini Bundt Cakes: Bake in mini pans for individual servings.
7UP Pound Cake: Add extra butter for a richer texture.

Nutrition Information (Per Slice – Approximate)

Calories: 390
Protein: 5 g
Fat: 18 g
Carbohydrates: 52 g

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Why use 7UP in cake?
The carbonation makes the cake light and fluffy while enhancing citrus flavor.

2. Can I substitute Sprite?
Yes, Sprite or any lemon-lime soda works perfectly.

3. How do I store 7UP lemon cake?
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 3 days or refrigerate up to 5 days.

4. Can I freeze this cake?
Yes, wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months.

This 7UP Lemon Cake is moist, fluffy, sweet, and refreshing — a true Southern dessert classic that’s perfect for any celebration.