Easy Lemon 7-Up Cake Recipe

Introduction

This Easy Lemon 7-Up Cake is a bright and moist dessert perfect for any occasion. With a tangy lemon flavor and a light glaze, it’s simple to make from scratch or using a box cake mix. Enjoy a delightful treat that balances sweetness and zest in every bite.

Ingredients

• From Scratch Ingredients:
• 5 eggs
• 3 cups flour
• 3/4 lb butter, softened (3 sticks)
• 3 cups sugar
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice (fresh or extract)
• 3/4 cup carbonated lemon-lime beverage (any brand)
• Ingredients Using Box Cake Mix:
• 1 box yellow cake mix
• 4 eggs
• 3/4 cup vegetable oil
• 1 – 4 ounce box instant lemon pudding
• 3/4 cup carbonated lemon-lime soda (any brand)
• Lemon Glaze Ingredients:
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon milk

Instructions

1. Step 1 (From Scratch): Mix the softened butter and sugar together for about 10 minutes until creamy.
2. Step 2 (From Scratch): Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
3. Step 3 (From Scratch): Stir in the flour and lemon juice or extract until combined.
4. Step 4 (From Scratch): Gently fold in the carbonated lemon-lime beverage.
5. Step 5 (From Scratch): Pour the batter into a well-greased 12-cup Bundt pan.
6. Step 6 (From Scratch): Bake at 325°F for 1 to 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until fully set.
7. Step 7 (From Scratch): Remove the cake from the oven and transfer to a wire rack to cool, then drizzle with the lemon glaze.
8. Step 8 (Box Mix): Preheat your oven to 325°F and grease your Bundt pan.
9. Step 9 (Box Mix): In a large bowl, combine the cake mix, eggs, vegetable oil, instant lemon pudding, and carbonated lemon-lime soda; mix well.
10. Step 10 (Box Mix): Pour the batter into the greased Bundt pan.
11. Step 11 (Box Mix): Bake for 45 to 55 minutes, or until set.
12. Step 12 (Box Mix): Let the cake cool completely before removing from the pan and topping with the lemon glaze.
13. Step 13 (Glaze): To make the lemon glaze, whisk together powdered sugar, lemon juice, and milk until smooth. Drizzle over the cooled cake.
14. Step 14: Enjoy your bright and zesty lemon cake!

Tips & Variations

• Use fresh lemon juice for a natural flavor or lemon extract for a stronger, more pronounced lemon taste.
• Swap the lemon-lime soda for plain club soda for a less sweet but still light texture.
• For added texture, sprinkle finely chopped lemon zest into the batter.
• Try adding a handful of blueberries to the batter for a fruity twist.

Storage

Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 1 week or freeze the cake wrapped tightly for up to 2 months. Reheat refrigerated slices briefly in the microwave to soften before serving.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different soda instead of 7-Up or lemon-lime soda?

Yes, you can substitute any carbonated soft drink, but lemon-lime sodas work best to complement the lemon flavor. Avoid using cola or strongly flavored sodas to keep the taste balanced.

Do I have to use a Bundt pan for this recipe?

A Bundt pan is recommended for even baking and the traditional look, but you can use any loaf or round cake pan. Adjust the baking time depending on the pan size and shape.

Easy Lemon 7-Up Cake Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 68 reviews

This Easy Lemon 7-Up Cake is a moist, flavorful dessert bursting with bright lemon and citrus notes. Whether made entirely from scratch or using a convenient box cake mix, this cake combines the tang of lemon juice and lemon-lime soda for a light, fluffy texture. Topped with a simple lemon glaze, this cake is perfect for any occasion when you want a sweet treat that’s refreshing and easy to make.

• Author: Dylan
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes for from scratch, 55 minutes max for box mix
• Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes for from scratch, 1 hour 15 minutes for box mix
• Yield: 12 servings 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

From Scratch Ingredients:

• 5 eggs
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 3/4 lb (3 sticks) butter, softened
• 3 cups granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice (fresh or bottled, or lemon extract for deeper flavor)
• 3/4 cup carbonated lemon-lime beverage (any brand)

Box Cake Mix Ingredients:

• 1 box yellow cake mix
• 4 eggs
• 3/4 cup vegetable oil
• 1 (4 ounce) box instant lemon pudding mix
• 3/4 cup carbonated lemon-lime soda (any brand)

Lemon Glaze Ingredients:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon milk

Instructions

1. Prepare the Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar for about 10 minutes until light and fluffy. This creates the base for your cake’s texture and sweetness.
2. Add Eggs: Incorporate eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. This helps to properly emulsify the batter and maintain a smooth consistency.
3. Add Dry Ingredients and Lemon Flavor: Gently add the flour and lemon juice or extract to the batter, mixing just until combined to keep the cake tender.
4. Fold in Lemon-Lime Soda: Carefully fold in the carbonated lemon-lime soda, which adds moisture and a light, airy texture to the cake.
5. Prepare Baking Pan: Grease a 12-cup Bundt pan thoroughly to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal after baking.
6. Bake the Cake: Pour batter into the prepared Bundt pan. Bake in a preheated oven at 325°F (163°C) for 1 hour to 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean.
7. Cool the Cake: Remove the cake from the oven and transfer it to a wire rack. Let it cool completely before glazing.
8. Make and Apply Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, lemon juice, and milk until smooth. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cake evenly.
9. Enjoy: Slice and serve this delicious lemon cake as a delightful treat for family and friends.

1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C) and grease a 12-cup Bundt pan well to avoid sticking.
2. Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, eggs, vegetable oil, instant lemon pudding mix, and lemon-lime soda. Mix thoroughly until smooth and well blended.
3. Pour Batter into Pan: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared Bundt pan.
4. Bake the Cake: Bake the cake for approximately 45 to 55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
5. Cool Completely: Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan before attempting to remove it to maintain its shape.
6. Apply Lemon Glaze: Prepare the lemon glaze by mixing powdered sugar, lemon juice, and milk. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cake.
7. Serve and Enjoy: Slice and serve this easy lemon cake, perfect for any dessert occasion.

Notes

• You can use either fresh lemon juice or bottled lemon juice; lemon extract can provide a stronger lemon flavor if desired.
• Using a carbonated lemon-lime soda is essential for giving the cake its signature light texture.
• Ensure the butter is fully softened before creaming for the best cake texture.
• Allow the cake to cool completely before glazing to prevent the glaze from melting and running off.
• You can substitute the yellow cake mix version if you want a quicker preparation.
• Store the cake covered at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.
• Use a wire rack to cool the cake evenly and avoid sogginess on the bottom.

Keywords: Lemon cake, 7-Up cake, lemon glaze, Bundt cake, citrus dessert, easy lemon cake