Easy Lemon 7-Up Cake Recipe
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
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Fold in Lemon-Lime Soda: Carefully fold in the carbonated lemon-lime soda, which adds moisture and a light, airy texture to the cake.
- Prepare Baking Pan: Grease a 12-cup Bundt pan thoroughly to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal after baking.
- 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.
- Cool the Cake: Remove the cake from the oven and transfer it to a wire rack. Let it cool completely before glazing.
- 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.
- Enjoy: Slice and serve this delicious lemon cake as a delightful treat for family and friends.
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C) and grease a 12-cup Bundt pan well to avoid sticking.
- 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.
- Pour Batter into Pan: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared Bundt pan.
- Bake the Cake: Bake the cake for approximately 45 to 55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool Completely: Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan before attempting to remove it to maintain its shape.
- Apply Lemon Glaze: Prepare the lemon glaze by mixing powdered sugar, lemon juice, and milk. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cake.
- 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