7 Up Pound Cake
If you’re looking for a cake that is both delightful and simple to make, look no further than this classic 7 Up Pound Cake. Bursting with a subtle citrus flavor and a moist, buttery texture, this cake is perfect for any occasion. Whether it’s a family gathering, a celebration, or just a cozy afternoon treat, this 7 Up Pound Cake will have everyone asking for seconds. Let’s dive into the magic of this recipe and create a cake that is sure to impress!
What Makes This Recipe Special
The beauty of the 7 Up Pound Cake lies in its unique ingredients. The addition of 7 Up soda adds a delightful lightness to the cake, resulting in a tender crumb that melts in your mouth. The combination of lemon extract and the soda gives it a refreshing citrus flavor that is not overpowering but perfectly balanced. Additionally, this cake is incredibly versatile; it can be enjoyed plain, dusted with powdered sugar, or topped with a light glaze. It’s a nostalgic recipe that brings back memories of home baking while being easy enough for novice bakers.
What You’ll Need
- 1 cup (3 sticks) unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 3 cups granulated white sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 5 large eggs, at room temperature
- 3 cups sifted cake flour
- 1/2 cup 7-Up soda, at room temperature
- 1 tablespoon lemon extract
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 3 tablespoons 7-Up soda
- 1/2 teaspoon lemon extract
Setup & Equipment
- Bundt pan: Essential for the classic pound cake shape.
- Mixing bowls: For combining ingredients smoothly.
- Electric mixer: To beat the butter and sugar until fluffy.
- Measuring cups and spoons: For accurate ingredient measurement.
- Cooling rack: To let your cake cool evenly after baking.
Directions: 7 Up Pound Cake
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). This ensures that your cake bakes evenly from the start.
Step 2: Prepare the Bundt Pan
Grease your bundt pan generously with butter or a non-stick cooking spray. This will help the cake release easily once it’s baked.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat the unsalted butter and granulated sugar together using an electric mixer on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
Step 4: Add Eggs
Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. This will help incorporate air into the batter, contributing to its fluffiness.
Step 5: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, sift together the cake flour and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the butter mixture, alternating with the 7-Up soda. Start and end with the flour mixture.
Step 6: Mix in Flavorings
Add the lemon extract and mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in a dense cake.
Step 7: Pour and Bake
Pour the batter into the prepared bundt pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for about 60-70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 8: Cool the Cake
Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 15 minutes. Then, invert it onto a cooling rack to cool completely.
Step 9: Make the Glaze
In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, 3 tablespoons of 7-Up soda, and 1/2 teaspoon of lemon extract until smooth. Once the cake is completely cool, drizzle the glaze over the top.
Smart Substitutions
- Butter: You can substitute with margarine, but the flavor may differ slightly.
- 7-Up soda: Use any lemon-lime soda for a similar effect.
- Cake flour: If you don’t have cake flour, you can make your own by substituting 3 cups of all-purpose flour and removing 6 tablespoons of flour, then replacing it with cornstarch.
- Lemon extract: Replace with vanilla extract for a different flavor profile.
Things That Go Wrong
- Overmixing the batter: This can lead to a tough cake. Mix just until combined.
- Not greasing the pan: This could result in the cake sticking to the pan, making it hard to remove.
- Baking at the wrong temperature: Always preheat your oven and use an oven thermometer to ensure accuracy.
- Using cold ingredients: Ensure that butter and eggs are at room temperature for the best texture.
Keep It Fresh: Storage Guide
This 7 Up Pound Cake can be stored at room temperature for up to 3 days. Simply wrap it in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container to keep it moist. For longer storage, you can freeze the cake for up to 3 months. Just make sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
Questions People Ask
Can I use a different soda besides 7 Up?
Yes! You can substitute 7 Up with any lemon-lime soda, or even lemon-flavored sparkling water for a lighter version.
What can I serve with 7 Up Pound Cake?
This cake pairs beautifully with fresh berries, whipped cream, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. A light glaze or drizzle of lemon syrup also enhances its flavor.
How do I know when the cake is done baking?
Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake; if it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, the cake is done. If it has wet batter on it, give it a few more minutes in the oven.
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! This cake actually tastes better the next day as the flavors have time to meld. Just store it properly to maintain its freshness.
Save & Share
If you’ve enjoyed this 7 Up Pound Cake recipe, don’t forget to share it with friends and family! Tag your photos on social media and let us know how your baking adventure turned out. Happy baking!
This 7 Up Pound Cake is not just a cake; it’s a delightful experience waiting to happen. With its moist texture and refreshing flavor, it’s bound to become a favorite in your home. So gather your ingredients, turn on the oven, and let the baking begin!
7 Up Pound Cake
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). This ensures that your cake bakes evenly from the start.
- Grease your bundt pan generously with butter or a non-stick cooking spray. This will help the cake release easily once it’s baked.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the unsalted butter and granulated sugar together using an electric mixer on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. This will help incorporate air into the batter, contributing to its fluffiness.
- In a separate bowl, sift together the cake flour and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the butter mixture, alternating with the 7-Up soda. Start and end with the flour mixture.
- Add the lemon extract and mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in a dense cake.
- Pour the batter into the prepared bundt pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for about 60-70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 15 minutes. Then, invert it onto a cooling rack to cool completely.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, 3 tablespoons of 7-Up soda, and 1/2 teaspoon of lemon extract until smooth. Once the cake is completely cool, drizzle the glaze over the top.
Notes
- Store the cake at room temperature for up to 3 days in an airtight container.
- Wrap the cake tightly in plastic and foil to freeze for up to 3 months.
- This cake tastes better the next day as flavors meld together.
