Seven Up Pound Cake Recipe Scratch Made Easy and Delicious

Updated On: October 15, 2025

If you’ve ever craved a dessert that’s both delightfully moist and bursting with a subtle citrus zing, then this Seven Up pound cake recipe from scratch is just what you need. This classic Southern treat is beloved for its tender crumb, light texture, and the secret ingredient that gives it a unique twist: Seven Up soda.

The bubbles in the soda make the cake incredibly fluffy, while the lemon-lime flavor adds a refreshing brightness that pairs perfectly with the buttery richness of the pound cake. Whether you’re baking for a family gathering, a casual afternoon tea, or just because, this recipe is straightforward, rewarding, and sure to become a staple in your baking repertoire.

Unlike many recipes that rely on boxed mixes, this cake is crafted entirely from scratch, allowing you to appreciate every step of the baking process and the quality of ingredients you use. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to impress your guests with a dessert that tastes like it came from a fancy bakery — without the fuss.

Ready to bake a slice of sweet nostalgia? Let’s dive into the recipe!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Seven Up pound cake stands out for several reasons. First, the soda’s carbonation lightens the texture, making it less dense than traditional pound cakes.

It’s moist but not heavy, with a tender crumb that melts in your mouth.

Second, the lemon-lime flavor subtly infuses the cake, lending it a fresh, citrusy aroma that pairs wonderfully with afternoon coffee or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Lastly, it’s a recipe that’s incredibly easy to follow, requiring basic pantry staples and minimal effort, yet delivering impressive results every time.

If you love baking, you might also enjoy other easy and delicious recipes like Afghan Vegetarian Pulao Recipe Easy and Delicious Guide, Vegan Recipes No Tofu: Delicious Plant-Based Meals, or Baby Spinach Salad Recipe Vegan: Fresh & Easy Ideas.

Ingredients

  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened (2 sticks)
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 4 large eggs, at room temperature
  • 1 cup Seven Up soda (or any lemon-lime soda), at room temperature
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 tablespoon lemon zest (optional for extra citrus flavor)

Equipment

  • 9×5 inch loaf pan or bundt pan
  • Mixing bowls
  • Electric mixer or stand mixer
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Rubber spatula
  • Cooling rack
  • Zester or grater (if using lemon zest)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Grease your loaf or bundt pan thoroughly with butter or non-stick spray and lightly dust it with flour to prevent sticking.
  2. Combine dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
  3. Cream butter and sugar: In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened butter and granulated sugar on medium speed until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale in color—this usually takes about 4-5 minutes.
  4. Add eggs: Crack the eggs into the butter-sugar mixture one at a time, beating well after each addition to fully incorporate. This step ensures a smooth, homogenous batter.
  5. Mix in vanilla and lemon zest: Stir in the vanilla extract and lemon zest to bring out the citrus notes.
  6. Alternate adding flour and soda: With the mixer on low speed, add the dry ingredients in three parts, alternating with the Seven Up soda in two parts. Start and end with the flour mixture. Mix just until combined—do not overmix to keep the cake tender.
  7. Pour batter into prepared pan: Use a spatula to scrape the batter into your greased pan, smoothing the top evenly.
  8. Bake: Place the pan in the oven and bake for 60-70 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs attached.
  9. Cool: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 15 minutes before transferring it to a cooling rack to cool completely. This helps the cake set and makes it easier to slice.
  10. Slice and serve: Once fully cooled, slice your Seven Up pound cake and enjoy! Optionally, dust with powdered sugar or drizzle a light glaze.

Tips & Variations

For a moist and flavorful twist, try adding ½ cup of sour cream or Greek yogurt to the batter. It helps keep the cake tender and adds a slight tang.

You can also swap out the lemon zest for orange zest if you prefer a sweeter citrus flavor. Adding ½ cup of chopped nuts, like pecans or walnuts, gives the cake a delightful crunch.

For a festive touch, top the cake with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and fresh lemon juice.

If you want to make this cake dairy-free, substitute the butter with a plant-based margarine and ensure your soda is vegan-friendly. You can also explore recipes like the Vegan Potato Corn Chowder Recipe for Cozy Comfort Food or Better Homes and Gardens Vegan Recipes for Every Meal for more dairy-free inspiration.

Nutrition Facts

Nutrient Amount per Slice (1/12 of cake)
Calories 320 kcal
Total Fat 14 g
Saturated Fat 8 g
Cholesterol 75 mg
Sodium 180 mg
Total Carbohydrates 43 g
Dietary Fiber 1 g
Sugars 26 g
Protein 4 g

Serving Suggestions

This delightful pound cake is incredibly versatile when it comes to serving. It pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a classic dessert.

You can also serve it alongside fresh berries or a warm berry compote to complement the citrus notes.

For a more decadent treat, drizzle a lemon glaze or a simple chocolate ganache over the top. If you’re hosting a brunch or afternoon tea, slice the cake thinly and serve it with a cup of hot coffee or tea for a cozy, indulgent experience.

Looking to experiment with more delicious recipes? Check out 400 Calorie Vegetarian Dinner Recipe Ideas for Healthy Meals or the Budget Bytes Recipe Thai Noodles Vegetarian and Delicious for savory inspiration.

Conclusion

Our Seven Up pound cake recipe from scratch is a timeless dessert that combines simplicity with extraordinary flavor and texture. Its light, citrus-infused crumb makes it a perfect treat for any occasion, whether it’s a casual family gathering or a special celebration.

The use of Seven Up soda is an ingenious way to achieve a moist and fluffy cake without complicated ingredients or techniques.

By following this recipe, you’re not only baking a delicious cake but also embracing a piece of culinary heritage that has been enjoyed by generations. Don’t hesitate to customize it with your favorite citrus zest or nuts to make it uniquely yours.

And once you’ve mastered this recipe, be sure to explore other fantastic dishes like the Active Vegetarian Recipes for Healthy and Energized Living to keep your kitchen adventures fresh and exciting.

📖 Recipe Card: Seven Up Pound Cake

Description: A moist and fluffy pound cake made with the refreshing addition of Seven Up soda. Perfect for any occasion, this cake is easy to make from scratch.

Prep Time: PT20M
Cook Time: PT60M
Total Time: PT80M

Servings: 10 servings

Ingredients

  • 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 cup Seven Up soda
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup sour cream

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C).
  2. Grease and flour a 10-inch bundt pan.
  3. In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
  4. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
  5. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
  6. Mix in vanilla extract.
  7. Alternately add flour mixture and Seven Up, beginning and ending with flour mixture.
  8. Fold in sour cream gently.
  9. Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth the top.
  10. Bake for 60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
  11. Cool cake in pan for 15 minutes, then invert onto a wire rack to cool completely.

Nutrition: Calories: 350 kcal | Protein: 4 g | Fat: 15 g | Carbs: 48 g

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Marta K

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