My First Bite of Sunshine
I still remember my first taste of this cake. My grandma served it at a summer picnic. The sweet glaze and tart cherries burst in my mouth. It tasted like pure sunshine and happy memories. Ever wondered how a simple soda could create such magic? This cake turns a everyday drink into a celebration. It is a true taste of joy.
A Sticky Lesson Learned
My first try did not go perfectly. I was too impatient to let the cake cool. I tried to remove it from the pan too soon. Let’s just say it was a crumbly, sticky mess. This taught me a good lesson about patience in baking. Rushing something good rarely works. Cooking connects us through both our wins and our messy mistakes.
Why This Cake Shines
Two things make this cake a star. The 7-Up makes the crumb incredibly light and fluffy. The citrus glaze adds a sharp, sweet kick that is amazing. Which flavor combo surprises you most, the lemon-lime or the cherry? Share your thoughts below. I love hearing what you think.
A Slice of the Past
This cake is a twist on a classic American pound cake. It became popular in the mid-1900s. Home cooks loved using new soda pop flavors. *Did you know 7-Up was originally called Bib-Label Lithiated Lemon-Lime Soda?* That is quite a name. This recipe is a fun piece of food history. What is your favorite retro recipe? Tell me in the comments.
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Unsalted butter | 1 1/2 cups | Softened |
| Sugar | 3 cups | |
| Eggs | 5 | Room temperature |
| Flour | 3 cups | |
| Fine sea salt | 1/2 teaspoon | |
| Baking soda | 1/2 teaspoon | |
| 7 Up soda | 3/4 cup | |
| Lemon juice | 1 tablespoon | |
| Lime juice | 1 tablespoon | |
| Powdered sugar | 3 cups | |
| Lemon or lime juice | 2 tablespoons | |
| 7 Up soda | 1/4 cup | |
| Maraschino cherries | 1/2 cup | Halved |
How to Make Your 7-Up Cake
This cake is a total crowd-pleaser. It is light, fluffy, and full of fun flavor. The secret is the lemon-lime soda. It makes the cake rise beautifully. You will love the sweet and tangy glaze too.
Step 1 First, get your oven ready at 325°F. Prepare your bundt pan well with grease and flour. This prevents a big sticky mess later. (A hard-learned tip: Do not skip the flour dusting!). Step 2 Cream the soft butter and sugar together. Do this until it is light and fluffy. Then add your eggs one by one. This makes the batter super smooth. Step 3 Whisk your dry ingredients in another bowl. Mix the 7-Up with lemon and lime juice. Now add both to the butter mix. Alternate between the wet and dry. Step 4 Pour the batter into your prepared pan. Bake it for about 70 minutes. Check it with a toothpick for doneness. Let it cool for just 15 minutes. Step 5 Flip the cake out while it is still warm. Let it cool completely on a rack. Then whisk your powdered sugar and 7-Up for glaze. Drizzle it all over the cooled cake. Step 6 Quickly add your chopped cherries on top. Press them gently into the wet glaze. This helps them stick perfectly. Then slice and serve your amazing creation! What is the key to getting the cake out cleanly? Share below! Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes Yield: 12 servings Category: Dessert, CakeThree Fun Twists on This Classic
This recipe is great for making it your own. Try a new version to surprise your family. Each idea adds a fun and tasty change. I love playing with flavors in my kitchen.
Rainbow Sprinkles Mix a half-cup of sprinkles into the batter. Use a clear soda like Sprite instead. This makes a fun birthday cake for kids. Orange Creamsicle Use orange soda and vanilla extract. Skip the lemon and lime juices. It tastes just like the frozen treat. Berry Blast Top with fresh raspberries and blueberries. Skip the maraschino cherries for a fresh twist. The mixed berries look so pretty. Which creative spin would you try first? Vote in the comments!Serving Your Beautiful Cake
This cake is a star all on its own. But you can make it even more special. A simple garnish makes it perfect for parties. Think about what you will serve with it.
For sides, try a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Whipped cream is also a classic choice. Both pair wonderfully with the citrus flavor. For drinks, I suggest a cold glass of milk. For a grown-up treat, try a glass of prosecco. The bubbles match the cake’s fun spirit. Which would you choose tonight: milk or bubbly?
Keeping Your Cake Fresh
Store this cake at room temperature. Cover it well for up to three days. For longer storage, freeze it without the glaze. Thaw it on your counter when needed. I once froze a slice for a month. It tasted just like new!
You can make the whole cake ahead of time. Just wait to add the glaze and cherries. This is perfect for busy weeks. What is your favorite make-ahead dessert? Let me know in the comments!
Simple Fixes for Common Hiccups
Is your cake too dense? Your butter may not have been soft enough. Cream it well with the sugar for a fluffy texture. Did the cake stick to the pan? You must grease and flour the pan very well. Also, turn it out while still warm.
Is your glaze too thin? Just add a bit more powdered sugar. A good glaze should drizzle slowly. Getting it right matters. It makes your dessert look beautiful and taste amazing.
Your Cake Questions Answered
Q: Can I make this gluten-free? A: Yes! Use a good gluten-free flour blend. It should work just fine.
Q: How far ahead can I make it? A: Bake the cake up to two days early. Add the glaze the day you serve it.
Q: Can I use a different soda? A: Sprite or Sierra Mist will work. The flavor will be a little different.
Q: Can I halve this recipe? A: Absolutely. Use a loaf pan. Just watch the baking time.
Q: What if I don’t have a stand mixer? A: A hand mixer works great. Your arm might get a little tired!
Share Your Sweet Creation
I hope this cake brings a little sparkle to your day. It always reminds me of summer parties. Did you give it a try? I would love to see your beautiful work. Tag Savory Discovery on Pinterest with your photos!
Happy cooking! —Elowen Thorn.
Cherry 7-Up Cake with a Sparkling Glaze
Description
7 Up creates a fluffy texture in this lemon-lime cake recipe. And the 7 Up glaze is OMG!!!! Top with cherries for a Shirley Temple style cake.
Ingredients
=== Pound Cake: ===
=== Glaze: ===
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 325°F. Grease and flour a large 10-inch bundt pan. Set aside.
- In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment or a large mixing bowl with electric mixer, beat the softened butter for 3-4 minutes or until light and fluffy.
- Add the sugar and cream together until light and fluffy. Add the eggs, one at a time, until incorporated.
- Sift or whisk together the flour, fine sea salt and baking soda.
- Mix the 7 Up soda with the lemon juice and lime juice.
- Alternating, add the 7-Up mixture and then flour mixture until all is just combined.
- Transfer to the prepared bundt pan.
- Bake, uncovered, for 1 hour 10 minutes. Use the toothpick test to determine if the cake is done. Baking times can vary based on the actual size and decoration of the pan you use.
- Remove and allow to cool for 10-15 minutes. Invert onto a wire rack and remove from pan to cool fully. Do this while the cake is still warm. If you wait until it is fully cooled, you have a higher risk of the cake not coming out smoothly. Trust me, I’ve done this before…
- After the cake is fully cooled, whisk together the powdered sugar with lemon or lime juice and 7 Up soda. Drizzle over the cake while still on wire rack so the glaze can drip off (place on a piece of parchment or baking sheet to catch the extra).
- While still tacky, add the chopped cherries.
- If you’ve tried this recipe, come back and let us know how it was in the comments or ratings.