A Surprise in a Soda Can
I first had this cake at a church potluck years ago. My friend Mabel brought it. I took one bite and my eyes went wide. I had to get the recipe from her right away.
I still laugh at that. I never thought a lemon-lime soda could make a cake. But it makes it so soft and moist. It’s like a little kitchen magic trick. What’s the best surprise you’ve ever eaten at a friend’s house?
Why This Cake is Special
This cake matters because it brings people joy. It is not fussy or fancy. It is a simple, happy cake that anyone can make.
When you share food, you share a piece of your heart. This cake is a hug in dessert form. That is why we bake for the people we love. Do you have a food that feels like a hug to you?
Let’s Get Baking
First, heat your oven to 325°F. Get your bundt pan ready with a good spray. Now, the easy part. Put the cake mix and pudding powder in a bowl.
Add the eggs, oil, and that can of 7UP. Now mix it all together for two minutes. The batter will be smooth and pale. Doesn’t that smell amazing already?
A Little Patience for Perfection
Pour the batter into your pan. Bake it for about 40 minutes. The hard part is waiting. Your kitchen will smell so good.
Let the cake cool in the pan for 15 minutes. Then, turn it out onto a rack. This matters because if you rush it, the cake might stick. Good things come to those who wait.
The Zesty Finish
While the cake cools, make the glaze. Whisk the powdered sugar and lemon juice. Add milk slowly until it’s thin enough to drizzle.
Then, pour that sweet, tangy glaze all over the cool cake. Fun fact: The fizz in the 7UP is what makes the cake so light and tender. It’s a secret I love to share. What’s your favorite secret ingredient?
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Yellow cake mix | 15.25 ounces | |
| Instant lemon pudding | 3.4 ounces | |
| 7UP | 7.5 ounce can (about 1 cup) | 1 mini can |
| Eggs | 4 | room temperature |
| Vegetable oil | ¾ cup | |
| Powdered sugar | 2 cups | For the glaze |
| Lemon juice | 2 tablespoons | For the glaze |
| Whole milk | 2 tablespoons | For the glaze |
My Easy 7Up Cake, A Taste of Sunshine
Hello, my dear. Come sit with me for a moment. I want to tell you about my 7Up cake. It is the happiest little cake I know. It always reminds me of my grandson’s birthday. He asked for a “sunshine cake” one year. This was the answer. It is soft, moist, and tastes like sweet lemon-lime. The best part? You only need one bowl. Doesn’t that sound wonderful?
Let’s get our hands busy. First, we need to prepare our pan. A good spray of cooking oil is your best friend here. (I learned that the hard way with a stuck cake once!). Now, for the magic. We mix the yellow cake mix with the lemon pudding. This little trick makes the cake extra tender. It is my secret weapon.
Step 1:
Warm your oven to 325°F. Grease your bundt pan very well. Set it aside for now. I love the shape of a bundt pan. It makes any cake feel fancy, don’t you think?
Step 2:
In a medium bowl, stir the cake mix and pudding mix together. This helps the pudding spread evenly. No one wants a bite with no flavor! It smells so good already, like lemon candies.
Step 3:
Now, put that mixture in a big bowl. Add the eggs, oil, and that cheerful can of 7Up. Mix it all on medium-high for two minutes. The batter will become smooth and bubbly. I still laugh at how the bubbles pop.
Step 4:
Pour the batter into your prepared pan. Bake it for about 40 minutes. You will know it is done when a toothpick poked in the center comes out clean. Let it cool in the pan for 15 minutes. Then, carefully turn it out onto a rack. (Be patient here! A warm cake can break).
Step 5:
For the glaze, whisk the powdered sugar and lemon juice. Add milk slowly until it is thin enough to drizzle. Now, pour that sweet, tangy glaze all over the cool cake. It drips down the sides so beautifully. Do you like your glaze thick or thin? Share below!
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Yield: 10 servings
Category: Dessert, Cake
Three Fun Twists to Try
This cake is like a blank canvas. You can paint it with so many flavors. Here are a few of my favorite ideas. They are all so simple and fun.
Berry Blast:
Gently fold a cup of fresh blueberries into the batter. They will burst with juicy flavor in every bite.
Tropical Escape:
Use a vanilla cake mix and swap the 7Up for pineapple soda. It will taste like a sunny island vacation.
Citrus Sparkle:
Add a teaspoon of orange zest to the batter. Use orange juice in the glaze instead of lemon. So bright and cheerful!
Which one would you try first? Comment below!
Serving Your Beautiful Cake
Now, how shall we enjoy our creation? A simple slice on a plate is perfect. But you can make it extra special. I love a dollop of whipped cream on the side. A few raspberries look so pretty next to it. For a real treat, serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The way the ice cream melts into the cake is pure joy.
What should we drink with it? A cold glass of milk is my go-to. It is a classic for a reason. For the grown-ups, a little glass of sweet Moscato wine pairs wonderfully. It echoes the fruity notes in the cake. Which would you choose tonight?
Keeping Your 7Up Cake Fresh
This cake stays wonderfully moist for days. Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap. You can keep it on the counter for two days.
For longer storage, the freezer is your friend. I wrap slices individually. This way, I always have a sweet treat ready for surprise guests.
I once forgot a whole cake in my freezer for a month. It tasted just as good when I thawed it. This is why batch cooking matters. It saves you time on busy days.
To reheat, a quick zap in the microwave works. Just ten seconds makes a slice taste fresh from the oven. Have you ever tried storing it this way? Share below!
Simple Fixes for Common Cake Troubles
Sometimes the cake can stick to the pan. I remember when my first cake broke in half. Always spray your pan very well with cooking spray.
If your glaze is too thick, add a tiny bit more milk. If it is too thin, add a little more sugar. Getting the glaze right matters. It makes your cake look as good as it tastes.
Another issue is a dense or heavy cake. This usually means you did not mix the batter enough. Be sure to beat it for the full two minutes. This builds your cooking confidence. You learn what each step does. Which of these problems have you run into before?
Your 7Up Cake Questions Answered
Q: Can I make this gluten-free? A: Yes, just use a gluten-free yellow cake mix. It works just the same.
Q: Can I make it ahead of time? A: Absolutely. Bake it the day before. Add the glaze right before you serve it.
Q: What can I use instead of 7UP? A: Sprite or any similar lemon-lime soda will work perfectly fine.
Q: Can I make a bigger cake? A: You can double the recipe. Use two bundt pans or one very large tube pan.
Q: Any extra tips? A: For a fun twist, add a teaspoon of vanilla to the batter. Which tip will you try first?
From My Kitchen to Yours
I hope you love making this simple, happy cake. It always brings a smile to my table. I would love to see your beautiful creation.
Have you tried this recipe? Tag us on Pinterest! Sharing our kitchen stories connects us all. A fun fact: the soda makes the cake extra light and fluffy.
Happy cooking!
—Elowen Thorn.
Easy Soft and Moist 7Up Cake Recipe
Description
This easy 7up cake bakes up soft, moist, and full of sweet lemon-lime flavor. You only need simple ingredients and one pan.
Ingredients
=== Cake ===
=== Glaze ===
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 325°F. Spray a 9-inch (10-cup) bundt cake pan with nonstick cooking spray and set aside.
- Combine the cake mix and instant lemon pudding together in a medium bowl. This will help ensure even distribution.
- Using a stand mixer or large bowl with an electric mixer, beat together all of the cake ingredients, including the cake and pudding mixture, for 2 minutes at medium-high speed.
- Pour batter into the prepared bundt pan and bake for 40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Cool for 15 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
- Whisk together the powdered sugar and lemon juice. Add the milk a little at a time until desired consistency is achieved (it should be thin enough to drizzle). Drizzle the glaze over the cake.
Notes
- For best results, ensure all ingredients are at room temperature before mixing. The cake can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.