My First Taste of Sunshine
My grandma’s kitchen always smelled like citrus. She baked this cake every summer. The sweet, tangy scent filled the whole house. It felt like pure sunshine on a plate. I still make it when I need a happy memory. Ever wondered how a simple soda can create such magic? This cake is the answer.
A Sticky Lesson in the Kitchen
My first try was a little messy. I did not grease the pan well enough. Part of the beautiful cake stuck inside. It still tasted amazing, just looked funny. That mishap taught me a sweet lesson. Perfection is not the goal; joy is. Home cooking is about the love you mix in.
Why This Cake Wins
Two things make this cake a total winner. The pudding mix makes it incredibly soft and moist. The soda gives it a light, bubbly lift and flavor. It is a simple trick with a huge payoff. Which flavor combo surprises you most, the lemon pudding or the lime soda? Tell me in the comments!
A Slice of History
This cake comes from the American South. It became popular in the mid-1900s. Home cooks loved using convenient new cake mixes. They added their own special twists with soda pop. *Did you know some recipes use cola or orange soda instead?* It is a true piece of food history. What is your favorite vintage recipe? Share your stories below.
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Yellow cake mix | 15.25 ounces | |
| Instant lemon pudding | 3.4 ounces | |
| 7UP | 7.5 ounce can (1 cup) | |
| Eggs | 4 | Room temperature |
| Vegetable oil | ¾ cup | |
| Powdered sugar | 2 cups | For glaze |
| Lemon juice | 2 tablespoons | For glaze |
| Whole milk | 2 tablespoons | For glaze |
How to Make Your 7UP Cake
Step 1First, heat your oven to 325°F. Grease a bundt pan well. This stops the cake from sticking. (My hard‑learned tip: use the spray with flour in it). Step 2
Mix the yellow cake mix and lemon pudding. This adds extra flavor and moisture. Then add the 7UP, eggs, and oil. Beat it all for two full minutes. Step 3
Pour the batter into your pan. Bake for about 40 minutes. A toothpick should come out almost clean. Let it cool before flipping it out. Step 4
Whisk powdered sugar and lemon juice. Add milk until it’s thin enough to drizzle. Pour that sweet glaze over the cooled cake. Why does room temperature butter work better in baking? Share below! Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Yield: 10 servings
Category: Dessert, Cake
Three Fun Twists on This Cake
Citrus BlastSwap the 7UP for a grapefruit or orange soda. The flavor will be a sunny surprise. Berry Drizzle
Skip the lemon glaze. Use a simple strawberry or raspberry sauce instead. It’s so pretty. Coconut Dream
Use coconut oil instead of vegetable oil. Top with toasted coconut for a tropical treat. Which twist would you try first? Vote in the comments!
Serving Your Masterpiece
This cake is great all on its own. For a special treat, add a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Fresh berries on the side add a nice color. A mint leaf makes it look fancy. For drinks, try a cup of hot tea. I love Earl Grey with lemon. A glass of cold milk is always a classic choice too. Which would you choose tonight, tea or milk?
Keeping Your Cake Fresh
Store your cake in a sealed container. It stays fresh on the counter for three days. For longer storage, freeze it without the glaze. Thaw it overnight before you add the glaze and serve. My grandkids love finding a slice in the freezer.
Why this matters: A good seal keeps the cake soft. You can bake this ahead for any surprise guests. Do you prefer room temperature or cold cake?
Simple Troubleshooting Tips
Is your cake sticking to the pan? Always grease the pan very well. If the cake is too dense, check your baking powder’s date. A runny glaze means you need less milk. Add it slowly until it looks right. I once used a whole cup by mistake!
Why this matters: Fresh ingredients make a big difference. Proper prep prevents kitchen headaches. What’s your best baking tip for new cooks?
Your Questions, Answered
Can I make this gluten-free? Use a gluten-free cake mix and pudding. It works great.
How far ahead can I make it? Bake the cake two days ahead. Add glaze the day you serve.
What can I use instead of 7UP? Any lemon-lime soda will work. Sprite is a good swap.
Can I cut the recipe in half? Yes, use a loaf pan. Just watch the baking time.
What if I don’t have a mixer? A whisk and strong arm will do the job.
Share Your Sweet Creation
I hope this cake brings a smile to your table. It is a family favorite for us. I love seeing your kitchen wins. Please share your photos with me. Tag @SavoryDiscovery on Pinterest so I can see!
Happy cooking! —Elowen Thorn.
Lemon Lime Soda Cake
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.