If you’re looking for a dessert that is light, moist, and downright delightful, the 7-Up Cake Recipe is an absolute must-try. This cake combines the nostalgic charm of a classic yellow cake mix with the fizzy twist of 7-Up soda, creating a texture that is airy and tender with a subtle citrus lift. From its soft crumb to the lightly sweet glaze, every bite feels like a comforting hug from a beloved family recipe that’s easy enough to whip up any day of the week.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of the 7-Up Cake Recipe is how simple the ingredients are, yet each one plays a crucial role in delivering that perfect balance of flavor and texture. From the yellow cake mix providing a buttery base, to the soda adding lift and lightness, every component works together like a culinary dream team.
- Yellow cake mix: The foundation of the cake, offering a tender crumb and buttery taste that everyone loves.
- Instant vanilla pudding mix: Adds richness and moisture, keeping the cake soft for days.
- Eggs: Provide structure and help bind the ingredients into a smooth batter.
- Vegetable oil: Keeps the cake moist without weighing it down, contributing to that great texture.
- 7-Up soda (7.5 ounces): The secret ingredient that makes this cake extra light and adds a slight citrus sparkle.
- Powdered sugar: For the sweet glaze that finishes the cake with a delicate sweetness and glossy sheen.
- 7-Up soda (½ cup): Mixed into the glaze to tie the whole flavor profile together beautifully.
How to Make 7-Up Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit. Grease a 12-cup bundt pan generously with nonstick spray to ensure your cake releases easily after baking. This is an important step for perfect presentation and to avoid any frustrating sticking.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients and Eggs
In a large bowl or with your stand mixer fitted with a whisk attachment, combine the yellow cake mix, instant vanilla pudding mix, and eggs. Whisk them together just until blended so that you get a smooth base without overworking the batter, which could lead to a denser cake.
Step 3: Add Oil and 7-Up Soda
Next, pour in the vegetable oil and stir it in until it’s fully combined with the batter. Finish by slowly adding the 7-Up soda on a low mixer speed. This gentle incorporation preserves the bubbles and helps your cake achieve that signature lightness and moist crumb.
Step 4: Bake the Cake
Pour the batter into your prepared bundt pan, smoothing the top lightly. Bake in the preheated oven for 45 to 50 minutes. To check doneness, insert a cake tester or toothpick in the thickest part—if it comes out clean, your cake is ready!
Step 5: Cool and Remove from Pan
Once out of the oven, let the cake cool in the pan for about 20 minutes—this allows it to slightly firm up and makes it easier to unmold. Then turn it out onto a wire rack or plate, letting it cool completely, which usually takes another 40 minutes. Cooling fully is key for the glaze to set perfectly later on.
Step 6: Make the Glaze and Finish
While the cake cools, whisk together 2 cups of powdered sugar with ½ cup of 7-Up soda until smooth and pourable. Drizzle this glaze generously over your cake, letting it cascade down the sides. The glaze adds just the right touch of sweetness and enhances the citrus notes from the soda.
How to Serve 7-Up Cake Recipe
Garnishes
Feel free to top your 7-Up Cake Recipe with fresh citrus zest or thin slices of lemon or lime for a pop of color and added brightness. A sprinkle of toasted coconut or chopped nuts works beautifully if you like a little texture. These little touches can elevate the cake visually and flavor-wise.
Side Dishes
Though delightful on its own, this cake pairs well with a light dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. For something a bit more indulgent, try serving it alongside fresh berries or a berry compote to add a fruity contrast to the sweet, citrusy cake.
Creative Ways to Present
This cake is a showstopper when presented on a pretty cake stand with the glaze glistening in the light. You can also slice it into mini servings and serve on dessert plates adorned with edible flowers or mint leaves for special occasions. Wrapped in parchment for a picnic or potluck, it’s sure to be the crowd-pleaser everyone talks about.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover 7-Up Cake Recipe covered tightly with plastic wrap or in an airtight container at room temperature. It will stay moist and fresh for up to 3 days. The glaze helps lock in moisture, so your cake won’t dry out quickly.
Freezing
If you have more cake than you can eat before it’s gone, slice it and freeze individual portions wrapped in plastic wrap and foil. Frozen cake keeps well up to 2 months without losing its delicate texture or flavor. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before enjoying.
Reheating
Although this cake is delicious cold or at room temperature, you can warm a slice slightly in the microwave for about 10 seconds to bring out the flavors even more. Be careful not to overheat, as it can dry out or melt the glaze.
FAQs
What makes the cake so moist?
The combination of instant pudding mix and 7-Up soda keeps the cake incredibly moist and tender. The pudding adds richness while the soda’s carbonation gives the cake a light, airy texture that stays soft days after baking.
Can I use diet 7-Up or a different soda?
For best results, use regular 7-Up as the sugar content helps with the cake’s sweetness and texture. Diet sodas or other flavors may alter the taste and won’t produce the same moistness and lift.
Is this cake gluten-free?
The traditional version of the 7-Up Cake Recipe uses a standard yellow cake mix which contains gluten. However, you can experiment with a gluten-free cake mix and pudding to try a gluten-free version, but results may vary slightly.
Can I make this cake without a bundt pan?
Absolutely! You can bake this cake in a 9×13-inch pan or two 8-inch round pans, adjusting the baking time accordingly. Just keep an eye on the doneness with a toothpick tester to avoid over or underbaking.
How long will the glazed cake stay fresh?
The glazed 7-Up Cake Recipe will stay fresh and moist for about 3 days at room temperature when stored properly. After that, it’s best to refrigerate any leftovers to prevent the glaze from becoming too sticky or the cake drying out.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about the 7-Up Cake Recipe that makes it a standout dessert in any gathering or simple family dinner. Its charming citrus notes and soft, fluffy texture invite you to take one more slice than you planned. Give this recipe a try—you’ll quickly understand why it’s a beloved classic that deserves a spot in your recipe box!
Print
7-Up Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 12 slices
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
A moist and fluffy 7-Up Cake made with yellow cake mix, instant vanilla pudding, and fizzy 7-Up soda, topped with a simple powdered sugar glaze. This classic Southern dessert is easy to prepare and perfect for any occasion, delivering a sweet, citrus-infused flavor and tender crumb.
Ingredients
Cake
- 1 15-ounce box yellow cake mix
- 1 3.4-ounce instant vanilla pudding mix
- 4 large eggs
- ¾ cup vegetable oil
- 7.5 ounces 7-Up soda
Glaze
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- ½ cup 7-Up soda
Instructions
- Prepare the pan: Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F. Grease a 12-cup bundt pan thoroughly with nonstick spray and set it aside to ensure easy cake release after baking.
- Combine dry ingredients and eggs: In a large bowl or stand mixer fitted with a whisk attachment, combine the yellow cake mix, instant vanilla pudding mix, and the eggs. Whisk them together until well incorporated.
- Add oil and soda: Pour in the vegetable oil and mix until combined. Then, gently add the 7.5 ounces of 7-Up soda, mixing at low speed just until the batter is smooth and uniform without overmixing.
- Bake the cake: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared bundt pan. Bake in the preheated oven for 45 to 50 minutes or until a cake tester inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool the cake: Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 20 minutes. Afterward, invert the cake onto a cooling rack or plate and allow it to cool completely, about 40 more minutes.
- Make the glaze and ice the cake: Whisk together the powdered sugar and ½ cup of 7-Up soda until smooth, creating a thin glaze. Drizzle the glaze evenly over the cooled cake and let it set before serving.
Notes
- Ensure not to overmix the batter once the soda is added to keep the cake light and fluffy.
- Use a large bundt pan (12-cup capacity) to achieve the ideal cake thickness and even baking.
- Allow the cake to cool completely before glazing to prevent the glaze from melting off.
- The cake can be stored covered at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerated for longer freshness.
- Substitute lemon-lime soda if 7-Up is unavailable for a similar flavor profile.
