Easy Lemon 7-Up Cake


Lemon desserts have a special place in my heart, offering a bright burst of sunshine in every bite. This Easy Lemon 7-Up Cake is one of those recipes that never fails to impress. Whether it’s a last-minute dinner party or a simple family gathering, this cake brings joy and sweetness to any occasion. What makes it particularly enchanting is the delightful hint of carbonation from the lemon-lime soda, which adds a light, fluffy texture that will have everyone begging for seconds.
Why you’ll love this dish
What sets this Easy Lemon 7-Up Cake apart is its versatility and simplicity. It’s an ideal dessert for both novice bakers and seasoned pros, offering a straightforward preparation process without compromising on flavor. Perfect for family gatherings, brunch, or even as a part of holiday celebrations, this cake shines in any setting. Plus, it’s a budget-friendly dessert that feels luxurious without breaking the bank.
"This cake is an absolute showstopper! I made it for my daughter’s birthday, and everyone couldn’t stop raving about how delicious and moist it was!" – A happy home cook
Preparing Easy Lemon 7-Up Cake!
Let’s break down how to create this mouthwatering cake that’s sure to wow your friends and family. This recipe is designed to be simple, guiding you through each step with clear directions. Here’s how the magic happens:
- Mixing the Wet Ingredients: Combine your butter, sugar, and eggs.
- Incorporating the Dry: Gradually add your flour and pudding mix.
- Add Some Fizz: Don’t forget that fizzy lemon-lime soda!
- Baking: Pour the batter into a pan and let the oven do its magic.
- Drizzle the Glaze: Once cooled, top it off with a refreshing lemon glaze.
What you’ll need
To bring this delightful cake to life, here is the list of ingredients you’ll need:
- 5 eggs
- 3 cups flour
- 3/4 lb butter (softened – that’s 3 sticks!)
- 3 cups sugar
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice (you can use real lemon juice, squeeze kind, or extract)
- 3/4 cup carbonated lemon-lime beverage (choose your favorite brand)
- 1 box of yellow cake mix
- 4 eggs (additional)
- 3/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1 – 4 ounce box of instant lemon pudding
- 3/4 cup carbonated lemon-lime soda (any brand works)
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice (for the glaze)
- 1 teaspoon milk
You can easily swap out the carbonated beverage with a diet version, or substitute the cake mix with a gluten-free alternative if you prefer!
Step-by-step instructions


From Scratch Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs (5) one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Whisk together the flour, cake mix, and instant pudding mix in another bowl.
- Gradually add the dry mixture into the wet ingredients, alternating with the 3/4 cup of lemon-lime soda and the 2 tablespoons of lemon juice.
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Directions using Box Cake Mix:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare your cake pans.
- In a bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, 4 eggs, vegetable oil, and the lemon-lime soda.
- Pour the batter into prepared pans.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let cool.
Make Lemon Glaze:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons lemon juice, and 1 teaspoon of milk to achieve a smooth consistency.
- Drizzle over cooled cakes.
Best ways to enjoy it
This Easy Lemon 7-Up Cake pairs excellently with a variety of accompaniments. Serve it as is, or consider adding a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra layer of flavor. Fresh berries also make a delightful addition, bringing a pop of color and tartness to each slice.
Storage and reheating tips
To keep your leftover cake fresh and flavorful, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to extend its shelf life, you can freeze it. Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap, then foil, and keep them in the freezer for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature.
Helpful cooking tips
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your eggs and butter are at room temperature for a smoother batter.
- Don’t Overmix: When incorporating the dry ingredients, mix just until combined to keep your cake light and fluffy.
- Lemon Zest: For an enhanced lemon flavor, consider adding lemon zest to the batter!
Creative twists
Feel free to experiment! Consider swapping lemon for lime or adding fresh blueberries into the batter for a fruity variation. You can also top the cake with a layer of cream cheese frosting or incorporate coconut for a tropical twist.
Your questions answered
What is the prep time for Easy Lemon 7-Up Cake?
This delightful cake takes about 20-30 minutes to prepare and 30-35 minutes to bake, so you can have it ready in a little over an hour.
Can I use a different soda?
Absolutely! While lemon-lime soda provides a unique flavor, you can experiment with other citrus sodas like Sprite or even ginger ale for different tastes.
Is this recipe suitable for freezing?
Yes! This cake freezes beautifully. Just ensure it’s well wrapped to avoid freezer burn and thaw it out at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy it again.


Easy Lemon 7-Up Cake
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add 5 eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- In another bowl, whisk together the flour, cake mix, and instant pudding mix.
- Gradually add the dry mixture into the wet ingredients, alternating with 3/4 cup of lemon-lime soda and 2 tablespoons of lemon juice.
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare your cake pans.
- In a bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, 4 eggs, vegetable oil, and the lemon-lime soda.
- Pour the batter into prepared pans.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let cool.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons lemon juice, and 1 teaspoon of milk to achieve a smooth consistency.
- Drizzle over cooled cakes.






