Easy Lemon 7-Up Cake Recipe
Introduction
This Easy Lemon 7-Up Cake is a delightful and moist dessert perfect for any occasion. Whether you choose to make it from scratch or use a box mix, the refreshing lemon flavor combined with a light lemon glaze makes it a crowd-pleaser every time.

Ingredients
- From Scratch Ingredients:
- 5 eggs
- 3 cups flour
- 3/4 lb butter, softened (3 sticks)
- 3 cups sugar
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice (fresh or extract)
- 3/4 cup carbonated lemon-lime beverage (any brand)
- Box Cake Mix Ingredients:
- 1 box yellow cake mix
- 4 eggs
- 3/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1 (4-ounce) box instant lemon pudding
- 3/4 cup carbonated lemon-lime soda (any brand)
- Lemon Glaze Ingredients:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon milk
Instructions
- From Scratch Directions: Mix the softened butter and sugar together for about 10 minutes until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Stir in the flour and lemon juice or extract until combined.
- Gently fold in the carbonated lemon-lime beverage.
- Pour the batter into a well-greased 12-cup Bundt pan.
- Bake at 325°F (165°C) for 1 to 1 hour and 15 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Remove from the oven and let cool on a wire rack before drizzling with the lemon glaze.
- Box Cake Mix Directions: Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C) and grease your Bundt pan.
- In a large bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, eggs, vegetable oil, instant lemon pudding, and carbonated lemon-lime soda. Mix well until smooth.
- Pour the batter into the prepared Bundt pan.
- Bake for 45 to 55 minutes or until the cake is set and a toothpick comes out clean.
- Allow the cake to cool completely before removing it from the pan.
- Top the cooled cake with the lemon glaze before serving.
Tips & Variations
- For a stronger lemon flavor, use fresh lemon juice and add a teaspoon of lemon zest to the batter.
- Substitute the lemon-lime soda with club soda and add extra lemon zest for a less sweet option.
- The glaze can be thickened or thinned by adjusting the amount of milk to your preferred consistency.
- Try adding poppy seeds to the batter for a traditional lemon poppy seed cake twist.
Storage
Store the cake covered at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week. To keep it moist, wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap. Reheat slices gently in the microwave for about 10 seconds if desired.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of soda instead of lemon-lime?
Yes, you can use any clear carbonated soda like club soda or ginger ale, but lemon-lime soda gives the best complementary flavor for this cake.
Is it necessary to use a Bundt pan?
No, you can use a regular round or square cake pan, but baking time may vary. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center.
Print
Easy Lemon 7-Up Cake Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes (from scratch), 1 hour 15 minutes (box mix)
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Description
This Easy Lemon 7-Up Cake is a moist and flavorful dessert that combines the refreshing zest of lemon with the light fizz of lemon-lime soda. Perfect for gatherings or a simple sweet treat, it can be made from scratch or using a box cake mix for convenience. Finished with a tangy lemon glaze, this cake offers a delightful balance of sweet and citrusy flavors in every bite.
Ingredients
From Scratch Ingredients:
- 5 eggs
- 3 cups flour
- 3/4 lb butter, softened (3 sticks)
- 3 cups sugar
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice (fresh or extract)
- 3/4 cup carbonated lemon-lime beverage (any brand)
Box Cake Mix Ingredients:
- 1 box yellow cake mix
- 4 eggs
- 3/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1 – 4 ounce box instant lemon pudding mix
- 3/4 cup carbonated lemon-lime soda (any brand)
Lemon Glaze Ingredients:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon milk
Instructions
- Prepare the Batter (From Scratch): Cream the softened butter and sugar together for about 10 minutes until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Then, add flour and lemon juice or extract, mixing to combine. Gently fold in the lemon-lime soda to keep the batter light and airy.
- Prepare the Batter (Box Cake Mix): Preheat the oven to 325°F and grease a 12-cup Bundt pan. In a large bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, eggs, vegetable oil, instant lemon pudding mix, and lemon-lime soda. Mix until smooth and fully incorporated.
- Bake the Cake: For the from-scratch batter, pour into the greased Bundt pan and bake at 325°F for 1 to 1 hour 15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. For the box mix batter, pour into the greased pan and bake at 325°F for 45 to 55 minutes, or until set and a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool the Cake: Remove the cake from the oven and transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. This ensures the glaze won’t melt when applied.
- Make and Apply Lemon Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, lemon juice, and milk until smooth. Drizzle the glaze evenly over the cooled cake for a shiny, tangy finish.
- Serve and Enjoy: Slice the cake and serve as a delightful dessert or snack with a bright lemony flavor enhanced by the soda’s subtle fizz.
Notes
- Using lemon extract will give a stronger lemon flavor compared to fresh lemon juice.
- The lemon-lime soda helps create a light and moist texture in the cake.
- Ensure the cake is completely cooled before glazing to prevent the glaze from melting off.
- You can substitute the lemon-lime soda with a sugar-free version for lower sugar content, though it may affect sweetness.
- Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerated for up to a week.
- This recipe is easily doubled or halved depending on the size of your baking pan.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes (from scratch), 55 minutes (box mix)
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: lemon cake, 7-Up cake, lemon dessert, citrus cake, bundt cake, easy cake recipe, from scratch cake, box mix lemon cake, lemon glaze

