If you love classic Southern desserts, this Old-Fashioned 7-Up Pound Cake is the kind of recipe that never goes out of style. Made with simple pantry staples, real butter, and a splash of lemon-lime soda, this cake bakes up incredibly moist, tender, and full of bright citrus flavor. It’s the perfect dessert for holidays, Sunday dinners, potlucks, or anytime you want a nostalgic treat that feels like home.
This recipe uses 7-Up, which adds lift and a subtle lemon-lime essence, making it one of the most beloved Southern pound cake recipes. Serve it plain, dusted with powdered sugar, or drizzled with a simple glaze — it’s delicious every way.
Old-Fashioned 7-Up Pound Cake
Prep time: 20 mins | Cook time: 70-80 mins | Total time: 100 mins
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cups granulated sugar
- 5 large eggs, room temperature
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup 7-Up soda (not diet)
- 1 tbsp lemon extract
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Beat softened butter and sugar together for 5–7 minutes until very light and fluffy.
- Mix in eggs one at a time, scraping the bowl as needed.
- Slowly add flour, mixing on low speed until just combined.
- Stir in lemon extract, vanilla, and 7-Up until the batter is smooth.
- Pour batter into a well-greased and floured Bundt pan.
- Bake at 325°F (163°C) for 70–80 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then turn out onto a rack to cool completely.
Easy Lemon Glaze
Ingredients: 1 cup powdered sugar, 2 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tbsp 7-Up, 1 tsp lemon zest.
Instructions: Whisk ingredients until smooth and glossy. Drizzle over cooled cake.