Description

The 7-Up Pound Cake is a delightful and refreshing take on the traditional pound cake, offering a subtle citrus flavor and an incredibly moist texture thanks to the addition of 7-Up soda. This unique ingredient not only adds flavor but also helps to create a light and fluffy cake while keeping the rich and buttery foundation intact. Perfect for family gatherings, holiday meals, or even casual weekend treats, this cake offers an irresistible balance of sweetness, zesty undertones, and a melt-in-your-mouth finish. It’s a dessert that truly stands out, combining the comfort of a classic pound cake with the surprise of a carbonated twist.

Ingredients

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ cups unsalted butter, softened
• 3 cups granulated sugar
• 5 large eggs
• 1 cup 7-Up soda
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon lemon extract
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• Pinch of salt
• For the glaze:
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2-3 tablespoons 7-Up soda
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice (optional, for extra tang)

Preparation Method

Preheat the oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 325°F (165°C). Grease and flour a bundt pan thoroughly, ensuring all the crevices are coated so that the cake doesn’t stick when it’s time to remove it.

Cream the butter and sugar
In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar together until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This step is crucial as it helps to incorporate air into the batter, resulting in a lighter texture. This process should take about 5 minutes using a hand mixer or stand mixer.

Add the eggs
Once the butter and sugar are well mixed, add the eggs one at a time. Be sure to fully incorporate each egg before adding the next. This gradual addition helps maintain the smoothness of the batter.

Add the flavor extracts
After the eggs are fully incorporated, mix in the vanilla and lemon extracts. The lemon extract enhances the citrus flavor in the cake and complements the 7-Up soda.

Mix the dry ingredients
In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the batter, alternating with the 7-Up soda. Begin and end with the flour mixture to ensure the batter stays balanced. Gently fold in each addition to avoid overmixing, which can make the cake dense.

Bake the cake
Pour the batter evenly into your prepared bundt pan. Smooth out the top with a spatula. Place the cake in the preheated oven and bake for about 75 to 85 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The baking time may vary slightly depending on your oven, so keep an eye on the cake in the last 10 minutes.

Cool the cake
Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 15 minutes. Carefully invert the cake onto a wire rack to cool completely.

Prepare the glaze
While the cake cools, prepare the glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, 7-Up soda, and lemon juice (if using) until smooth. The glaze should have a drizzling consistency. Adjust the thickness by adding more powdered sugar or 7-Up as needed.

Glaze the cake
Once the cake has completely cooled, drizzle the glaze generously over the top, letting it flow down the sides of the cake. This sweet, citrusy glaze enhances the overall flavor and adds a beautiful finishing touch to the cake.

Tips and Conclusion

Bonus Tip:

For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding finely grated lemon or lime zest to the batter. This will amplify the citrusy notes of the cake and create a slightly tangier bite. Additionally, serving the cake with a side of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream can turn this dessert into an indulgent experience.

Conclusion:

The 7-Up Pound Cake is a testament to the beauty of simple ingredients coming together to create something truly special. With its moist crumb, zesty flavor, and light texture, this cake is both nostalgic and refreshing. The addition of 7-Up soda gives it a playful twist, making it a perfect choice for those looking to impress their guests with something unique yet familiar. Whether you’re a fan of classic pound cake or looking to try something new, this 7-Up Pound Cake is bound to become a favorite in your recipe collection.