7UP Cake Recipe with Cake Mix: The Easiest Moist Cake You’ll Ever Make
Why You’ll Love This 7UP Cake Recipe
Ever wish you could whip up a bakery-quality cake without the fuss of measuring a dozen ingredients? This 7UP cake with cake mix is your answer! Using just a few simple ingredients including everyone’s favorite lemon-lime soda, you’ll create an incredibly moist, tender cake that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen.
The secret ingredient? 7UP soda! It adds a subtle citrus flavor while creating the most amazingly light and fluffy texture. This cake stays moist for days, making it perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, or whenever you need a reliable crowd-pleaser that comes together in minutes.
Best of all, this recipe is practically foolproof. If you can open a box and crack an egg, you can make this cake. It’s become a beloved family recipe for good reason—it works every single time.
Quick Info Table
| Prep Time | Cook Time | Total Time | Servings | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 mins | 45 mins | 1 hour | 12-16 | Easy |
Note: Total time includes cooling
What You’ll Need
For the 7UP Cake:
- Yellow cake mix – 1 box (15.25 oz)
- 7UP soda – 1 cup (240ml), room temperature
- Large eggs – 3, room temperature
- Vegetable oil – ⅓ cup (80ml)
- Vanilla extract – 1 teaspoon (optional but recommended)
For the Simple Glaze (Optional):
- Powdered sugar – 1½ cups (180g), sifted
- 7UP soda – 3-4 tablespoons
- Lemon juice – 1 tablespoon, fresh squeezed
- Vanilla extract – ½ teaspoon
For Serving:
- Fresh berries – 1 cup (strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries)
- Whipped cream – as desired
- Powdered sugar – for dusting (optional)
Substitution Notes:
- 7UP alternatives: Sprite, Sierra Mist, or any clear lemon-lime soda work perfectly
- Cake mix variations: White cake mix or lemon cake mix are excellent alternatives
- Oil substitute: Melted butter (¼ cup) for richer flavor, though oil keeps it more moist
Step-by-Step Directions
Making the Cake:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Generously grease a 10-12 cup Bundt pan with butter or cooking spray, making sure to coat every groove and crevice.
- Open your 7UP and let it sit for 10-15 minutes to reduce some of the fizz. You want it bubbly but not explosive when mixed.
Pro Tip: Room temperature soda mixes better than cold soda and won’t shock your other ingredients.
- Combine dry and wet ingredients in a large mixing bowl. Add the cake mix, then pour in the 7UP, eggs, oil, and vanilla extract.
- Mix until just combined using an electric mixer on medium speed for 2 minutes. Don’t overmix—a few small lumps are perfectly fine and will disappear during baking.
- Pour batter into your prepared Bundt pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Tap the pan gently on the counter 2-3 times to release air bubbles.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. The top should be golden brown and spring back when lightly touched.
Pro Tip: Don’t open the oven door for the first 35 minutes—the cake needs consistent temperature to rise properly.
- Cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes, then carefully invert onto a wire rack. Let cool completely before glazing or serving—this prevents the glaze from melting off.
Making the Optional Glaze:
- Whisk together powdered sugar, 3 tablespoons of 7UP, lemon juice, and vanilla in a medium bowl until smooth.
- Adjust consistency by adding more 7UP one teaspoon at a time until you reach a pourable but not too thin consistency. It should coat the back of a spoon.
- Drizzle over cooled cake, starting from the center and working outward. Let the glaze set for 15-20 minutes before slicing.
How to Serve
This 7UP cake is versatile and delicious on its own, but here are some ways to make it extra special:
- Fresh fruit medley: Top slices with mixed berries and a dollop of whipped cream for a light, refreshing dessert
- Ice cream pairing: Serve with vanilla, lemon, or lime sherbet for a perfect summer treat
- Coffee companion: This cake pairs beautifully with morning coffee or afternoon tea
- Elegant presentation: Dust with powdered sugar and garnish with lemon zest for a sophisticated look
Slicing Tip: Use a sharp serrated knife and clean it between cuts for neat slices that showcase the cake’s beautiful, even crumb.
Expert Tips for Success
Storage: Store covered at room temperature for up to 4 days, or wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. The 7UP keeps this cake incredibly moist, so it actually improves over the first day or two.
Bundt Pan Success: The key to a perfect Bundt cake is proper pan preparation. Use a pastry brush to coat every groove with softened butter, then dust lightly with flour or cocoa powder for chocolate cakes.
Flavor Variations:
- Lemon 7UP Cake: Use lemon cake mix and add 1 tablespoon of lemon zest to the batter
- Chocolate Version: Try chocolate cake mix with cola instead of 7UP for a rich twist
- Coconut Addition: Add ½ cup of sweetened coconut flakes to the batter for tropical flair
- Almond Extract: Replace vanilla with almond extract for a subtle nutty flavor
Troubleshooting: If your cake sticks to the pan, place a damp towel under the wire rack for 10-15 minutes—the steam helps release stubborn spots.
Make It Special: For birthdays or special occasions, add a few drops of food coloring to match your party theme. The neutral flavor works with any color!
Common Questions
Why use 7UP instead of water in cake mix?
7UP adds moisture, subtle citrus flavor, and creates a lighter texture than water. The carbonation also helps create tiny air pockets that make the cake extra fluffy.
Can I use diet 7UP or other sugar-free sodas?
Yes, but the cake will be slightly less sweet and may have a different texture. Regular 7UP gives the best results because the sugar helps with browning and moistness.
What if I don’t have a Bundt pan?
You can use two 9-inch round pans (bake for 25-30 minutes) or a 9×13 inch rectangular pan (bake for 35-40 minutes). Adjust baking time and test with a toothpick.
How do I know when the cake is done?
The cake should pull slightly away from the sides of the pan, spring back when lightly touched, and a toothpick should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! This cake actually tastes better the next day as the flavors develop. You can bake it up to 3 days ahead and store covered at room temperature.
Final Thoughts
This 7UP cake recipe proves that sometimes the simplest ingredients create the most delicious results. With just five basic ingredients and less than an hour of your time, you’ll have a moist, flavorful cake that rivals any bakery creation.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its reliability and versatility. Whether you’re a beginner baker looking for a confidence boost or an experienced cook wanting a quick dessert solution, this 7UP cake delivers every time. It’s become a go-to recipe for countless families because it simply works—no complicated techniques, no exotic ingredients, just pure deliciousness.
Don’t let the simplicity fool you—this cake has converted many skeptics into believers. The subtle citrus notes, incredibly moist texture, and foolproof method make it a winner for any occasion. From casual family dinners to potluck gatherings, this cake always gets rave reviews and recipe requests.
Ready to discover your new favorite easy cake? Grab a box of cake mix and a bottle of 7UP—you’re about to create something amazing with minimal effort and maximum flavor!
