If you’re like me, you know that nothing beats a good slice of cake with your afternoon coffee or tea. Lately, I’ve been obsessed with a particular treat—7Up Pound Cake with cream cheese. Picture this: a sunny day, the scent of freshly baked cake wafting through the air, and you have a cup of steaming coffee in one hand and a slice of fluffy, zesty pound cake in the other.
It pairs wonderfully with fresh fruit or a scoop of vanilla ice cream, making your every bite a mini celebration.
Today, I'm excited to share a recipe that feels like a warm hug: 7Up Pound Cake with cream cheese. This classic dessert is a staple in many Southern kitchens, bringing together the lively flavors of citrus and the comforting richness of cream cheese.
Whether you’re looking for a charming dessert for a family gathering or something special for brunch, this cake delivers flavor, texture, and nostalgia all in one delightful slice.
3 Ingredient Peanut Butter Fudge
7Up Pound Cake is a moist, flavorful dessert that uses 7Up soda as a key ingredient. It gets its fluffy texture from a combination of cream cheese and butter, which adds richness to the overall taste. The cake is often flavored with lemon and vanilla, enhancing the natural sweetness and giving it a refreshing zing. Top it off with a simple glaze, and you have a treat that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.
This recipe is straightforward, ensuring you get the best texture and flavor with minimal fuss. The cream cheese adds richness, while the 7Up contributes to a light and airy crumb, making each bite soft and fluffy. Plus, using fresh lemon zest and extract brightens the overall flavor—trust me, it makes all the difference.
Expect a soft, velvety texture, perfectly balanced by a hint of citrus from the lemon. The cream cheese lends a subtle tang that plays beautifully against the sweetness of the cake. With each mouthful, the flavors meld delightfully, leaving you craving just one more slice.
While many recipes focus solely on the classic ingredients, this version cranks things up a notch with added layers of flavor and a homemade glaze that brings everything together. It’s not just another pound cake; it’s your go-to recipe for impressing guests, one that feels both nostalgic and elevated.
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this delightful 7Up Pound Cake with cream cheese:
Cake Ingredients
- 3 cups of all-purpose flour (ensure it’s sifted for aeration)
- 3 sticks of softened unsalted butter (at room temperature)
- Zest of 1 lemon (for added freshness)
- 5 large eggs (ideally at room temperature)
- 1 teaspoon of lemon extract
- 3 cups of granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- 3/4 cup of room temperature 7Up
- 1/4 teaspoon of salt (to balance the sweetness)
Homemade Glaze Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons of whole milk
- 2 cups of powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon of lemon flavoring
- 1 tablespoon of butter (melted for richness)
Ingredients From : southernlovelifestyle.com
Making this pound cake is an absolute breeze. It’s all about mixing the right ingredients in the correct order. Let’s dive into the steps!
Start by gathering all your ingredients. Let the unsalted butter and eggs sit out to reach room temperature. This ensures they mix well together, making a light and fluffy batter.
In a large mixing bowl, combine your room temperature butter and granulated sugar. Using an electric mixer, beat the two together. This step is crucial, so mix them for about 5 to 6 minutes until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. Be patient; this is where your cake gets its structure!
As the mixer runs, crack in the eggs one by one. It’s key to let each egg incorporate fully before adding the next. This will help achieve an even texture throughout the cake.
Once the eggs are well mixed, it’s time to introduce some flavor! Add the lemon extract and vanilla extract, along with the lemon zest. This will elevate your cake’s taste significantly, so don’t skip the zest.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. This helps to evenly distribute the salt and allows the flour to aerate, preventing any lumps.
Now, alternate adding the flour mixture and the 7Up to your wet ingredients. Begin with a third of the flour, mix until just combined, then follow with half of the 7Up. Repeat this process, finishing with the final third of flour. Mix until just incorporated for a light texture.
Use a bundt pan, greased and floured liberally. This will ensure your cake releases easily once baked.
Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pan. Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C) and bake for about 70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on the cake during the last 10 to 15 minutes to avoid over-baking.
Once baked, let the cake cool in the pan for at least 10 minutes. Gently run a knife around the edges to loosen it before carefully inverting it onto a cooling rack.
While the cake cools, prepare your glaze. In a mixing bowl, combine the powdered sugar with milk, melted butter, and lemon flavoring. Stir until you achieve a smooth consistency. Add more sugar if you prefer a thicker glaze.
Once the cake has cooled completely, drizzle your glaze over the top. You can use a squeeze bottle for even drizzling or simply pour it over. Let the glaze set for a few minutes to firm up.
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Keeping your butter and eggs at room temperature allows for better emulsification.
- Don’t Skip the Zest: It might seem optional, but lemon zest makes a big difference in flavor.
- Sift Your Flour: This creates a lighter batter, which leads to a fluffier cake.
- Test for Doneness: Ovens can vary, so use the toothpick test to ensure your cake is perfectly baked.
- Cool Completely: Letting the cake cool completely will prevent the glaze from sliding off.
To store your 7Up Pound Cake, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil to retain moisture. It can sit at room temperature for up to three days or be refrigerated for up to a week. If you want to keep it longer, consider slicing and freezing pieces. Just wrap each slice tightly and store in an airtight container or freezer bag, where it will stay good for about three months.
- Fresh Berries: Strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries add a tart contrast that complements the sweetness.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creaminess against the cake is simply heavenly.
- Whipped Cream: Light and fluffy, whipped cream adds a nice touch without overwhelming the flavors.
- Lemon Curd: A zesty addition that enhances the lemony notes in the cake.
- Coffee or Tea: Pairing your cake with a warm cup of coffee or herbal tea brings everything together beautifully.
- Butter: If you don't have unsalted butter, you can use margarine or coconut oil—just keep in mind the flavor will change slightly.
- 7Up: Sprite or another lemon-lime soda works as a great substitute, keeping that bubbles and flavor.
- Cream Cheese: Greek yogurt can replace cream cheese for a lighter option, though the texture will be a bit different.
- All-Purpose Flour: In a pinch, you can swap in cake flour; the texture will be slightly more tender.
- Granulated Sugar: Brown sugar can be used for a richer taste, but it may change the color of your cake.
This 7Up Pound Cake with cream cheese is sure to become a favorite in your household. It’s simple, delicious, and versatile—perfect for any occasion. Whether you share it with friends or savor it alone, this cake brings a slice of comfort with every bite.
Give it a try next time you need a quick but satisfying dessert, and watch as you fall in love with its delightful flavor and nostalgic charm. Happy baking!
Today, I'm excited to share a recipe that feels like a warm hug: 7Up Pound Cake with cream cheese. This classic dessert is a staple in many Southern kitchens, bringing together the lively flavors of citrus and the comforting richness of cream cheese.
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Keeping your butter and eggs at room temperature allows for better emulsification.
- Don’t Skip the Zest: It might seem optional, but lemon zest makes a big difference in flavor.
- Sift Your Flour: This creates a lighter batter, which leads to a fluffier cake.
- Test for Doneness: Ovens can vary, so use the toothpick test to ensure your cake is perfectly baked.
- Cool Completely: Letting the cake cool completely will prevent the glaze from sliding off.
I’m Irene Adkins, a registered dietitian and creator of Delicious Meal Ideas. Growing up in Syracuse, NY, I developed a passion for simple, flavorful cooking in my grandmother’s kitchen. Through my blog, I share easy, healthy recipes that bring joy to everyday meals, making home cooking fun and accessible for everyone.