7Up Cake
This 7Up Cake is a moist lemon pudding cake that is made with a jazzed up boxed cake mix and topped with a delicious homemade lemon icing drizzle!
A Moist Lemon Cake Recipe
Recently I shared my recipe for Double Fudge Coca-Cola Cake and then I realized, I couldn’t share the Coca-Cola Cake without also sharing the 7Up Cake. The 7Up Cake is similar to the Coke Cake in that you don’t really taste the soda as a separate ingredient. It adds flavor and makes it super moist. You could eat this bundt cake without any icing, it is just so incredibly flavorful and moist but I think the slightly tart icing gives the sweet cake a nice pop of flavor!
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. I would just use the recommended baking times for a 9×13-inch baking dish that is shown on the back of the cake mix box.
Bundt pans need to be greased really well. A lot of people recommend greasing the pan the coating it in flour or making up magic release solutions with ingredients you may not have on hand. While that works well, I find it easiest to use a nonstick baking spray that has flour in it (like Baker’s Joy – see my image below from another recipe.) I just make sure to spray it really well into all the nooks and crannies and it works absolutely beautifully every single time and I always have it on hand. Pam also makes a similar version. 
Over the last few years, manufacturers have changed the size of cake mixes. A few years ago, cake mixes were 18.25 ounces, then they went down to 15.25, and now some brands are down to 13.25 ounces. Duncan Hines is still my go-to and at the time that I’m writing this, they’re still 15.25 ounces. Great Value (the Wal-Mart brand is also still 15.25 ounces) However, this can change without notice.
This recipe has since been tested with a 13.25 ounce cake mix as well and it worked just fine, with NO changes needed.
This is the bundt pan (non affiliated link) that was used in these photos. Unfortunately it is out of stock and I’m not sure if it will come back in stock.
I looked for something similar but just couldn’t find anything that is exactly the same. This pan (paid affiliate link) was the closest and this other one (paid affiliate link) was similar as well. Any 10-cup bundt pan will work with this recipe.
You can store it in a covered container on the counter for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Yes! Just make sure you wrap it very well to protect against freezer burn and it will freeze for up to 3 months.
Ingredients Needed: (See Recipe Card Below For The Full Recipe)
- yellow cake mix – you could also use a lemon cake mix, butter cake mix or even a French vanilla cake mix if you prefer.
- instant lemon pudding – you want to look for the instant pudding – you do not need to use the Jell-O brand, it can be a store brand instant pudding.
- 7 Up – you can use diet soda (although that would not be my top choice) or maybe even try Sprite or Mountain Dew with this – I don’t think Ginger Ale would be a good flavor for this.
- eggs – try to make sure your eggs are at room temperature for baked goods – it helps to produce a lighter, fluffier cake.
- vegetable oil – you can substitute for the same amount of melted butter but this will produce a more dense and heavier cake.
- lemon juice – I always prefer fresh lemon juice – the bottled stuff just tastes fake and I personally don’t like it but if you love it then go for it.
How To Make 7Up Cake
Preheat oven to 325F degrees. Spray a 10-inch bundt pan with nonstick baking spray that has flour in it. In a medium bowl, combine all the cake ingredients (cake mix, instant lemon pudding, eggs, oil and 7up). Mix until thoroughly combined.
Pour batter into bundt pan. Bake for about 35-45 minutes (until inserted toothpick or fork comes out clean). Allow to cool completely, then remove from bundt pan and place on a cake plate.
Start preparing icing. In a small bowl, combine powdered sugar, lemon juice and lemon zest (if using). Add milk in slowly until you’ve reached desired consistency. I personally like it a bit on the thicker side. Pour icing over cake. Allow it to sit for a bit to set up (it won’t harden up fully like a frosting).
Then slice and serve.
Craving More Recipes?
- Chocolate Pudding Bundt Cake
- Pineapple Upside Down Bundt Cake
- 7Up Biscuits
- White Chocolate Raspberry Cake
- Shirley Temple Poke Cake
- Melted Ice Cream Cake
- Dr Pepper Cake
- Coca Cola Cake
- Snickerdoodle Bundt Cake
- Gooey Butter Cake
Originally published: January 2012
Updated photos & republished: May 2023
7Up Cake
Ingredients
For the cake:
- 1 box yellow cake mix
- 4 ounce small box instant lemon pudding
- ¾ cup 7-Up soda (or similar lemon lime soda)
- 4 large eggs
- ¾ cup vegetable oil
For the frosting:
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 Tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- lemon zest from one lemon (optional)
- 1-2 Tablespoons milk
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325F degrees. Spray 10-inch bundt pan with nonstick cooking spray (that has flour in it) or grease and flour bundt pan.
- In a medium bowl, combine 1 box yellow cake mix, 4 ounce small box instant lemon pudding, 3/4 cup 7-Up soda, 4 large eggs and 3/4 cup vegetable oil.
- Mix until thoroughly combined.
- Pour batter into prepared bundt pan.
- Bake for about 35-45 minutes (until inserted toothpick or fork comes out clean). Allow to cool completely, then remove from bundt pan and place on a cake plate.
- Start preparing icing. In a small bowl, combine 2 cups powdered sugar, 1 Tablespoon fresh lemon juice and lemon zest from one lemon. Add 1-2 Tablespoons milk in slowly until you've reached desired consistency. I personally like it a bit on the thicker side.
- Then slowly pour it over the cooled cake.
- Allow it to sit for a bit to set up (it won't harden up fully like a frosting) then slice and serve.
Video
Notes
- Please refer to my FAQ’s and ingredient list above for other substitutions or for the answers to the most common questions.
Nutrition
Nutritional Disclaimer
“The Country Cook” is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is an estimate. If calorie count and other nutritional values are important to you, we recommend running the ingredients through whichever online nutritional calculator you prefer. Calories and other nutritional values can vary quite a bit depending on which brands were used.
Made this for dessert tonight and it was absolutely yummy! I love lemon cake and this hit the spot, for sure. The only issue I had was with the icing. The recipe calls for 2 cups of powdered sugar and just 1 Tbsp. of lemon juice and 1Tbsp. of milk. 2 cups of the sugar is A LOT, so I'm wondering if that's a typo. Regardless, I will definitely be making this again!
Have you tried this with any other flavour? There isn't much I don't like, but lemon I can't stand lol
Thank you, thank you! This was my favorite cake growing up that my grandma would make from scratch…and I have been craving it so bad for the past 10 years or so! I keep begging my mom for the recipe but she keeps telling me it will not work at high altitude…we live at 8000ft. I'm going to try with this shortened recipe and see if it will work. Wish me luck and the cola cake looks good too.
I tried to make 7-up cake for the first time a month and the recipe was from scratch. I totally ruined it. It was for a friend, so i hid it and never told him about it, Lol. I would like to try your recipe tonight. Usually u add water to box cake mix but water is not listed in your recipe. Am i mixing cake according to directions on box? Or am i only putting in what's on your list, eliminating water i guess because using soda? Hope to hear from u so i can get started.
Anonymous – oops, oh no! At least you tried! I know some folks have differing opinions on boxed cake mixes but there ain't now shame in my game & there is no getting around how moist and yummy they are. You make this using my exact ingredients. Don't go by the back of the box on this one. 🙂
What if I don't have a boont pan? 🙂 Can you make this with a regular 9*13?
Jen, your comment is so sweet! Thank you so very much! I can't tell, you how much that means to me to hear! Thank you for taking the time out of your day to let me know how much you enjoy this recipe!
I have had 7up cakes from stores but never bothered before this one. I had a taste for something with real lemon in it and the icing is just so fresh and bright. I am thinking to switch it up, I'll use vanilla pudding and use a little real vanilla bean in the cake and the icing. Have to say I LOVE your site and have made many of the recipes! Thanks so much, I can always depend on your site when I'm looking for something new/different and I KNOW it will be a hit. 🙂
If using cake mix with "pudding in the mix" I still add the instant pudding. Correct?
I made this cake with orange sunlit, and a tablespoon of grated orange zest. I made a vanilla glaze for the top. It was delightful! This ones a keeper, for sure!!
I used to make this cake when my family was young.
It always came out well, and we all loved it.
Brings back wonderful memories!
I found your recipe on Pinterest and have been wanting to try it. I made this for our Bosses Day party and it was a huge hit! Amazing! Thank you for sharing the recipe!
I am so excited to try this! I have never heard of it, but it sounds absolutely delicious.
Sounds yummy!! Can't wait to make it!!
So do you use the amount of 7up to replace what the box cake mix is listing for water… Or do you replace the water and use 1 1/2 cups of 7up? Can't wait to try this cake!
Hi Anna! Don't go by any directions of the back of the box. Just go by my ingredients & directions here. Hope that helps and that you love it! 😀
Hi Heather! Thank you so much for letting me know how it turned out for you! I'm so happy it was a success!
I made this over the weekend and LOVE it! I can't wait to try more of your recipes!! I wrote a post on this and gave you all the credit as well as linked it to you for the recipe! I hope everyone else enjoys it as much as I did!!
Sounds yummy! Guess you could use Sierra Mist soda too (which my husband drinks) in the recipe.
@ S.G.Robinson ~ could you share the Pineaplle/Coconut icing recipe? I love both and sounds so good!
You can definitely use lemon cake mix with this. 🙂
Hi there! Do you think this recipe will work okay with lemon instant cake mix? Thanks!
I make almost the same cake.. I use Sun drop soda and use Lemon cake.. Everyone has me making this all the time.. Thank you giving some ideas on changing it up.. 🙂 Everyone needs to make this your friends will think you are the best baker in town.
Anonymous, I don't see why you couldn't make it in a 9×13 pan. Keep in mind, this cake is super moist, so just be careful when you slice it. I hope you enjoy it! 🙂
Could you make this in a 9 x 13 pan? then, poke holes for the glaze?
I love My Big Fat Greek Wedding. My kids and throw lines from the movie at each other all the time. When my sons and his wife go home I always say "why you want to leave meeeee?" too funny. I've been looking for this recipe for awhile. Thanks for posting.
"look whose back again"
I made this today using Mt Dew instead of 7UP. Quite tasty! Hubby really liked it (all he drinks is Mt Dew). Thank you for a great recipe! 🙂
I LOVE 7-UP-CAKE, but our old family recipe has a pineapple/coconut mixture for icing and I have a fairly new coconut allergy, so eating it makes me wheeze and short of breath (unless I just eat the insides, which takes the fun out of it).
The lemon/sugar mixture sounds better anyway, so I look forward to trying this (very) soon!
Thank you so much for taking the time to let me know!! I'm SO happy you liked it!!
I made this cake over the weekend and it is soooooo good. My family really enjoyed it. The recipe is so simple and quick. Thank you!
I made this cake yesterday and it was wonderful…
Thank you so much! I'm so happy you liked it!!
So happy to hear you liked this one Joan. That's why I love baking with soda, it adds a bit of flavor but it makes cakes so moist too!
Super moist and love the light citrus taste!
Looks gorgeous! LOL Love the movie My Big Fat Greek wedding. I also always remember that episode with bundt cake:-)
That looks amazing. I wish I could try that cake.
Oh Brandie – you are always so entertaining. And such a cake queen too huh? :-} Thank you for sharing another wonderful easy dessert to try from your collection. Your photos are always sooo nice! And mouth-watering too!!!
I love 7 up cake but have never made a shortcut version. Love it!
Lol, I was laughing all through reading that dialog– we LOVE that movie!! I also think of it when I see one, too!
Both of these cakes look so moist and delish, but I enjoy all of the recipes you put up on here!
Thanks so much for sharing!
Blessings,
Leslie
"Oh…It's a caeke!!!"
Remember when I was trying to eat healthier and then I saw this and obsessed over it and dreamt about it and ate the entire cake?
No?
Oh.
😉
I've never cooked a cake with soda before but this looks so delicious I'm going to give it a try! I hope mine comes out half as beautiful as yours.
What a awesome recipe…Delicious dear..Aarthi
Brandie,
I love all of your cake creations with soda. They make the cake very moist. I also love My Big Fat Greek Wedding:)
Please stop by my blog. I have an award for you.
Just make sure you keep potted plants around to put in the middle! Go Rodney and Harry, watch out for ouzo
This looks absolutely delicious! I love My Big Fat Greek Wedding, as well, so maybe I'll go make this and just sit myself down and watch that funny movie!:)
Toula's whole family is a hoot! And your boont cake looks fantastic! Come visit us soon.
HAHA I love Toula's mom in the movie, her expression of horror over the 'hole in the cake' is priceless!
Great recipe!
I make this cake using Mountain Dew. It's super moist and people love it. I've never used a glaze, but may make one the next time. Thanks for posting.
This looks so moist. I've never tried a cake recipe using soda before, but now I have to! Thanks for sharing.
I'd love to try out this recipe but your ingredients are American, can you translate them into UK ones for us over here please.
Thanks Lovina
try googling to find similar ingrediants as i have done in australia