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 DELICIOUS AND EASY LEMON-LIME 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. I take this as gifts to so many folks and they always love it then ask for the recipe. So you know it’s good!
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.
Can I use a 9×13 pan for this recipe?
Yes you should be able to 🙂
That is an EXCELLENT idea!
I made this cake and it was gone in a day! My husband and kids loved it! It was so moist! I plan on making this and taking it to work at the hospital for all my co-workers, but I’ll probably have to make two. This is my new “go to” cake when I have to bring a desert! Thank you so much!
I think it would be better off with vanilla extract I have tried it both ways but I would preferer vanilla extract but with lemon juice not as bad.
This cake is so much fun and the texture looks so good! I will have to make one for Labor Day Weekend!
I get lots of compliments when I make this cake. The only thing I do different is after greasing my pan I dust it with sanding sugar. Gives the crust a little soft crust.
It’s GOOD!!!
Took this to work and everyone liked it. Makes a nice presentation.
Would appreciate instructions for mini bundt pan. Thanks.
Hi Shirley, I haven’t tested it using mini bundt pans yet. But perhaps someone on here has tried it and can comment on it. 🙂
My kids love this recipe. It’s so flavorful. I’m curious, can this be made in any pan other than a bundt pan? I’d like to try it as a sheet cake and am curious about baking time in a different pan.
This is a go-to recipe. I’ve made this so many times, I can’t even count. I love the sweetness and the tartness of this cake. I’ve made this cake from scratch as well and I have to tell you the shortcut with the boxed mix and lemon pudding mix is just as good. I appreciate the time savings of this little trick! Thanks Brandie for sharing your awesome recipes.
This absolutely makes my day to read Tish! Thank you so very much for taking the time to come back and comment!
So I’m making this tonight for my boyfriends birthday tomorrow, question. Do I still follow the cake directions on the box like add water also, or not at all and just follow the directions you’ve wrote?
Hi Lisa! Just follow my directions here, not the one on the box. 🙂
This cake looks delicious, and I have all of the ingredients, but someone brought up a good point. Do the ingredients change to accommodate a smaller cake mix??
Just waiting to hear, so I can start right away!
Everything stays the same! 🙂
I made this for the first time today and it turned out perfectly! I didn’t change anything just followed the recipe as written. This is a keeper and I plan to make it many more times. Thanks for a great recipe!
I borrowed your recipe and made it sugar-free and it was fabulous! I substituted a Pillsbury sugar -free yellow cake mix, Sprite Zero, a half package of sugar-free vanilla pudding and a package of sugar-free lemon jell-o (because I couldn’t find a sugar-free lemon pudding.) I made a glaze of lemon zest and lemon juice and used Swerve sugar substitute for the confectioner sugar. It was so good; even my hubby, who eats lots of sugar, ate a piece and LIKED it. ????
Can you use the cake mix that has pudding in the mix plus the box of pudding the recipe calls for and have you ever tried with a lemon cake mix. I love all your recipes and you site.
I loved the cake. I make 7up pound cake all the time. This was less time and I love it.. I took it to work and it didnt have a chance.. Its the third one this week . Thanks for Sharing..
Thanks so much for coming back to comment Shaywood!
Made this cake today and it was so good thanks for sharing a great recipe hope you enjoy your week end and have a blessing day thank you so much
Hi Judy! Yay! Thanks so much!
Can’t wait to make this 7 up cake I will let you know when I do. Great job. I made your coconut poke cake and loved it keep them coming my way have a great day thanks for your great recipes.
Since I always have Sprite in the frig I use this, also I use the Lemon Supreme cake mix, much tastier I think
This sound like it would be so good can’t wait to try it thanks for a great recipe
Thank you for this great recipe. It was a Huge hit with the coworkers!!! So simple yet moist and full of flavor!! Can’t wait to make this cake again!!
Woo hoo! Thanks SO much Sherie!!
I just found this recipe and I’m wondering if you can use diet 7up? I need to cut down on the sugar.
Are the measurements correct for the icing? I had to add at least 1/4 cup of milk for the sugar to even get wet.
Made this, my husband and my kids loves it????
Had to laugh this recipe always reminds me of this woman – if you have never heard her you have to check it out on youtube. One of the funniest women around in my opinion. Talks about sending her hubby to the store for ingredients for her cake.
Jeanne Robertson "Don't send a man to the grocery store!"
So glad it was a winner for you and your co-workers vickid.
Made this cake – brought it to work and it was devoured within 30 minutes. Delicious! The frosting made the cake taste great and look beautiful.
Thank you,
Vicki D
First, thank you Brandie for your family's service to our country.
Second, I appreciate you posting this recipe because a childhood friend's late mother made this cake for us, oh, about 45 to 50 years ago. It is one of only two cakes she claimed to know how to bake. She had given me her recipe ("obviously" I started baking very young), but I didn't have, for example, the size of the pudding box, which I now have from your post.
Mrs. T. made this cake in 13x9x2-inch pan and she slathered a cream cheese and butter icing full of chopped pecans on the cake as soon as it came out of the oven. Then we would sit at her kitchen table staring at the cake with great expectation until she cut a slice for each of us. You definitely sparked some memories I cherish, and I plan to bake this cake soon.
I am grateful.
do i make the pudding then add it to the cake or do i just add it to the dry box cake mix and follow box cake directions help pleases
Thank-You for this recipe! I have been looking for this one for awhile & the ones I have tried were not as good as this one. It is oh so moist & delicious! Thanks for making me look like a "rock star"!!
Made this today for my husband's bday. Soooo good…I added crushed pinapples to the icing(that's how my grandmother made hers) My family absolutely loved it. Thanks again for the recipe.
Could you use ginger ale instead of the 7-up?
Here in the South we make a similar cake with Sun Drop. Duncan Hines Lemon Cake mix, Lemon pudding mix, 12 oz Sun Drop, 3 eggs and 3/4 cup oil.
The picture of the cake mix shows it's 18.25oz. They aren't that big any more what should we do? I'm afraid there is to much liquid for the smaller amount of cake mix in the boxes now. Same with the coca cola cake. Thanks, Gaile
Could I sub oil for butter??
We use Mountain Dew with this recipe. We never use icing and this cake is gobbled up very quickly.
I LOVE 7-Up cake!!! The women in my family usually add a little of the soda to the icing/glaze recipe to help give it a little lemon-lime "kick".
This was so tasty and moist!
Just made this cake for a bake sale at work…have a question though…could I do a chocolate cake with chocolate pudding and coke? Just use same idea for glaze…just curious 🙂
I hope it ok, I posted your link on my facebook page. First time cooking it and my house smells devine! Thank you so much for sharing your recipes with us!
This turned out so well! I used a 9 x 13 pan instead of a bundt pan (mine seems to have gone missing) and it worked out perfectly. Brilliant! 🙂
I just discovered your site recently and I'm a fan already. The 7 Up Cake was REALLY lemon-y, but my hubby grabbed the cook and serve lemon pudding instead of the instant, so I think that had an impact on that. Everything else I've tried has been perfect!!
I make this using a cherry cake mix and cherry flavored 7UP. YUM! 🙂
I made this cake today and it was much enjoyed by my in-laws, my husband, and my kids! My hubby can be picky about sweets, but he said his grandmother used to make one that looked exactly the same so he had to try it. He loved it. Guess I will be making this one more in the future 🙂
I am not much of a baker, but I saw the picture and it looked so good I had to try. I made it and it was so moist and tasty. My parents and my children loved it so much there wasn't any left when I came home from work the next day, so i'm making another one tonight!
Does anyone know how long I'd need to bake this if I used silicone? The one and only time I used a silicone bundt pan it didn't cook properly.
Yummmmmmmmmmmmm
Heidi – 7 up cake is a southern tradition that is always made with lemon so I haven't tried it with another flavor but I don't see why you couldn't? But I guess if you just can't stand it you could always do vanilla?
Hi Sandra! I'm so glad you liked it! Nope, that isn't a typo! Powdered sugar isn't like regular sugar. Powdered sugar is mostly corn starch so it absorbs liquid very easily and becomes liquidy-y very easily by just a little amount of milk or lemon juice. So a little liquid goes a long way with powdered sugar. Hope that helps! ~Brandie