7Up Cake Recipe (from Scratch Sheet Cake)
If you grew up with Southern sheet cakes or church potluck desserts, you probably already know there’s something magical about a 7Up cake. Light, citrusy, buttery, and topped with a sweet-tangy frosting—it’s like sunshine baked into a pan. This isn’t just another sheet cake recipe; it’s the kind of dessert that makes people sneak back for “just one more little square” until the pan is mysteriously empty.
The best part? We’re skipping boxed cake mixes and making this beauty completely from scratch. And trust me, it’s easier than you think. With real lemon and lime zest plus that bubbly lift from 7Up, you get a cake that’s tender, bright, and absolutely irresistible.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Fresh Citrus Flavor: With both lemon and lime zest in the batter and frosting, every bite tastes like a little zingy burst of sunshine.
From Scratch (But Easy!): No cake mix shortcuts here, just real ingredients that come together quickly and make you look like a total baking rockstar.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a family barbecue, a holiday spread, or a “just because” bake, this cake fits right in.
Moist and Tender: The combo of sour cream, oil, and that sparkling soda keeps the cake light yet rich at the same time.
Crowd-Pleasing Classic: Nostalgic for some, brand-new for others—but everyone will love it.
Recipe Origin
This cake is a true Southern classic, with roots in mid-20th century baking trends when soda-pop cakes became a beloved kitchen shortcut. While some recipes use boxed cake mixes, this scratch version keeps all the nostalgia but with a fresher, more vibrant flavor. The result? A cake that’s both retro and timeless.
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Electric mixer or hand mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- 9×13-inch baking pan
- Zester or fine grater
- Saucepan (for the frosting)
7Up Cake Recipe (from Scratch Sheet Cake)
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This homemade 7Up Cake is a light and fluffy sheet cake infused with citrus zest and topped with a tangy lemon-lime frosting. Made completely from scratch with 7Up soda, it’s a refreshing and nostalgic dessert perfect for any gathering.
Ingredients
- For the Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup 7Up
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 2 large eggs
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Zest of 1 lime
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- For the Frosting:
- 1/2 cup salted butter
- 6 tablespoons 7Up
- 3 3/4 cups powdered sugar, sifted
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Zest of 1 lime
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt.
- In a large bowl, whisk sugar, 7Up, vegetable oil, sour cream, eggs, lemon zest, lime zest, and vanilla until smooth.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
- Pour batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly.
- Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let cool completely.
- Make the frosting: In a saucepan, melt butter with 7Up over medium heat. Remove from heat and whisk in powdered sugar, lemon zest, lime zest, and vanilla until smooth.
- Spread frosting evenly over the cooled cake.
- Allow frosting to set before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Make sure the cake is completely cooled before frosting to prevent melting.
- Sift powdered sugar for a smooth, lump-free frosting.
- Store leftovers covered at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the fridge for up to a week.
- For extra citrus flavor, add a little lemon or lime juice to the frosting.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/12 of cake)
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 42g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
Keywords: 7Up cake recipe, lemon lime sheet cake, citrus dessert, soda cake from scratch, easy frosted cake
Ingredients in 7Up Cake
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
All-Purpose Flour: The backbone of the cake, keeping it light but sturdy enough to hold the citrus frosting.
Baking Soda: Adds lift to make the cake airy and tender.
Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances flavor.
Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the cake and helps keep it moist.
7Up: The star ingredient! Its bubbles lighten the batter while its citrus flavor boosts the lemon-lime theme.
Vegetable Oil: Keeps the cake moist and soft without weighing it down.
Sour Cream: Adds richness and just a hint of tang.
Eggs: Provide structure and stability to the cake.
Lemon Zest & Lime Zest: Bright citrus flavor that makes this cake unforgettable.
Vanilla Extract: A warm undertone that balances the citrus.
For the Frosting
Salted Butter: Gives the frosting richness and a slight salty balance.
7Up: Adds moisture and ties the citrusy theme together.
Powdered Sugar: Creates the fluffy sweetness of the frosting.
Lemon & Lime Zest: Fresh, fragrant bursts of citrus.
Vanilla Extract: Rounds out the flavor.
Instructions
Preheat Your Oven: Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch pan or line with parchment paper for easy removal.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together sugar, 7Up, oil, sour cream, eggs, lemon zest, lime zest, and vanilla. Mix until smooth and well combined.
Bring It Together: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Don’t overmix—light and airy is the goal!
Bake: Pour the batter into your prepared pan and bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool completely before frosting.
Make the Frosting: In a saucepan, melt butter with 7Up over medium heat. Remove from heat and gradually whisk in powdered sugar until smooth and fluffy. Stir in lemon zest, lime zest, and vanilla.
Frost the Cake: Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled cake. Sprinkle extra zest on top if you want a pretty finish.
Serve and Enjoy: Cut into squares and watch them disappear!
Chef’s Pro Tips
- Make sure your cake is completely cool before frosting, or the icing will melt into the cake (though honestly… it still tastes amazing that way).
- Sift the powdered sugar for the frosting—no lumps, just silky sweetness.
- For extra zing, add a tablespoon of fresh lemon or lime juice into the frosting.
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 12
Calories per serving: ~380
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
How to Serve 7Up Cake
- At Room Temp: This cake tastes even better once it’s had time to sit and let the flavors mingle.
- With Fresh Berries: Strawberries or blueberries make a colorful, fresh topping.
- With Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream next to a slice of citrusy cake = dreamy combo.
- As a Party Dessert: Cut into small squares for a finger-food style dessert table.
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
- Make-Ahead: Bake the cake a day early and frost it the next morning.
- Storage: Keep covered at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to 5.
- Freezing: Wrap slices tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature.
Variations to Try
- Coconut Twist: Add shredded coconut to the batter and sprinkle some on top of the frosting.
- Glazed Version: Skip the frosting and pour a simple citrus glaze (powdered sugar + lemon juice) over the cake.
- Bundt Cake: Make this in a bundt pan for a classic Southern presentation (just adjust bake time slightly).
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use Diet 7Up?
A1: You can, but the texture and flavor won’t be quite the same. Regular 7Up works best.
Q2: Can I substitute another soda?
A2: Yes—Sprite works great, or even a citrus-flavored sparkling water if you want less sweetness.
Q3: Can I make this as cupcakes?
A3: Absolutely! Just reduce the baking time to about 18–20 minutes.
Q4: Can I use yogurt instead of sour cream?
A4: Yes, plain Greek yogurt is a great substitute.
Q5: How do I make the cake extra moist?
A5: Don’t overbake, and be sure to measure your flour properly (spoon and level).
Q6: Can I add food coloring for fun?
A6: Sure! A drop of green or yellow food coloring would be playful for parties.
Q7: Can I double this recipe?
A7: Yes, just bake it in two pans or one large sheet pan.
Q8: Do I need to refrigerate this cake?
A8: Not unless your kitchen is very warm. Room temp keeps it soft and fresh.
Q9: Can I skip the frosting?
A9: You can, but the frosting is what makes this cake so special.
Q10: Can I add more zest for stronger flavor?
A10: Definitely—if you love citrus, go wild with the zest!
Conclusion
This 7Up Cake from Scratch is everything you love in a sheet cake—easy, bright, moist, and totally crowd-pleasing. With its citrus-kissed flavor and nostalgic charm, it’s the kind of dessert that feels both comforting and exciting all at once. Bake it for your next gathering, and don’t be surprised if people ask for the recipe before the plates are cleared.
