My Grandma’s Lemon Soda Pound Cake
Nothing is certain but death and taxes, right?
False. At least, that’s my opinion.
There are some things in life that you just know, no matter what happens, that you will always, always ALWAYS be able to depend on.
Things besides death and taxes.
They may be good. They may be bad. But they’re a sure thing regardless.
I’ll start out with a positive: my sisters. My sisters are as dependable and certain as death and taxes.
Except in a good way.
I know that no matter what happens, no matter where I am or what I’m doing or going through, I can always depend on those two. They’re my best friends in the entire world. There’s nothing I can’t talk about, share with, or ask them for. They’re always there for me. They’re not going anywhere
Theoretically could I cheat and avoid death and taxes? Sure.
But cheating/avoiding my sisters? That’s never gonna happen.
I heard someone say on a tv show once that the only thing just as certain as death and taxes were mistakes.
Here, I have to agree.
No matter how hard you try to strive for perfection, sooner or later you will mess up somehow. It’s gonna happen. You will make a mistake. And that’s okay; accept it, move on and learn from it. It’ll make you a better person.
In fact, NOT thinking you’re going to ever make a mistake IS actually making a mistake so if you’re thinking that way, then you should really stop because you’re actually mistaken.
Heh. See what I did there?
I bring up the whole death, taxes and certainty bit because it’s really the first thought that came to my mind when I sat down to write out this post.
If I had to pick out a handful of things that have just been permanent fixtures throughout my life, then this recipe would certainly be one of them. And with good reason. It’s probably one of the best cakes I’ve ever had. Hands down. No contest.
My grandma’s desserts are the thing of legend in my family, and although she knows how to do bake just about anything, this pound cake is still the most treasured darling of them all (with the possible exception of her caramel cake, but you guys aren’t ready for that level of awesomeness yet).
When I was growing up, I just got used to almost always seeing this pound cake sitting on my grandparent’s dining room table underneath her fancy clear glass- domed serving plate as the ‘standard’ dessert for everyone to have after dinner throughout the week. Everyone loves it. Everyone.
I’ve made quite a few pound cake recipes before and I still have to say, my grandma’s is THE moistest I’ve ever had- which is no easy task for pound cake sometimes. It practically melts in your mouth. I used the phrasing “lemon soda” in the recipe title on purpose: we typically either use Squirt or 7-up in our cake, but honestly ANY name-brand lemon lime soda will do. (Sprite, Squirt, Sierra Mist, 7-Up, Faygo, etc). Just make sure that the soda isn’t flat. For some reason having the carbonation really makes the difference in helping the flavor come through.
Normally, I’m not even a big fan of lemon desserts, but I just can’t get enough of the slight tartness from the citrus that offsets the sugar in the cake. I know it SEEMS like a lot of lemon flavoring with the extract, lemon juice AND lemon soda, but trust me: it all works beautifully together.
When Angie asked me to help co-host this week’s Fiesta Friday #67 with Caroline@CarolinesCooking, I didn’t hesitate. Not just because I love co-hosting, but also because it would give me the chance to share this recipe with all of you that is so close to my heart. I hope you all enjoy it.
For those that are new to the Fiesta, welcome! We’re happy to have you and invite you to join our link up and the festivities by clicking the link to the website.
*****************************************************************
My Grandma's Lemon Soda Pound Cake
Recipe Courtesy of Jess@CookingisMySport
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cups sugar
- 5 eggs
- 3 cups all purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons lemon extract
- 3/4 cup lemon soda (like Squirt or 7-Up)
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
For Glaze (Optional)
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- A few tablespoons of milk
Directions
Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Grease and flour a fluted bundt pan (or 2 greased and floured loaf pans) and set aside.
Cream together butter and sugar in a large bowl until light and fluffy.
Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
Add flour.
Beat in lemon extract, lemon soda and lemon juice
Pour batter into Bundt or loaf pan(s). Tap the bottom of the pans onto a countertop a few times to eliminate air bubbles.
Bake for 1 hour and 15 minutes, until toothpick inserted into center of cake comes out clean, or a direct read thermometer inserted into cake reads 190-195 degrees Fahrenheit. (Note: if you’re using 2 loaf pans,the cook time will obviously be shorter, so check it sooner rather than later.)
Allow cake to cool for at least 35-45 minutes on a wire rack before unmolding from pan, then allowing to completely cool on a wire rack.
For Glaze: combine the sugar with a few tablespoons of milk until it forms a smooth, but still somewhat stiff glaze. Use a fork to drizzle on the top, and allow to sit for at least 15 minutes until it is set.
I’ve never tried using soda in cakes before. Definitely going to try this out 😉
You should Kristen, it’s a great cake. Thank you!
ooooh, the texture looks like one that melts in the mouth! yum 🙂
Trust me, it REALLY DOES. No exaggerating here. Thanks 🙂
Oh my god! This pound cake looks so amazing, Jess! I can already imagine myself sticking a fork in it and savoring the lemonyness.
The imagining has NOTHING on the reality, trust me Andrea. Thank you!
That looks absolutely gorgeous! Happy FF! 🙂
Thank you very much Sonal, Happy FF to you as well 🙂
Yummmmmo!
Thanks Alice 😀
I’ve never had a soda cake before, what a great idea! Thanks so much for sharing 🙂
There’s a first time for everything Sarah, and I do think that my grandma’s cake is an excellent place to start.You won’t be disappointed 🙂
I normally don’t eat cakes except chocolate. But this looks so tempting, I want to give the recipe a try.
Oh my goodness, you REALLY should give it a shot. I understand having favorites, but I think this is a cake that could make anyone verrrrrry happy lol Thank you!
I’ll be delighted to give it a shot.
This looks to-die-for-amazing-delicious-super-awesome. Honestly, my mouth is watering.
Then my work here is accomplished, Mel. Lol
Thank you though, I appreciate it 🙂
Looks great! Sometimes the classics are the best 🙂
You’re so right June, thank you!
Wow, soda in a cake! Mind blown. I imagine it gives the cake a great texture, definitely something I’ll have to try!
It does, Claudia. It’s as moist as you can get a pound cake, scout’s honor. Thank you!
Reblogged this on Mary's Country Kitchen and commented:
This I have to make, I love cakes and love baking cakes. This sounds delightful
Thank you Mary!
This cake sounds so good Jess 🙂 The texture looks so moist and I’m definitely making this for this summer. Thanks for co-hosting this week FF!
I hope you enjoy it- it really IS a very, very moist cake. Thank you, I always enjoy co-hosting FF!
Yumeee! I adore lemon anything and this looks soooo good, Jess! Your photos are just awesome! 😀
Awww thanks Julianna- my photography can be an area of insecurity for me, so I really appreciate that 🙂
Grandma recipes are always the best. Time tested and zero risk. This cake looks absolutely delicious Jess.
I completely agree- my grandma’s recipes are always a sure thing. Thanks!
This cake looks and sounds so delicious, Jess! Yummy 😀
Thank you Sarah!
Oh my sweetness! I MUST do this cake!
I must say, I completely agree with this assessment lol Thank you, I don’t think you’ll be disappointed 🙂
Sold! I’m pinning this and will have to make it ASAP. It looks absolutely delicious, and you know if it came from Grandma then it’s gotta be good!
Thank you, I hope you enjoy the cake, I know I do!
I want to see things in a positive way… taxes and death are certain, but while we go through both of theme we can alway have a slice of your cake!!! It looks amazing and I’m sure it must be very very good. I have a recipe for a kind of bread with fanta (orange soda) with olives and onions…. thanks a lot for giving me the sweet version! Thanks a lot for co-hosting FF!
Oh thank you Margherita- I think pound cake can make any negative situation just a little bit better 😉
Not tried soda in a cake before, great idea, looks yummy.
Once you start, you’ll understand why it’s a thing. It really adds such a great flavor to the batter. Give it a shot, you’ll see. Thank you!
I was wrong!! When I saw your title, I automatically thought ‘bicarbonate soda (baking soda). I lived in Northern Ireland too long… I never had 7up in my cake, but it looks and sounds fantastic, so I should try next time I fancy lemon cake!
I’m surprised how many other people have never heard of lemon soda pound cake before; it must be a regional thing in the States lol Thank you!
Thanks for this recipe. I am going to try making this with my kids over the summer.
You’re welcome Laura, I hope you guys like it 🙂
My grandparents also used to have a bundt cake out for dessert & it was good- but I’m pretty sure it was from a mix- and it didn’t look this moist & fabulous!!! This is a must try over here!!! 🙂
Oh Josette, believe me: mix cake has NOTHING on this. Please do try it out. Thank you!
I told my husband that he wants it for Father’s Day!! 🙂
My last pound cake was a more brick than melt-in-your-mouth…As a lover of all things lemon, I’m totally trying this recipe out the next time!
Don’t you just hate when that happens? Tough, dry pound cake should be illegal. But lemme tell you, this one is NOT. Thanks Jessamine!
This looks delicious! I’ve never used fizzy drinks in a cake before, what a great idea! Thanks for sharing this recipe with us, and for co-hosting this week’s Fiesta Friday! I hope you’re having a good time at the party!
I’m having a GREAT time, as always. Thank you Ginger, I hope you can try out the cake sometime 🙂
We all love our grandma’s recipes, don’t we? What a great idea to use squirt in a cake – I’ve used coke before but never a lemon flavored drink. I’m sure it is delicious 🙂
It really does work in this cake really well. My grandma is a culinary genius lol Thanks!
I’ve pinned this one and absolutely am going to make it. Lemon anything is a big favorite in our house. Thank you for sharing a treasured family recipe.
Please do Liz, lemon lovers will LOVE this. I’m not a lemon lover, and I STILL do. Thank you very much!
Looks so moist!! I have to try this
It is SOOOOO moist Ranette. Thank you!
Yum–sounds like a wonderful cake!
Thank you Nancy, it really is delicious 😉
Looks like it’s worth trying 🙂 I made lemon cupcakes using another recipe only yesterday but they turned out dry… Did I miss when to add the flour in the recipe though…? Is it plain flour?
You did not miss anything, ma’am, that was an error on my part. I’ve fixed the recipe now, and also clarified that it uses all purpose flour. Thank you Courtney!
Wow, I’ll have to try this out for my husband 🙂
Please do Elaine- if he’s a lemon or a pound cake lover (or both), I think he’ll like this 🙂
I have to admit, I assumed it was baking soda too!!
This looks INCREDIBLE! Grandma has done it again!! 🙂
Thanks Bonnie, she always does 😉
Very innovative and great post!
Thank you Neela!
This cake looks so moist and lemony! I love to hear about other people’s family recipes, and this sure looks like a yummy one. It’s so great you have such a good relationship with your sisters. I just have one sister, but feel the same way about her. Thanks for sharing your wonderful recipe with us!
Thank you, Shari- my family is a huge inspiration in my cooking in general 🙂
This cake is gorgeous and moist. Looking at the recipe, it easy to make. Definitely will try this for potluck gatherings. Thanks for sharing the recipe, Jess. Have a great Memorial Day weekend.
Thank you Anna, I think the cake would be a huge hit at a potluck; you have a GREAT Memorial Day weekend too 😀
I’m sure it will. Looking forward to making it. Thanks again Jess. 🙂
Love the idea of this cake. It reminds me of a cola and chocolate cake I made years ago just to indulge. It worked then and I’m sure lemon soda works wonders here too! The soda gives it a nice gooey texture and the end result is light and springy. Well done!
It REALLY works, trust me Roberta. I’ve heard great thinks about the coca cola cake, and if you like that then I really think you’ll enjoy this too 🙂
I just have to go get some soda from the grocery store. I know I will enjoy this cake. Your recipes never disappoint!
I didn’t see a topping for the 7up cake
Hi Rebecca, I originally didn’t include a ‘recipe’ for the cake glaze, just because it is so easy to put together. But since you asked, I’ve added instructions for it to the recipe. It’s really nothing more than powdered sugar and milk mixed together, then drizzle on top. Enjoy.
Do you sift the flour? I just made the cake waiting for it to cool. I did sift the flour because I always do but just wondering if you sifted the flour for the lovely cake in the picture.
Hi Teana, you can always sift flour for a lighter cake crumb but it’s not mandatory for this one. I’ve made this cake many times and sometimes I take the time to sift, sometimes I don’t. It comes out delicious either way. I hope you enjoy the cake!
This was beyond going to,heaven,lol
Thank you Sandy! I’m glad to hear you like it. It’s THE cake in my family 😉