This Lemon-Lime Soda Pound Cake is a simple treat you can bake with few ingredients. You’ll love this moist, citrusy cake that comes together with minimal fuss, making it perfect for a quick dessert.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions:
- All-Purpose Flour: You can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for a gluten-free option.
- Granulated Sugar: Brown sugar can add a slightly deeper flavor, but it will change the texture.
- Eggs: No good substitutes here; they provide structure and richness.
- Vegetable Oil: Any neutral-flavored oil like canola or sunflower oil works well.
- Lemon-Lime Soda: Diet lemon-lime soda works too, but avoid other soda flavors.
Ingredients:
For the Cake:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup lemon-lime soda
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon lime zest
For the Glaze (Optional):
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-3 tablespoons lemon-lime soda
How Much Time Will You Need?
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Servings: 12 slices
- Calories per serving: Approximately 350 calories
- Tools Needed: Bundt pan, mixing bowls, electric mixer (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Pan and Oven
First, preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Grease and flour a 10-cup Bundt pan thoroughly. This ensures your cake will release easily, which is crucial for cake recipes with few ingredients.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. Make sure these dry ingredients are well combined. This step creates the foundation for your delicious pound cake.
3. Mix Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the vegetable oil, eggs, lemon-lime soda, vanilla extract, lemon zest, and lime zest. Ensure all the wet ingredients are fully incorporated. This blend will provide moisture and flavor.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter. Overmixing can lead to a tough cake, and you want a tender pound cake.
5. Bake Your Pound Cake
Pour the batter evenly into your prepared Bundt pan. Bake for 60-70 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. Baking until golden brown ensures a perfectly cooked cake.
6. Cool and Glaze
Let the cake cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before inverting it onto a wire rack to cool completely. Once cool, if you desire, whisk powdered sugar and lemon-lime soda for a simple glaze. Drizzle the glaze over the cake for extra flavor and shine.
Variation Ideas:
- Orange Soda Pound Cake: Swap lemon-lime soda for orange soda and use orange zest.
- Coconut Twist: Add 1/2 cup shredded coconut to the batter for a tropical flavor.
- Berry Swirl: Gently fold in 1 cup of fresh or frozen berries (like blueberries or raspberries) into the batter before baking.
Storage Instructions:
Store leftover Lemon-Lime Soda Pound Cake at room temperature, tightly covered, for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze slices wrapped individually in plastic wrap and foil for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
Can I use self-rising flour?
Yes, but omit the baking powder and salt from the recipe if using self-rising flour.
My cake stuck to the pan, what went wrong?
Ensure you thoroughly grease and flour your Bundt pan. Sometimes, a non-stick cooking spray with flour works best.
Can I make this in a loaf pan?
Yes, you can, but you might need two loaf pans, and the baking time will be shorter. Check for doneness around 45-55 minutes.
Why is my pound cake dry?
You might have overbaked it or overmixed the batter. Always check for doneness with a skewer.
Can I omit the zest?
You can, but the zest adds a vibrant citrus flavor that makes this pound cake special.
Is this recipe good for beginners?
Absolutely! This is one of those cake recipes with few ingredients that’s perfect for anyone new to baking.