When I think of spring and summer gatherings, I always picture bright, fruity desserts that are light, flavorful, and effortless to make. This Strawberry 7Up Sheet Cake with Zesty Strawberry-Lemon Glaze checks every box. The 7Up gives the cake a delicate, airy texture and subtle citrus flavor, while fresh strawberries add bursts of natural sweetness in every bite.
And let’s not forget that simple glaze — tangy lemon juice paired with powdered sugar drizzled over the soft, strawberry-filled cake. It’s the perfect finishing touch that keeps things bright and refreshing. Whether you’re baking for a potluck, family barbecue, or just because you need a little sweetness in your day, this cake is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Let me show you exactly how I make this easy, vibrant sheet cake that never lasts long once it hits the table.
Why You’ll Love This Strawberry 7Up Sheet Cake
- Light and fluffy thanks to the soda in the batter
- Packed with real strawberries for bursts of fresh flavor
- Bright, zesty glaze that adds just the right amount of tang
- Perfect for large gatherings or casual get-togethers
- Quick to make with simple ingredients
Ingredients You’ll Need
(Serves 12-16 | Prep Time: 10 minutes | Bake Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes)
- 1 box strawberry cake mix
- 1 cup 7Up soda
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, chopped
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
How to Make Strawberry 7Up Sheet Cake
1. Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a sheet pan. A 9×13-inch pan works perfectly for this recipe.
2. Mix the Cake Batter
In a large mixing bowl, combine the strawberry cake mix, 7Up soda, vegetable oil, and eggs. Stir or beat until smooth and no lumps remain. The soda adds an airy texture that makes the cake beautifully soft.
3. Add Fresh Strawberries
Gently fold in the chopped strawberries so they’re evenly distributed throughout the batter. I love using fresh berries here for that extra pop of sweetness and texture.
4. Bake the Cake
Pour the batter into the prepared sheet pan and smooth the top. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
5. Cool Completely
Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool completely in the pan. This is key so the glaze doesn’t melt too quickly when poured over the top.
6. Make the Zesty Glaze
In a small bowl, mix the powdered sugar and lemon juice until smooth and slightly thick. Adjust with a little more powdered sugar if you like a thicker glaze, or more lemon juice if you prefer it lighter and tangier.
7. Glaze the Cake
Once the cake is fully cooled, pour the glaze evenly over the top. Let it drizzle down and settle into the nooks and crannies for that perfect sweet-tart finish.
8. Slice and Serve
Cut the cake into squares and serve. It’s delicious on its own or paired with fresh berries and whipped cream for an extra treat.
Tips for the Best Strawberry 7Up Sheet Cake
- Use room-temperature eggs for a smoother batter.
- Pat strawberries dry before folding into the batter to avoid excess moisture.
- Cool completely before glazing for the best presentation.
- Drizzle glaze generously — don’t be shy!
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days, covered.
Fun Variations to Try
- Swap lemon juice for lime juice in the glaze for a tropical twist.
- Add a handful of white chocolate chips to the batter for extra sweetness.
- Top with crushed freeze-dried strawberries for color and crunch.
- Use diet 7Up for a lower-calorie version — it works just as well.
- Make it festive by adding pastel sprinkles over the glaze for a spring or Easter-themed dessert.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use other soda flavors?
A: Yes! Sprite or even ginger ale work well if you don’t have 7Up on hand.
Q: Can I make this into cupcakes?
A: Absolutely! Just adjust the baking time to about 15-18 minutes, and keep an eye on them.
Q: What’s the best way to store leftovers?
A: Cover tightly with plastic wrap or store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Q: Can I use frozen strawberries?
A: I recommend fresh strawberries for the best texture, but if you use frozen, thaw and drain them very well first.
A Bright, Sweet Treat Perfect for Any Occasion
This Strawberry 7Up Sheet Cake with Zesty Strawberry-Lemon Glaze is light, flavorful, and full of fresh, fruity goodness. It’s the kind of cake that feels both fun and elegant — perfect for casual gatherings or special celebrations. Every bite is soft, sweet, and kissed with a touch of citrus that keeps it from ever feeling too heavy.
If you make this cake, let me know how it turns out! Add your own creative touches, and enjoy every bright, refreshing slice!
Strawberry 7Up Sheet Cake with Zesty Strawberry-Lemon Glaze
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup 7Up soda
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 4 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, chopped
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons strawberry puree
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a sheet cake pan.
- In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- Add the 7Up, vegetable oil, and eggs to the dry ingredients and mix until well combined.
- Fold in the chopped strawberries gently until evenly distributed.
- Pour the batter into the prepared sheet pan and smooth the top.
- Bake for 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- While the cake is baking, prepare the glaze by whisking together powdered sugar, lemon juice, and strawberry puree in a small bowl until smooth.
- Once the cake has cooled, drizzle the glaze over the top.
- Slice and serve, garnished with additional strawberries if desired.
Leave a Reply