If you're looking for the perfect mix of zest and sweetness in a dessert, check out this SunDrop cake recipe. This moist, flavorful cake is a real standout, thanks to the addition of Sun Drop soda, which gives every bite a burst of citrus goodness. Topped with a tangy glaze, this cake is sure to be a hit with your family and friends!
💌 Want to Save This Recipe?
I'll email this recipe to you, so you can come back to it later!
As a seasoned baker, I love to experiment with different ingredients and flavors, and this SunDrop cake recipe has definitely become one of my go-to's.
After perfecting my peach cobbler pound cake, I wanted to create a zesty citrus flavor with a light and fluffy texture that combined the best of both worlds.
And that's how this SunDrop cake was born!
Jump to:
Why you'll love this recipe
- Adding Sun Drop soda gives this pound cake a refreshing citrus kick.
- The soda not only adds flavor but also makes the cake super moist and tender.
- Super easy to make, even for beginning bakers.
- The glaze adds just the right amount of tanginess and sweetness to complement the citrus flavor!
What is Sun Drop?
If you've never heard of Sun Drop before, you are really missing out. It's one of my favorite sodas and takes me back to my childhood summers.
It has a refreshing, lemony flavor with a hint of orange and just the right amount of carbonation. Some people describe it as a cross between Mountain Dew and 7Up. With its vivid yellow-green hue, you really can't miss it.
Sun Drop was first introduced in Missouri in the late 1940s and quickly became a hit. Now, it's widely available throughout the southern United States and is loved by many for its unique flavor.
Whether I enjoy it ice-cold straight from the can or add a zesty punch to my baking, Sun Drop always hits the spot!
Key ingredients
Let's take a closer look at some of the key ingredients that make this SunDrop pound cake so special.
Sun Drop Soda: Sun Drop soda is the star of this cake. This lemony, citrus-flavored soda infuses the cake with a delightful zest and keeps it super moist. The carbonation from the soda also helps the cake rise, resulting in a light, airy texture.
Vanilla Extract: Pure vanilla extract boosts the cake's flavor, adding a warm, sweet touch that goes perfectly with the citrus burst of Sun Drop.
Eggs: Eggs give the cake its structure and help it rise. 5 eggs might seem excessive, but trust me, they are essential for creating the perfect texture. Don't skip them! Just make sure they are at room temperature before adding them to the batter.
Powdered Sugar: Powdered sugar is used in the tangy glaze. It helps to sweeten and thicken the glaze, giving it a smooth consistency that's easy to drizzle on top of the cake.
Heather's helpful hints
- If you need to bring your eggs to room temperature quickly, just pop them in a glass of warm water for about 10-15 minutes. This helps them reach the right temperature faster so they mix better into your batter.
- Want more lemon flavor? Swap in 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or add a bit of lemon extract.
- If you don't have a baking spray, just use shortening and flour to grease the pan.
Step-by-step instructions
This SunDrop cake recipe is really simple to make, even for those who are new to baking. Here's how you can create your own delicious citrus-infused dessert:
Pro tip: Pop a rack in the middle of your oven and preheat it to 325°F about 20 minutes before baking your bundt cake. Give the pan a good spray with baking spray and set it aside.
Step 1
In a mixer with a paddle attachment, cream the butter and sugar until smooth. Mix in the vanilla extract. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each.
Step 2
Gradually add the flour to the mixture, mixing until smooth.
Step 3
Pour in the Sun Drop and mix it up for about a minute until the batter is nicely blended.
Cake hack: Check out my post on how to remove a bundt cake from the pan without it sticking!
Make a lemony SunDrop glaze for cake
If you're looking for a glaze, just mix together the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, lemon juice, and Sun Drop until it's smooth and well combined.
Then, drizzle it over the cake!
Variations and substitutions
- Want to make a gluten-free version? Just substitute all-purpose flour for your favorite gluten-free flour blend.
- If Sun Drop isn't available in your area, you can use other citrus-flavored sodas, like Mountain Dew or even Mello Yello.
Make ahead and storage
Cover the cake with plastic wrap to keep it fresh. It will stay moist at room temperature for about 3 days, but you can also store it in the fridge for up to a week.
To reheat, simply pop a slice of cake in the microwave for about 15 seconds before enjoying. You can also freeze individual cake slices and thaw them out when you're ready to eat them!
Equipment
- Bundt Pan: This recipe calls for a 10-to 12-cup bundt pan, which gives the right shape and structure. If you use a different type of cake pan, the baking time might change, so just keep an eye on it and use a toothpick to check if it's done!
- Mixer: I like using a stand mixer with a paddle attachment to cream the butter and sugar because it gives me a light and fluffy batter. But no worries if you only have a hand mixer or a whisk! Just be ready to add more elbow grease to get that same texture.
Frequently asked questions
Absolutely! Diet Sun Drop will work just as well in this recipe and give you a lighter, less sweet alternative.
Yes, you can! Just follow the same recipe and pour the batter into lined cupcake tins. Bake them for about 15-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
SunDrop pound cake is delicious on its own, but it can also be served with a variety of toppings and accompaniments to enhance the flavor.
Here are some ideas to try:
- Fresh berries (such as strawberries or blueberries) and whipped cream for a fruity twist.
- Vanilla ice cream for a cool and creamy contrast.
- A sprinkle of powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness.
- Lemon curd for an additional burst of citrus flavor.
- A dollop of tangy lemon glaze or honey drizzle for added moisture and sweetness.
Related cake recipes
If you're in the mood for more cake recipes, check out these favorites from My Sweet Precision!
Not sure what to try? Check out our complete recipe index to search for recipes, baking tips, and more!
Recipe
Sun Drop Cake
Equipment
- 1 bundt pan with 10-14 cup capacity
Ingredients
Cake Ingredients
- 1½ cups unsalted butter
- 3 cups granulated sugar
- 5 large eggs room temperature
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons vanilla extract
- ¾ cup Sun Drop Soda
Glaze (Optional)
- 3¼ cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 tablespoons lemon juice
- ¼ cup Sun Drop Soda
Instructions
- Place a rack in the center of your oven. Preheat the oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit 20 minutes before baking your bundt cake. Spray pan thoroughly with baking spray and set aside.
- Using a mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, cream together the butter and sugar until smooth and creamy. Mix in the vanilla extract.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Gradually add the flour to the mixture, mixing until smooth.
- Pour in the Sun Drop and mix for 1 minute until the batter is well blended.
- Spread the batter into bundt pan and bake for 60 to 75 minutes. Halfway through baking time, remove pan and cover with tented aluminum foil to prevent over-browning. Test for doneness with a toothpick that should come out clean.
- Allow cake to cool for 15 minutes on cooling rack. Invert cake and allow to cool to room temperature.
- If glaze is desired, combine the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, lemon juice, and Sun Drop until the glaze is smooth and well mixed. Drizzle the glaze on top of the cake.
Notes and Tips
- Sund Drop is a citrus flavored soda that includes caffeine. It's very popular in the southern US. This cake is reminiscent of another favorite, the 7UP cake.
- For a more lemon flavor, you can substitute 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or even add lemon extract.
- If you don't have baking spray, use shortening and flour to grease the pan.
- If you have an automatic thermometer, the internal temperature will read 210 degrees when finished.
Janice says
Fantastic! This is super popular in the south, and this recipe had great step-by-step instructions. Thanks!
Heather says
I'm so glad Janice, I'm glad you enjoyed it!